QuickSilver T/A

I would like to know what you guys/gals use to wash your car, clean your car,dry off your car and what you use to wax it with. Specific products and brands would be of assistance. What products have you had PERSONAL experience with that worked well?

Probably my biggest concern is washing and waxing. I want to avoid swirl marks at all costs. What do you use to dry it with that doesnt leave swirl marks etc? What products are you all using to protect your leather interior? Any feedback would be appreciated.

hitmeoff

For my bi-annual wash/paint care/wax I do:
1. Wash with Meguiar's NXT Tech Wash
2. Dry with "The Absorber"
3. Clay the car with Mother's or Meguiar's
4. Wash with Meguiar's Gold Class Wash
5. Go over swirled surfaces with Meguiar's ScratchX (I had a "rubbing compound incident")
6. Polish with Meguiar's ColorX
7. Let it sit 24-48 hours
8. Remove any dirt and dust with California Car Duster and a Quick Detailer like Mother's or Meguiars.
9. Wax with Meguiars NXT Tech Wax
10. Let it sit 24-48 hours
11. Remove any dirt and dust with California Car Duster and a Quick Detailer like Mother's or Meguiars.
12. Seal with Mother's California Gold Pure Carnuba Wax
13. Do interior rubber, vinyl, etc with Meguiar's NXT Tech Protectant
14. Do leather with Meguiar's Gold Class Leather Cleaner & Conditioner

For my monthly wash/wax I do:
1. Wash with Meguiar's NXT Tech Wash
2. Dry with "The Absorber"
3. Go over swirled surfaces with Meguiar's ScratchX (I had a "rubbing compound incident")
4. Polish with Meguiar's ColorX
5. Let it sit 24-48 hours
6. Remove any dirt and dust with California Car Duster and a Quick Detailer like Mother's or Meguiars.
7. Wax with Meguiars NXT Tech Wax
8. Let it sit 24-48 hours
9. Remove any dirt and dust with California Car Duster and a Quick Detailer like Mother's or Meguiars.
10. Seal with Mother's California Gold Pure Carnuba Wax
11. Do interior rubber, vinyl, etc with Meguiar's NXT Tech Protectant
12. Do leather with Meguiar's Gold Class Leather Cleaner & Conditioner

For my weekly Wash/Wax:
1. Wash with Meguiar's Gold Class Wash
2. Dry with "The Absorber"
3. Wax with Meguiar's NXT Tech Booster Wax
4. Do interior rubber, vinyl, etc with Meguiar's NXT Tech Protectant

Daily:
1. Remove any dust with California Car Duster
2. Remove any finger prints or splash with either Mother's or Meguiar's Quick Detailer

ZaneO

www.bettercarcare.com - will answer all of those questions. Most product use is personal preference. I really like Wolfgang of darker colors and Zaino for lighter colors.

Kevin V 2002 SS

Zaino!!!!

Stangkilr

iTrader: (47)

I was waiting for that comment. Try something else you can buy in a local store, you might be suprised. Meguires NXT I think is better than Zaino but what do I know I just detail cars for a living.

Stangkilr

iTrader: (47)

I drive my Z28 about 200 miles a week and when I take it to shows it looks like a garage queen. Here is what I do. This is simple, take it to the self serve carwash and powerwash it pretty good, wheelwells ect...Then dry it off with a "Absorber" then go back over it with a soft towel. Wax it with some NXT about once a month and your car will stay looking NICE!!

Stangkilr

iTrader: (47)

Also try not to let rain or dirty water stay on your car long.

ZaneO

That is the worst answer I have ever heard out of your mouth.

EviLS1

iTrader: (8)

I run mine through the tunnel at work muahahaha the best thing about working at a car wash is knowing your car will always be clean

ZaneO

Clean and scratched...

chupr0kabra

iTrader: (10)

Meguiars Gold Class Car Wash has done very well for me for washing, and I use The Absorber for drying, with no scratches or swirls. I've used all sorts of different products, but my favorite wax combo right now is Blackfire sealant, followed by one-two coats of Meguiars #26. This gives me a really nice depth to the shine, and offers excellent protection.

Honestly, it's more about technique than products. www.properautocare.com has some great advice. My single best piece of advice is: rinse often with a strong stream from the hose, without a nozzle.

-Mike

QuickSilver T/A

Thanks for your help everyone.

QuickSilver T/A

What is the best thing to use for actually washing the surface of the car with? Sponge? mitt? what?

ZaneO

A good cotton mitt or wool mitt. You need something with nap, so you aren't dragging the dirt across the surface. I just started using the Viking Chenile mitt and like it so far.