The title Speaks for itself... I've done the plastic bag trick and its not too rough at all, just a little here or there (mostly just dust and dirt- still havent washed it yet). The cars black, been garaged for 6 months outta the year (buffalo sucks in the winter), its got not even 10k on the clock, and the paint is still in great shape. Should I bother claying or just wax it up really nice. Just looking for opinions, Thanks!

 

Wouldnt hurt.

If anything else, it'll get what few contaminates are there off and leave you with an even better finish to take care of.

 

shouldn't need it with it being inside half the year, and only 10 k on it. wax it and go

 

I say do it. It's not going to hurt anything and will definitely help remove any old wax before applying a new clean coat.


-Mike

 

There is no disadvantage of using the clay bar. It gets off much more than you would think. I definitely recommend it.

 

I say do it. My car is an 02 and only has 5K on it. It has been done twice already.

 

If you really think about, any material being rubbed over the surface of your car is going to scratch the clear. Even when you wash and dry your car, you are just putting light swirls in the clear. My suggestion would be to just slap some wax on and go. Everyone is talking about the new Turtle Wax "Ice". The only reason to really clay your car would be if the surface is rough. If anything just clay the top of the rear bumper and the bottom of the doors, especially if you have a black car

 

without question, you should clay it. the results of waxing and polishing will always be better on a correctly, and completely prepared surface.

will you notice a difference? maybe, or maybe not, depending on what is actually on the paint, but claying it will not hurt it, and will always help it ..

just my 2 cents.

 

I was in the same boat last weekend. My paint has always been babied and is very smooth to the touch, so I've never clayed it....just polished and waxed. I got a wild hair and decided to clay it this past weekend and I was literally shocked at how much **** was stuck in my paint!! It probably took me 3 hours to clay the entire car and I couldn't believe how much smoother my paint is, and was literally disgusted at all the crap in the clay after doing each panel. I'd clay it if I were you, you'll be amazed at what it picks up and how much better your car will look after waxing with proper prep work. My .02

 

How's the top of the back bumper feel?

If that surface is glass smooth then I would say skip it, because that means your paint and car have had a very easy life.

It'll be rough though, I betcha.

 

I bought my car new in August of 98, I clayed it in December of the same year, and it was filthy! You don't know how dirty your car really is until you clay it.

 

Thanks for the opinions everyone. My back bumper is actually very smooth, its just my hood and the top pillar that is a little rough. However, I've got some time to kill so Im going to just clay it, couldnt hurt...right!! Thanks again!!!! Gotta love black cars, pain the *** to keep clean, but damn do they shine!!!!