Personally, knowing I would need to clean a black car was stressfull after owning three white ones. I knew I would need to change my program which ended up being alot easier than I previously thought. I started asking alot of questions and ended up needing to trust a few products I previously wouldn't have in the past. Here's my program and how I start it.
I use all Meguires products.
The paint...
I wash car with water and Meguires soft wash Gel.
Dry with "Absorber" brand towel.
Wax immediatly with Cleaner Wax (this will take away most of the "spider webs" from washing and drying it with water). I use the liquid kind with their applicator sponge keeping approx. 1/4" space from all the gaps on the entire car.
I use terry cloths to take the wax off.
I then use a "California Car Duster" to take the wax dust off of the car.
Car paint is now clean.
To maintain cleanliness...
Everyday before I drive it while the car is cool I use the duster to wipe the entire car down. This gets rid of all the loose dirt and dust and believe it or not, does not scratch.
I then use Meguires "Quick Detailer" and a special soft clotch with a foam insert (don't know name or brand but are seen in the rag section of most parts houses, will post here soon). Those are the two key elements keeping the car clean daily.
Keeping the wax on the car helps the detailer come off quickly. When it does not, time to wax (you will also feel the difference). Instructions are on the back and are simply executed. I usually apply a second coat of wax on the hood, roof, trunk and where the road debris kicks up from the rear wheels. They have a spray wax called "Quick Wax" which is not quick at all but has carnuba in it for extra protection. You will only need to wax maybe once a month. Everyday cleaning is only about 10 minutes worth (dust and quick detail) and a wax once a month. You only need to use the water method when your car is extremely dirty.
Wheels...
Simple, I use Windex about once a week along with the calipers.
Windows...
Windex, Windshield daily. Others at least once a week.
Interior...
No chemicals, I wipe with moist cloth (the absorber from above).once a week.
On the seats I use Meguires "gold class leather cleaner". It's a liquid. Once every 6 months to keep leather supple and soft. I have been using this on my wifes 4-Runner for three years and still looks brand new and soft to the touch.
Tires...
I use Meguires. Most people are dead set on what they use here. Be carefull for gells. They may fling up on your car.
Vaccuum interior once a week.
Engine...
Wipe down about once every week and a half with moist towels. Nothing fancy needed here, just some patience.
This works great for me and is not too time consuming. The car looks new everyday this way. Hope this helps and wax build up has been non existant. In 3 1/2 months of ownership I have washed my car twice with water (once because it rained), waxed 3 times (fourth will be this week) and thats it. What works for all of you? Let me know =) Thanks all...
BB00797
I use all Meguires products.
The paint...
I wash car with water and Meguires soft wash Gel.
Dry with "Absorber" brand towel.
Wax immediatly with Cleaner Wax (this will take away most of the "spider webs" from washing and drying it with water). I use the liquid kind with their applicator sponge keeping approx. 1/4" space from all the gaps on the entire car.
I use terry cloths to take the wax off.
I then use a "California Car Duster" to take the wax dust off of the car.
Car paint is now clean.
To maintain cleanliness...
Everyday before I drive it while the car is cool I use the duster to wipe the entire car down. This gets rid of all the loose dirt and dust and believe it or not, does not scratch.
I then use Meguires "Quick Detailer" and a special soft clotch with a foam insert (don't know name or brand but are seen in the rag section of most parts houses, will post here soon). Those are the two key elements keeping the car clean daily.
Keeping the wax on the car helps the detailer come off quickly. When it does not, time to wax (you will also feel the difference). Instructions are on the back and are simply executed. I usually apply a second coat of wax on the hood, roof, trunk and where the road debris kicks up from the rear wheels. They have a spray wax called "Quick Wax" which is not quick at all but has carnuba in it for extra protection. You will only need to wax maybe once a month. Everyday cleaning is only about 10 minutes worth (dust and quick detail) and a wax once a month. You only need to use the water method when your car is extremely dirty.
Wheels...
Simple, I use Windex about once a week along with the calipers.
Windows...
Windex, Windshield daily. Others at least once a week.
Interior...
No chemicals, I wipe with moist cloth (the absorber from above).once a week.
On the seats I use Meguires "gold class leather cleaner". It's a liquid. Once every 6 months to keep leather supple and soft. I have been using this on my wifes 4-Runner for three years and still looks brand new and soft to the touch.
Tires...
I use Meguires. Most people are dead set on what they use here. Be carefull for gells. They may fling up on your car.
Vaccuum interior once a week.
Engine...
Wipe down about once every week and a half with moist towels. Nothing fancy needed here, just some patience.
This works great for me and is not too time consuming. The car looks new everyday this way. Hope this helps and wax build up has been non existant. In 3 1/2 months of ownership I have washed my car twice with water (once because it rained), waxed 3 times (fourth will be this week) and thats it. What works for all of you? Let me know =) Thanks all...
BB00797
