Quote:
Originally Posted by SnTBakosFinest
alright..
I have questions as to...the methods on washing my car.. lol..
I normally just put my body wash in a bucket, wash the car..dry.. ect.
Then I use a Color Brite...some non abrasive stuff helps give the car a "wet look"
Then a caranuba wax..
But I see you guys using..Dial? Dove? Some dish soap, then doing extra on it...so I'm wonder..why? Will it help me?
I've got a darker car, its exposed to the elements, rain, extreme heat (110+ during the summers) and dust..
The Color Brite helps smooth out my surface, helps removing surface scratches, swirl marks, water spots, ect.
Wax helps with UV protection.
Also, right now I'm using Armorall for my interior, any other recomendations? Need help with cleaning up my engine bay as well..and the black trim along my windows, and the plastics on my mirrors, I like to bring the color out in it all, I just need some good direction on all of this..
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Well, the best thing you can do for the look of your car is claying with a clay bar.
I never used to clay my cars until I got my Mustang. Then I heard some people talking about claying and I looked into it. I have to say, you will be SHOCKED at the dirt, grime, and crap that is left on your paint after you wash. Its quite amazing.
Clay kits are relatively cheap, I use Meguiars clay kit. It includes two clay bars, a microfiber towel, and I bottle of quick detailer which you use as lubrication for the clay (I picked it up for $24 and it will last you about 4-6 clay jobs) I makes my paint reflect like a mirror, and my GT is red. If you have a dark car, claying is a MUST. I clay it about once every two months.
When I detail, I follow this...
1. Rinse
2. Wash
3. Rinse
4. Wash
5. Rinse
6. Dry
7. Clay
8. Wax
9. Wipe w/ microfiber
10. Smile
Oh and for your other questions...
Armorall is fine. Thats what I use. There is better stuff but not for the price that you get AA at.
For the plastics, I use Turtle Wax Ice. It is their newest wax product. A lot of people don't like it for their paint, and neither do I (I use poorboys but it is hella-expensive) BUT for plastics it is awesome. Because it is clear, it can be used on plastic surfaces (window moldings, mirrors, ect...) unlike other liquid and paste waxes that can not. It runs about $13 bucks a bottle. I just spread it on and wipe it off with a microfiber and it blackens up my mirrors great.
As for the engine bay, the best way is to wash your engine with a hose or pressure washer, but you have to unhook and remove some parts (such as air filter, other things that can not get wet) Some people do this, but it sounds kinda like a pain (I have never tried it) I use Meguiars quick detailer (the same stuff used with the claybar above) and a microfiber to wipe down the painted surfaces under my hood. As for the hoses and plastics , I just use a wet towel, and then dry it with a microfiber.
Also, I wouldn't use dish soap. A lot of people do but I've heard it can lead to problems. Just grab some soap from your auto parts store, I use Meguiars.
Hope that helps!