Your favorite car wash products??
03-29-2012, 05:54 PM
#1
Your favorite car wash products??
Sup guys never owned a brand new truck before so I never really worried about washing/waxing the best ways. Went to the store today to pick up some supplies, but decided I wanted to come on here and see what you guys have good results with before I waste my money. What is your guys routines for detailing your trucks? I want to know what the best products to use are and the best practices to keep my ride looking new and not scratching it up in the process (its black). For example:
1. what car wash you use
2. what interior products
2. what wax
3. tire cleaner
4. wheel cleaner (mine are both black and chrome, what products are good for that finish)
5. what material you use to apply wash/wax and then dry, the order you clean
6. any other tips or techniques
Thanks for your help!
1. what car wash you use
2. what interior products
2. what wax
3. tire cleaner
4. wheel cleaner (mine are both black and chrome, what products are good for that finish)
5. what material you use to apply wash/wax and then dry, the order you clean
6. any other tips or techniques
Thanks for your help!
03-29-2012, 07:25 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Jenks,OK
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1. Typically I just use the car wash down the road. However, 2-3 times a year I'll hand wash and really get it clean.
2. I'm not big on anything that makes the dash greasy. Most of the time I just keep it free of dust.
3. Mother's is what I've been using for over 10 years. Great product and if you haven't clay barred yet give it a try. Will really make a difference and help your paint stay nice. As mentioned on this forum. Next Wax I buy will be the insulator wax they sale on amazon.com. Sounds like some good stuff.
4. Most of the time I just use a little 409 or simple green to hit the tires and wheel. Simple Green is biodegradable and works pretty dang good.
5. I use 2 wash mitts. One to scrub then one to go over and then I rinse and chamois. For wax I've always just used the mother's applicater pad and then to remove I use a terry cloth or old soft broken down T shirt. Just be careful and don't use the seems because on dark colors it can scratch.
6. Clay bar your new truck. It will make a big difference. If you have access to a air compressor it can be used to blow dust out of cracks and vents on the interior. Saves a lot of time if you're inside and trying to get a rag scrunched up to get in a vent.
2. I'm not big on anything that makes the dash greasy. Most of the time I just keep it free of dust.
3. Mother's is what I've been using for over 10 years. Great product and if you haven't clay barred yet give it a try. Will really make a difference and help your paint stay nice. As mentioned on this forum. Next Wax I buy will be the insulator wax they sale on amazon.com. Sounds like some good stuff.
4. Most of the time I just use a little 409 or simple green to hit the tires and wheel. Simple Green is biodegradable and works pretty dang good.
5. I use 2 wash mitts. One to scrub then one to go over and then I rinse and chamois. For wax I've always just used the mother's applicater pad and then to remove I use a terry cloth or old soft broken down T shirt. Just be careful and don't use the seems because on dark colors it can scratch.
6. Clay bar your new truck. It will make a big difference. If you have access to a air compressor it can be used to blow dust out of cracks and vents on the interior. Saves a lot of time if you're inside and trying to get a rag scrunched up to get in a vent.
03-29-2012, 07:43 PM
#4
Check out this website for products and a forum. http://www.autogeek.net/
If you really plan on keeping that black looking good, plan on it being a part time job.
Few questions first....
1.) What's your budget? ie: Willing to spend money on a buffer?
2.) What sort of equipment do you have? ie: power washer, shop vac, or garden hose meathod?
3.) What kind of roads do you drive on?
Now, I'll assume since you're asking for help (which is great, better than ruining that new paint) I'll assume you don't have a buffer or any special equipment.
1. Washing.
Always use the two bucket method. One bucket will have your soap/water solution and the other will be strictly water. Also you can purchase a grit guard that sits in the bottom of the buckets to catch the dirt that somes off your wash mitt.
I use a microfiber wash mitt. Soap is really just a preference but anything made by Detailing Pro, Pinaccle or even Meguire's off the shelf wash/wax stuff is good.
Claybars, a good claybar kit is a great tool.
Check out this for washing tips: http://www.autogeek.net/exterior.html
2. Interior products.
Carpet-Keep it vaccumed to avoid dirt being ground into the carpet, this will prevent a lot of issues. Usually just hot water and dawn soap with a stiff brush will remove most stains. A good protectant for the carpet is a scotch guard type of product.
Dash/console/door panals etc... Warm water and soap to clean/wipe them down and treat them with a protectant. Something like http://www.autogeek.net/pinvinrubpro.html or a cheaper alternative http://www.autogeek.net/mg13616.html Find something you like the smell of and the look you want.
Leather- Again, warm soap and water and then a protectant. Same as the rest of the interior, find a product you like the smell of and gives the look, feel you want. I like http://www.autogeek.net/pinleatcon.html
3. Wax, sealants.
This is going to open a huge can of worms. People will argue waxes until they are out of breath. I'll let you know what I use on black.
Sealant- It's more of a synthetic wax but I like Colonite 845
Wax-Pinnacle Liquid Souveran Car Wax
This is the combo I also use on my truck. Carnuaba waxes will give a deeper/wetter shine but won't last as long as a synthetic wax.
I use a flex buffer however a good microfiber pad and microfiber towels are just as good. DON'T cheap out on the microfibers. If you do, you'll scratch your paint to hell. Don't use old rags, clothing, or even a microfiber you've dropped on the ground.
4. Tire cleaner.
I've always used a heavily saturated water and dawn solution along with a stiff brush.
5. Wheels.
Use the same products you used to wash your truck. Wax or seal them with the same thing. *Depending on what wheel you have this may be different*
Have fun.
If you really plan on keeping that black looking good, plan on it being a part time job.
Few questions first....
1.) What's your budget? ie: Willing to spend money on a buffer?
2.) What sort of equipment do you have? ie: power washer, shop vac, or garden hose meathod?
3.) What kind of roads do you drive on?
Now, I'll assume since you're asking for help (which is great, better than ruining that new paint) I'll assume you don't have a buffer or any special equipment.
1. Washing.
Always use the two bucket method. One bucket will have your soap/water solution and the other will be strictly water. Also you can purchase a grit guard that sits in the bottom of the buckets to catch the dirt that somes off your wash mitt.
I use a microfiber wash mitt. Soap is really just a preference but anything made by Detailing Pro, Pinaccle or even Meguire's off the shelf wash/wax stuff is good.
Claybars, a good claybar kit is a great tool.
Check out this for washing tips: http://www.autogeek.net/exterior.html
2. Interior products.
Carpet-Keep it vaccumed to avoid dirt being ground into the carpet, this will prevent a lot of issues. Usually just hot water and dawn soap with a stiff brush will remove most stains. A good protectant for the carpet is a scotch guard type of product.
Dash/console/door panals etc... Warm water and soap to clean/wipe them down and treat them with a protectant. Something like http://www.autogeek.net/pinvinrubpro.html or a cheaper alternative http://www.autogeek.net/mg13616.html Find something you like the smell of and the look you want.
Leather- Again, warm soap and water and then a protectant. Same as the rest of the interior, find a product you like the smell of and gives the look, feel you want. I like http://www.autogeek.net/pinleatcon.html
3. Wax, sealants.
This is going to open a huge can of worms. People will argue waxes until they are out of breath. I'll let you know what I use on black.
Sealant- It's more of a synthetic wax but I like Colonite 845
Wax-Pinnacle Liquid Souveran Car Wax
This is the combo I also use on my truck. Carnuaba waxes will give a deeper/wetter shine but won't last as long as a synthetic wax.
I use a flex buffer however a good microfiber pad and microfiber towels are just as good. DON'T cheap out on the microfibers. If you do, you'll scratch your paint to hell. Don't use old rags, clothing, or even a microfiber you've dropped on the ground.
4. Tire cleaner.
I've always used a heavily saturated water and dawn solution along with a stiff brush.
5. Wheels.
Use the same products you used to wash your truck. Wax or seal them with the same thing. *Depending on what wheel you have this may be different*
Have fun.
Last edited by 96grimreaper; 03-29-2012 at 07:45 PM.
03-29-2012, 08:48 PM
#5
Chemical guys
I went to the autogeeks forums and got the real info from those guys. They really know what's what. I ended up with:
1. Gilmour foamer attachment. About $38. If you have a power washer you just get a lance for $15. Worthwhile I think for those of us whose cars get pretty dirty between washes.
2. Chemical Guys brand citrus wash. Does a real good job.
3. Chemical guys black on black spray on trim stuff. (Ford says not to use that kind of stuff or armor all on their plastic, but I assume they mean the interior plastic).
4. Chemical Guys regular wash. I'm pretty sure this is fairly generic stuff that I could have bought anywhere.
5. I also got Chemical Guys Jetseal 109 sealant, which is really just synthetic wax. The detail guys actually didn't recommend this particularly, but I bought it before I found the website. It actually has been more durable than the detail guys say--Mine went through two minor snow storms and five weeks, and still had a tight bead. I'm almost 100% sure it will go nine weeks, and probably more. I did slap on two coats about 2 hours or so apart. Very easy to use, worked great. Expensive, at $38 per bottle, but the bottle will last me years. A lot of people object to the snake-oil type approach Chemical Guys takes but I really get a kick out of it. Their prices aren't cheap, but they aren't exploitative, either. Not only is Jetseal "space age" it has "nano" technology which is the best kind of technology to have. The knowledgeable detail guys suggest some kind of combination duragloss product for maximum durability.
6. Clay bar thing with detail spray I got at Pep Boys. There really isn't much to claying a car, at least a new car.
7. A waffle weave drying towel--VERY important. This solves about 90% of the water spot problem right there. I can't remember if I got it at Pep Boys or the Autogeek site.
8. A wad of microfiber towels. It solves a problem.
9. Tire and wheel cleaning brushes--very helpful as well. I should have gotten the kind of brushes that look like bottle brushes--I have the kind of rims that have sort of like holes in it.
10. Those grit guard things you put in pails. I don't quite see why its so important, but everyone else agrees that they are.
11. Some random applicator pads.
Should have bought, but didn't: Stoner (or Stone?) glass cleaner.
Sounds like a lot, but its not, really, I'm set for a very long time.
1. Gilmour foamer attachment. About $38. If you have a power washer you just get a lance for $15. Worthwhile I think for those of us whose cars get pretty dirty between washes.
2. Chemical Guys brand citrus wash. Does a real good job.
3. Chemical guys black on black spray on trim stuff. (Ford says not to use that kind of stuff or armor all on their plastic, but I assume they mean the interior plastic).
4. Chemical Guys regular wash. I'm pretty sure this is fairly generic stuff that I could have bought anywhere.
5. I also got Chemical Guys Jetseal 109 sealant, which is really just synthetic wax. The detail guys actually didn't recommend this particularly, but I bought it before I found the website. It actually has been more durable than the detail guys say--Mine went through two minor snow storms and five weeks, and still had a tight bead. I'm almost 100% sure it will go nine weeks, and probably more. I did slap on two coats about 2 hours or so apart. Very easy to use, worked great. Expensive, at $38 per bottle, but the bottle will last me years. A lot of people object to the snake-oil type approach Chemical Guys takes but I really get a kick out of it. Their prices aren't cheap, but they aren't exploitative, either. Not only is Jetseal "space age" it has "nano" technology which is the best kind of technology to have. The knowledgeable detail guys suggest some kind of combination duragloss product for maximum durability.
6. Clay bar thing with detail spray I got at Pep Boys. There really isn't much to claying a car, at least a new car.
7. A waffle weave drying towel--VERY important. This solves about 90% of the water spot problem right there. I can't remember if I got it at Pep Boys or the Autogeek site.
8. A wad of microfiber towels. It solves a problem.
9. Tire and wheel cleaning brushes--very helpful as well. I should have gotten the kind of brushes that look like bottle brushes--I have the kind of rims that have sort of like holes in it.
10. Those grit guard things you put in pails. I don't quite see why its so important, but everyone else agrees that they are.
11. Some random applicator pads.
Should have bought, but didn't: Stoner (or Stone?) glass cleaner.
Sounds like a lot, but its not, really, I'm set for a very long time.
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03-30-2012, 11:50 AM
#8
Senior Member
1.Meguiars wash and wax it is yellow and runs about $10 a bottle. it is the only wash i use.
2.meguiars quick interior detailer, i like this stuff because its a cleaner and doesnt leave a shine or residue behind.
2. depending on how bad the paint feels i usually start with meguiars #105 or #205, then finish it off with a coat of tech wax 2.0 or ultimate wax. both are good finishing wax's
3. just the normal white wall cleaner stuff or simple green, then a spray of meguiars insane shine.
4. simple green removes the dust very good
5. usually get the truck wet first and wash the whole truck/tires/rims, then i go around the whole truck with a claybar and some meguiars last touch it works great with the claybar when mixed 50/50 with water. after this i dry the truck and vaccum/clean the interior and the mats (all while in the garage to let the paint cool off before waxing) then i apply the #105 or #205 with my meguiars 6 inch dual action polisher w a polishing pa on it (usually yellow in color) and last but not least i apply the tech wax 2.0 or ultimate wax using the same polisher but with a finishing pad that is black in color.
6. make sure you wax your truck in the garage or anywhere out of the sun and be sure to let the paint cool for a little bit before you start. some trim pieces do not like to let the wax come off of them so i usually tape off around the trim and around all the badges to avoid wax getting stuck around them.
as u can prolly tell i am a hardcore meguiars user, i love all of their products. they are a tad bit exspensive but in the end it is well worth it, you can usually get some pretty good deals when shopping online.
2.meguiars quick interior detailer, i like this stuff because its a cleaner and doesnt leave a shine or residue behind.
2. depending on how bad the paint feels i usually start with meguiars #105 or #205, then finish it off with a coat of tech wax 2.0 or ultimate wax. both are good finishing wax's
3. just the normal white wall cleaner stuff or simple green, then a spray of meguiars insane shine.
4. simple green removes the dust very good
5. usually get the truck wet first and wash the whole truck/tires/rims, then i go around the whole truck with a claybar and some meguiars last touch it works great with the claybar when mixed 50/50 with water. after this i dry the truck and vaccum/clean the interior and the mats (all while in the garage to let the paint cool off before waxing) then i apply the #105 or #205 with my meguiars 6 inch dual action polisher w a polishing pa on it (usually yellow in color) and last but not least i apply the tech wax 2.0 or ultimate wax using the same polisher but with a finishing pad that is black in color.
6. make sure you wax your truck in the garage or anywhere out of the sun and be sure to let the paint cool for a little bit before you start. some trim pieces do not like to let the wax come off of them so i usually tape off around the trim and around all the badges to avoid wax getting stuck around them.
as u can prolly tell i am a hardcore meguiars user, i love all of their products. they are a tad bit exspensive but in the end it is well worth it, you can usually get some pretty good deals when shopping online.
03-30-2012, 03:09 PM
#10
Congrats on the new truck! Hope some of this will help.
1. Meguiar's Gold Class car wash
2. 1Z Einszett Cockpit Premium. Best place to get it is autogeek.net. It cleans well, leaves no residue of any kind and smells almost like new car smell.
2 again. Meguiar's Ultimate Wax. I've used the Meguiar's techwax 2.0 and I think that it buffs off easier than the Ultimate Wax, but the techwax will leave a white residue on and plastic parts and the ultimate wax will not. So I recommend the Ultimate wax it leaves no residue so no taping is needed and it shines and protects very well.
3. Westley's Bleche-White
4. My wheels are painted so I use the car wash soap, and only use wheel cleaner if they get really bad. I've found that all of the wheel cleaners work pretty much the same, choosing a good brush is more important.
5. Before you wax be sure to claybar the entire truck, even if its brand new this will get any rail dust or other contaminates out of the paint so you dont rub them in with the wax. There are great how to videos for this on youtube or autogeek.net. Then I use a Porter-Cable dual action polisher to apply a light compound or polish. Then follow it up with the Ultimate Wax. There are a lot of great how-to videos at autogeek.net and they have good package deals on polishers and pads.
6. Definitely check out the how to videos at autogeek.net, even if you don't buy anything from them there is a lot of great information there and the videos do a much better job of explaining things than reading a post could. Also feel free to PM me with any questions.
Enjoy your new truck!
1. Meguiar's Gold Class car wash
2. 1Z Einszett Cockpit Premium. Best place to get it is autogeek.net. It cleans well, leaves no residue of any kind and smells almost like new car smell.
2 again. Meguiar's Ultimate Wax. I've used the Meguiar's techwax 2.0 and I think that it buffs off easier than the Ultimate Wax, but the techwax will leave a white residue on and plastic parts and the ultimate wax will not. So I recommend the Ultimate wax it leaves no residue so no taping is needed and it shines and protects very well.
3. Westley's Bleche-White
4. My wheels are painted so I use the car wash soap, and only use wheel cleaner if they get really bad. I've found that all of the wheel cleaners work pretty much the same, choosing a good brush is more important.
5. Before you wax be sure to claybar the entire truck, even if its brand new this will get any rail dust or other contaminates out of the paint so you dont rub them in with the wax. There are great how to videos for this on youtube or autogeek.net. Then I use a Porter-Cable dual action polisher to apply a light compound or polish. Then follow it up with the Ultimate Wax. There are a lot of great how-to videos at autogeek.net and they have good package deals on polishers and pads.
6. Definitely check out the how to videos at autogeek.net, even if you don't buy anything from them there is a lot of great information there and the videos do a much better job of explaining things than reading a post could. Also feel free to PM me with any questions.
Enjoy your new truck!