Basic advice

[MiVor]

So I just got a new (to me) truck (2013 Silverado 1500 LT). The paint is in really good shape (the truck looks like new). Although I have a Porter Cable 7424, I`m not sure I really `need` to polish, just get and keep a good layer of protection at least when spring comes. In the past (circa 2007) I was fond of Optimum and Duragloss polish and also quite liked Aquawax. On the interior I did extraction for the carpet and really liked 303 Aerospace Protectant.

So what is the `today`s best advice` on products and practices for the semi-novice???

[philliptmurphy]

I`d wash, clay bar, and seal at a minimum. If after claying there are swirls or a few scratches, take the time to make it right, get it sealed, and start off right.

[WaxAddict]

....
In the past (circa 2007) I was fond of Optimum and Duragloss polish and also quite liked Aquawax. On the interior I did extraction for the carpet and really liked 303 Aerospace Protectant.

Those are still highly recommended products today. It sounds like you`re off to a good start.

[Billy Jack]

I agree with the thorough wash and clay. If you like DG and no correction is necessary, I`d give it a good rub with DG501 for a good cleaning, then seal with your choice of product. DG`s 105 and 110 are still highly thought of, but the new DG coating product has gotten good reviews also and is very moderately priced, as all DG usually is. If you go the coating route, skip the 501, as the prep step for the coating uses the same cleaners as 501.

Bill

[Trouble]

I wouldnt do anything till Spring. My cars haven`t been washed since October

[MiVor]

I wouldnt do anything till Spring. My cars haven`t been washed since October

I won`t be claying, polishing or `waxing` until spring, but I go to the power (spray) wash ($2.50) at least weekly unless it`s too cold - way too much crud and salt here in Central New York to go without washing.

[Trouble]

In a way a good layer of dirt protects your finish

[MiVor]

In a way a good layer of dirt protects your finish

I`ve never believed that - all someone has to do is brush up against yer dirty finish and it`s like sand paper. Besides, as I mentioned, there`s a fair amount of salt spray in the `dirt` around here in winter where even the smallest nick will begin to rust.

[Accumulator]

I`d be interested to hear the rationale behind "dirt protects your finish".

IMO dirt harbors moisture (which can lead to all sorts of problems) and can also be abrasive (causing marring if somebody/something brushes against the vehicle). That`s leaving aside the whole salt/etc. issue. Plus, dirt makes it harder to see if there`s some mechanical issue developing (just caught a leaking transmission seal on the A8, well before it got critical). I`m a big fan of keeping vehicles, undercarriage and all, properly detailed all year-round, even if you don`t care about the aesthetic factor. And OK, I`ll admit it- maybe it`s just vanity, but I`d no more drive a filthy vehicle than go out wearing dirty clothes.

MiVor- Welcome to Autopia! Congrats on the new truck, and you`ve received good advice on how to keep it that way.

[WaxAddict]

I think Trouble was joking.

[Trouble]

I`d be interested to hear the rationale behind "dirt protects your finish".

It acts as a protective barrier of sorts. Its hard to wrap your head around what I`m saying I understand

I`ve seen countless cars over the years that have been poorly maintained. I will take the one that has never been washed over one that gets weekly tunnel washed or the $10 broomstick parking lot hack washes everytime

No, I was not joking

[WaxAddict]

...
No, I was not joking

Yeah maybe but dirt as a protective layer and un-molested paint are two topics.

[Trouble]

Yeah maybe but dirt as a protective layer and un-molested paint are two topics.

I answered the best I could. Sorry you didn`t get it

[Bunky]

I`d be interested to hear the rationale behind "dirt protects your finish".

I am not saying I agree but one could say dirt makes a good UV barrier...

[Beemerboy]

I just picked up a 2013 Ford Focus for our son...I did a wash, clay, polished with a PC..Black hole glazed with the PC, then sealed..twice over two days and finished with nattys blue paste wax..It`s a metallic black car and looks perfect to me. That`s my go to process for all of our cars twice a year and in between that the cars are cleaned weekly and waxed once a month...all are garage queens