Hi Guys, I`m New

[Lucid Violence]

I wounder how many treads have started like that on this forum lol. Well I just got a decent looking car and I`d like to keep it that way. It`s is a 2003 Black Grand Prix GT if you wanted to know. So anyways now that I got a car with more paint then rust I went to Google for the "optimal" car wash and wax procedure and turned up 5000 different things and my head is spinning. Some how in my googleing I turned up this site.



Now I washed cars before you know, with a bucket and a hose and recently a pressure washer. Followed up with a coat of what ever wax catches my eye at the store. Now Id like to improve! I know now the 2 bucket technique with a wash mitt. I even picked up a clay bar. I`m still a little lost on what soaps to use to wash my car. I`m thinking if I`m going to wax I would use a different soap then if I was just washing right? Also I`ve always had problems with the wheel wheel and rims. What`s a good degreaser for this area?





I`m also wanting to get one of them Porter Cable 7424 to apply wax (and polish down the road a bit) but I`m finding my self at a loss on how to use one and what pad to use and what wax. Maybe a little help with this?



I know this post has went on wayyyyy to long but I hope it wasn`t TL;DR and I hope one of you guys has the patients to help me out. Thanks a bunch guys!

[salty]

Welcome and just sit back and read. This stuff gets covered very often, and congratulations on your new car, you will soon have the nicest car on the block.

[Lucid Violence]

I hope so! I`ve been reading all night and my head is still spinning hehe

[Furd]

The pinned threads are your friend. You should find the answers to many/most of your questions there. You`ll find a few about proper wash techniques (which is probably to most important thing that you can learn) as well as using DA polishers.



I know of no reason why you would use a different car wash soap when waxing. You`ll probably want to clean the paint before waxing (unless you are polishing). The clay will serve that purpose, as will a paint cleaner, like a "cleaner wax." They work differently though.



With respect to products, everyone has their favorites. Griot`s car wash, Zaino`s Z7 and Optimum Car Wash are recommended by quite a few. Eagle One A2Z for wheels and tires. You`ll find many threads on those subjects.



I apply wax and sealants by hand. I`m an amateur though, so I can take my time and not worry about wear and tear on my arm.