New to Car Care and need some help!

[Focus2012]

Hey all, I am brand new to car care (have always used regular car soap and spray on wax) but would like to step it up to the big league`s for my new car (2012 Ford Focus SE).



I have no idea what the best way to clean a car is and would greatly appreciate some help. Here is what I think you do:



1) Wash car thoroughly with car soap and soft sponge

2) Use a clay bar to remove dirt

3) Use a high quality sealant (apply with microfiber cloth?)

4) Finish with high quality wax?



Am I anywhere near correct here?

[Ch96067]

Here is what I think you do:



1) Wash car thoroughly with car soap and soft sponge.

2) Use a clay bar to remove dirt

3) Use a high quality sealant (apply with microfiber cloth?)

4) Finish with high quality wax?



Am I anywhere near correct here?





First of all welcome!



Roughly yes. Some comments.



1) instead of a sponge think about a sheepskin/lambswool mitt.

2) you do not need to clay every time. Common practice is 2 times a year.

3) prior to lsp you could add a glaze/paint cleaner.

4) sealant/wax steps are in theory interchangeable. If you do them both first use sealant then wax.

5) think about a qd or qwax to support your lsp between top-ups.



Polishing (manual or by machine) would come after claying.

Decontaminating the paint/removing tar would come before claying.

You could also use a foam lance/precleaner prior to touching the car.



You also need to think wheels/glass/trim care.



As many have mentioned go through the guides in autopia. I would also recommend this one.



http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/



And Accumulators guides-thought on washing methods.



Good luck!