Claying A New Car -- How Often ?

HondaMan

HondaMan

2004 Civic EX magnesium
I clayed my 2004 Honda Civic a month ago when it was only about 7 weeks old.

I was wondering -- it's been well-protected, first by AIO/UPP and now with layers of QD+ -- does it pay to clay the car again in October/November when I do the winter sealing?

As I understand it, the claying is getting out microscopic dirt and grime. Since the car is pretty well protected, everthing should be pretty much contained to the outside or within the sealant/top layers of protection.

I plan on using AIO/SG for my final detailing of '04 before winter hits, so I'll be stripping whatever's left on the car at that time. Just want to know if claying is gonna be mostly a waste or if it should be done.

I haven't seen many posts where folks talk of how often the re-clay a car after they did it earlier.
 
I got a new car in August of 03. I clayed it when I first bought it. Clayed it again in April and will do so again in mid to late October when I start my "Winterization Protection Plan". Not saying you have to or should I'm just saying I am.
 
It only takes about 30-40 minutes, so I would go ahead and clay. It is not abrasive, so you are not removing any paint.
 
Eh....maybe it's because I was new at it, or maybe because I spent extra time getting out the bugs/tar in the front, but I have been spending about 1 1/4 hours on claying the car and wiping off the residue, maybe 1 1/2 on a dirty one.

I think I can do my new car, not that dirty and protected, probably in less than 1 hour. When I do it, I'll time it start to finish. But I doubt I finish in anything close to 1/2 hour!
 
Your probably correct, but once you get the process down, it goes quick. Take your time, however, and do it at your own pace.
 
It really depends on the paint. I have to clay my car three times a year. My buddies truck only needs it once a year. I think it depends on how hard or soft the clearcoat is. Clay is not abbrasive so you could actually do it as often as you want and not hurt anything.
 
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