How long after getting a new car off the lot should I detail the car, and what should be done?

AliMusa8790

New member
<span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:small;background-color:rgb(250,250,250);">I've ordered a new car and told them not to wash the car or take any of the stickers off so the paint should be in factory condition. How long after receiving the car should I detail it, and what is the proper process to be done?
 
Welcome to Autopia and congrats on instructing the dealer to leave the shipping protection on.  You might want to suggest they remove the protection while you are present so you and the dealer can inspect for shipping damage TOGETHER.


 


Immediately wash, decontaminate (ironX and clay), light polish if you have a DA and protect with a long lasting sealant if it's a daily driver.   By the time you recieve a new car the paint is fully cured so no need to wait.
 
Welcome to Autopia!!


 


Leave the plastic on it and remove it yourself. DON'T HAVE THEM WASH YOUR CAR!!!! 


 


Also, I'd really look the paint finish over closely prior to signing the contract to make sure there are no bad defects. Once you drive it over the curb it's yours :) 
 
As others have said, by the time you get the car, the paint is fully cured so you can do what you want.  There shouldn't be any contamination under the plastic but check anyway, if there is, then go ahead and decontaminate, and polish.  Again, I doubt seriously you'll need those steps.  Also, there shouldn't be any oxidation and any scratches will be from washing or rubbing the wrap off instead stretching it off.  You shouldn't need more than a good wash and then use whatever wax/sealant you decide.  I have two cars, one, a driver I work out of and another, both bought new that have never needed any polishing and are pretty near cobweb - not just scratch or mar - free.  They are four and three years old.  


 


Doing a weekly car wash using good methods, not a lot of touching the paint does more to preserve a cars appearance than just about anything.  I make a living polishing cars but mine have never needed it.
 
pwaug said:
Welcome to Autopia and congrats on instructing the dealer to leave the shipping protection on.  You might want to suggest they remove the protection while you are present so you and the dealer can inspect for shipping damage TOGETHER.


 


Immediately wash, decontaminate (ironX and clay), light polish if you have a DA and protect with a long lasting sealant if it's a daily driver.   By the time you recieve a new car the paint is fully cured so no need to wait.


Okay so wash, decontaminate using a clay bar kit and iron x (is iron x on the wheels only?), polish (but what kind of pad and polish should I be using for a brand new car?), and seal it. Is sealing it the same as using wax, or do I not need wax?
 
AliMusa8790- Welcome to Autopia!


 


I myself would prep it the way the dealership guys are *supposed* to do it:


 


-Remove the shipping film/stickers/etc. with ValueGard New Car Prep


-Decontaminate with ValuGard's ABC system


-Wax or coat or seal


 


I know that above makes me look like a ValuGard (hate that cutesy spelling!) fanboy, but I've done this stuff since forever (was doing New Car Prep at at a dealership in the '70s, only guy allowed to do the black cars..) and *nothing* beats that approach IMO.  The major automakers agree, that's why ValuGard stuff is mostly sold at the dealership-or-above level.


 


Clay is good, I clay all the time.  But it doesn't decontaminate the way ABC does and most people I know who clay mar their paint when they do it.  ABC is just a series of three washes, so while it costs a bit, you spend $ instead of time and effort. 
 
AliMusa8790 said:
Okay so wash, decontaminate using a clay bar kit and iron x (is iron x on the wheels only?), polish (but what kind of pad and polish should I be using for a brand new car?), and seal it. Is sealing it the same as using wax, or do I not need wax?


IronX and Clay (if it needs it) on the whole car or the Valuegard ABC system as mentioned.    Perhaps you won't need to polish to remove swirls, but a light polish really brings out the shine.   Pads and Polish are dependent on the car and it's paint.


 


Sealants are man made polymers that bond to the paint and provide protection and shine--examples: Megs Ultimate Wax (it's really a sealant), Duragloss 105, Menzerna PowerLock and usually offer protection and shine for 4-6 months.    Waxes ofcourse are natural like Carnuba and Montan and offer a "wetter" look, but usually last a few weeks.  Then there are hybrids like HD Poxy that are a sealant with a wax that offer the best of both.
 
All good suggestions above. The fact that you know enough not to let the stealership touch it and you are here asking questions tells me your car will look great. You could spend hours here learning what you can and still not fully understand or wind up wasting time and money on unnecessary products and steps or products that you just don't care for. Consider hiring a good detailer to teach you how to best maintain your new car. They can teach you the proper ways to wash, what not to do and when to call them for help. If you learn the proper ways to maintain your car the cost can easily be recouped by the savings down the road on future details and repairs.
 
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