My First Car Wash and Wax

T

teek5449

New member
:howdy Well not really my first wash and wax but this will be my first wash and wax on my new vehicle.

I am looking for recommendations for products to use on a virgin surface. I purchased a new Nissan Xterra recently and would like to do this right from the start. I am concerned about using the wrong wash or wax on my newer paint and also would like some suggestions for the interior.

So I am looking for some recommendations for the following (if I miss anything please let me know):

wash
wax? (maybe a protectant would be better? professionally applied or otherwise?)
wheel cleaner (already brake dust building up)
interior / dash cleaner and protectant
carpet cleaner

It's not that I'm lazy or have not searched the forums here but I was unable to find anything really relating to new surfaces. I just want to do this right at the beginning as I keep vehicles for a very long time. I realize that everyone opinions may be different , I also know that there is usually a generally accepted product or idea that everyone will agree with. I hope that some of you knowledgeable members will take their time to give me some advice. While I am not a professional I do have the patience to do things right even if it takes me a little longer.
 
Since I have no idea where you're at, whether or not you plan on purchasing online or locally, what color the vehicle is, etc I'll suggest a local lineup you can get at Wal Mart, Auto Zone, Car Quest etc.

You are going to need some quality towels, be it microfiber or cotton. If you go with cotton, try to get some 100% cotton with no polyester (or other) stitching that may marr.

Wash: Meg's NXT or Duragloss 901
Mitts: Quality sheepskin or a microfiber "dreadlock" mitt
Clay: Mother's Clay bar or ClayMagic (do a search for clay - yes, you need to clay)
Wax/Sealant: Meg's NXT 2.0, Duragloss "polish" for clear coat finishes

I would almost wager money there are some dealer installed swirls/marring, and the NXT will do a good job of covering those up if you don't want to/can't polish.

I'd suggest adding your location to your profile and telling us a little more about your car. Photos are also helpful.
 
Thank you for replying so quickly.

As far as purchasing options either online or locally, is fine with me. The vehicle in question is a 2007 Nissan Xterra (pics if necessary). I am the first owner with only 5 miles when purchased. The surface appears to be in excellent condition, no obvious swirl marks etc.... (none that I can see at a angle even, I bought same day off the back lot so I do not think they ever washed it), the color is dark / charcoal gray with black plastic trim.

My base question behind my post is: is there anything that I can put on now to keep my car looking as good as it is right now? I'm really looking for a good base set of products that will keep the vehicle in tip top shape. Not only on the outside but inside as well.

Clay, I'm all too familiar with claying ;)

I was also concerned with the interior plastics. I don't need the shine just a good protectant.

Again, thanks for the quick reply.
 
First off, Welcome!

Secondly, I agree with Jared... We would require a bit more info as he stated! (DOH, you replied before I sent this...)

Hi choice of products is what I would recommend also, especially for a beginner and OTS products.

Also, if you plan to purchase online, I tend to favor Poorboy's products. Easy to work with even in direct sunlight. But you definitely don't have to purchase products online to get good results. The dreadlock mitts I got at Costco Canada! A whole kit including 2 mitts, 2 MF towels, 1 terry towel and 1 mf glass towel for 9.99!

If you would purchase PB products. Here is what I recommend.


Everything that Jared said prior to Wax/sealant!
Sealant/Wax - Poorboy's PwS and top it off with PB EX or EX-P or Natty's!
PB Trim Restorer for Exterior trim
PB Natural Look Dressing or Aeropsace 303 for interior plastics/pleather etc.
PB QD+ to maintain your nicely detailed ride after washes!

Avoid ANY commercial car washes if you want your ride and work to remain in good shape!

You will have a sh*t load of replies and what peoples FAVES are! You go from there!
 
For the interior, (I'll stay on a local listing - I'm sure you'll get a smorgasbord of what to order online) you can pick up 303 Aerospace Protectant at Ace Hardware.

Since you're happy with the finish as far as marring goes, you can probably skip a polish. No reason to go chasing 100% from the get-go, especially if you're gonna drive it everyday. It should be good if the dealer hasn't touched it too much.

If I had to guess, I'd say the NXT 2.0 would look really good on your Xterra.
 
Hi Teek,

When it comes to washing a car I recommend the two bucket method. One bucket for soap and the other bucket as a rinse method.

A good soap to use is the Meguiar's Gold Class soap and you can get them anywhere even at your local auto store. I recommend claying your car too so far I have really good experiences with both Pinnacle and Fourstar clay brand.

Before waxing your car I recommend applying an All-In-One products which polishes the car and I recommend the Klasse AIO product. Then afterwards, apply a good long lasting wax such as the Collinite 845 carnuba. The Collinite 845 is one of the best out there and this wax last months without re-applying though I apply wax on my car every two months. When I apply wax I apply two layers of Collinite 845.

I mixed differ brands of wax sometimes and it also produces stunning results. For example, I will apply one layer of Collinite 845 and then another layer of Poorboys Natty's paste wax which is also a great wax.
 
Thank you everyone for your replies, I have been looking into each product. I am just dreading the time it takes to completely wash, wax, clean a SUV. My old truck would take forever by hand :) Just have to set aside a day.

Thanks again and any additional insights would be most appreciated.
 
It doesn't sound like too much fun if you are already dreading it. Maybe you could find a detailer through the boards to do the work for you. Just a thought. You could have it done once a year for the price you'll pay to stock up on supplies.

The only reason I detail is because I enjoy the work. No way I'd be doing it if I dreaded it.
 
teek i see you are from the cape. stop in one of the boat stores down there or west marine you can get the aerospace 303 protectant there and pic up some collinite 845 insulator wax as well, as far as durability goes 845 is tough to beat and has a nice look to it.
 
teek5449 said:
Thank you everyone for your replies, I have been looking into each product. I am just dreading the time it takes to completely wash, wax, clean a SUV. My old truck would take forever by hand :) Just have to set aside a day.

Thanks again and any additional insights would be most appreciated.
Click to expand...
For what it's worth, here's my insights...

Just hire a professional!! I mean seriously, are you going to change your oil yourself, rotate and balance your tires yourself, give it a tune-up yourself, and when it comes time for it, align it yourself? If you needed plumbing done to your house, would you do it yourself; how about an x-ray or a root canal?

Figure how much your time is worth: and if it's not worth enough to have some piece of mind then spend lots of money from one of our sponsors and enjoy the day doing it yourself.
:cheers:
 
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