agdodge4x4:
Your "first priority" in detailing equipment/products should be for washing-and-drying your vehicle. You will be doing (and using) this most often to your pride-and-joy. Improper washing techniques and the wrong wash items (equipment/towels/chemicals) will cause more paint problems than anything most vehicle owners do on their own, even with the best of intention.
I still prefer the 2-bucket method for washing over rinse-less washes. At a minimum you will need:
1) 3 different 5-gallon buckets; (1) for soap for painted panels, (1) for rinse water, (1) for wheels and inner fenders
2) At least (1) Grit Guard for the rinse water bucket
3) 2 different wash pads/sponges/wool wash mitts; (1) for the paint, (1) for wheels/tires/inner fenders KEEP THEM SEPERATE FOR EACH TASK
Some Autopians love natural bristle boar-hair brushes for scrubbing/washing, but they are expensive. Wash mediums (meaning pads/sponges/mitts/brushes) are personal preference.
4) Bug pad for grills, windshields, and side mirrors and wheel pad for the rims/spokes
5) Assortment of brushes. I highly suggest having a Daytona or E-Z Detail brush for rim barrels and a fender brush with longer bristles.
6) Stoner's Tarminator for removing tar from rims and rocker panels
7) Two decent waffle-weave towels for drying. Quality chamois are old-school, but it's a preference thing. NEVER USE COTTON BATH TOWELS.
8) At least 5 quality Microfiber towels/rags (Yes, there are various types of microfiber towels and the quality runs from cheap (not on my vehicle) to expensive.
9) Some type of wheel cleaner for brake dust. (I like OTC Eagle A-to-Z wheel cleaner because its good and inexpensive).
10) Some type of car wash dedicated soap (I am currently using Optimum's Car Wash on a recommendation from fellow Autopians)
NEVER USE LAUNDRY DETERGENT OR DISH SOAP ON A CAR. (I've used DAWN in an emergency that's-all-I-have situation, though)
11) Window cleaner like Stoner's Invisible Glass or Sprayway Glass Cleaner and two quality designed-for-glass-cleaning/wiping microfiber cloth, (1) for applying the cleaner and (1) for wiping it off. DO NOT USE AMMONIA-BASED GLASS CLEANERS, LIKE WINDEX. (I think it causes streaks)
12) OPTIONAL ITEMS:
Metro Blaster for drying (Air compressors or leaf blowers are alternate ideas, but NEVER use a leaf blower that has been used as a leaf vacuum)
Gilmore Foam-master II foam gun for soap soaking (like a touchless car wash does)
Power washer.
You'll have a sizeable (read monetary) investment if you follow this list, BUT it will provide many years of less-problems with keep your vehicle looking clean and the paint with less swirls.
Oh yes. one more suggestion: NEVER LET THE DEALER WASH YOUR VEHICLE DURING ROUTINE MAINTENACE/SERVICE, EVEN IF IT'S FREE AND INCLUDED WITH THE SERVICE. There are horror stories galore about individuals who have made this "mistake" and have their vehicle "boogered-up" by some ill- trained and unskilled lot-jockey. If you want the dealer to do it, ask to see the process, people, and equipment. Like most here, one inspection and observation will tell you why you will skip letting someone else wash your vehicle.
