OH9EH4

Hey guys - I'm sure there are a few posts regarding detailing. Wanted to know people's cleaning schedule. I love keeping my cars clean but going from a Mazda to an Audi is like going from Canadian Club to Hennessey.

I used to stick to Maguires products on my 3, not sure if I should keep using it and how often? My dealer put the Zhilon auto protect on the exterior and said I "don't need to wax the car ever..."

What do you guys use for the follow:

1) Washing and how often
2) Drying
3) Waxing and how often
4) Polishing and how often
5) Clay bar and how often
6) Rims and how often
7) Tires and how often

Post pics too if you got some nice ones.

p.s. my car is white

Ryan_T

Washing - twice a month of if it's really dirty.
Waxing - once every two months
Clay - before every wax
Rims - everytime I wash the car
Tires - everytime I wax

OH9EH4

Ryan what product do you use? Or does it really matter?

Have you tried that ICE stuff?

Ryan_T

I'm going to try and get some better products soon. But so far, I've used off the shelf things from Canadian tire. Mother's clay bar, Mequiar's car wash, NXT2.0 wax, Ultimate Quick Detailer, etc.

flogsta

Meguiar Stuff is top notch (in my opinion). Always liked the results. But as always, there is so much out there. Everyone is looking for something different. Note: You can contact the Meguiar ppl and buy direct from them (a bit cheaper).

OH9EH4

thanks flogsta. didn't know you could call them directly. i wonder if they'd sponsor audiforum and give us all discounts!

i've used meguires for a few years and really like their colourx product. i'm going to be washing my a4 for the first time since i got it so i want to pamper my baby very nice.

pdks

1) Washing and how often - seasonally dependent. Less now (biweekly) than in a very few months!

2) Drying - towels saved just for that purpose.

3) Waxing and how often - once a year ...lazy.

4) Polishing and how often - when swirls appear.

5) Clay bar and how often - tried 'em before. Don't use them now.

6/7) Rims & tires and how often - every three or four washes

jerseymike68

useful information

awcjacobs

Hey

I usually wash my car at least once a week. Any soap made for cars is decent.

I clay and polish once a year. The Meguires or Mothers clay kits are awesome and it comes with everything you need. I use very fine polish, but I do have a more stronger polish on hand for areas that require more attention. Menzerna polishes are awesome. They are expensive but if only used once a year, it is worth it. I also use Chemical Guys Acrylic Shine II. This will 'fill' swirls and add depth to the paint. But it is a temporary solution if you need something quick.

With wax, I usually add 2 layers of Sealant (Chemical Guys Jet Seal) usually twice a year. Great product to protect the paint. Apply before summer and before winter. Top it off with a coat of Carnuba Wax for depth and shine. I usually reapply Carnuba once every 2-3 months. Mothers Carnuba wax is excellent. I have used other Carnuba waxes where I spent close to $50 a jar. There was very little or no difference.

On tires, I like Simoniz Tire Cleaner. This will clean the crud and gunk on the side wall and restore the tires natural black. You will have to scrub. It is really strong so I dilute 2:1 (Cleaner: Water) and you will save some cash. If you want a tire shine I like most good brand name tire shine, but use a sponge to apply.

On Wheels, Meguires Hot Wheels (in the pink bottle) is awesome. Dilute 2:1 (Cleaner: Water) and scrub with a nice brush and the wheels will sparkle. Add a wheels sealant for that protection and extra shine.

OH9EH4

Thanks awc - good information. I've never clayed before but I've been told it's worth it and really makes the paint slick...

My goal is the protect but I want to best shine possible. Do you do everything by hand? (I have a cheezy little orbital polisher I bought for $40 from CND Tire...