Wax & Cleaner Recommendations

[Hidef]

From everything I have heard, the only thing that the Turtle Wax Ice is weak on is durability. It goes on easy, doesn't mess up the plastic, but isn't as sturdy as some of the other waxes on the market.

That being said, with as easy as it is to apply, maybe put a coat on every other month might be good enough to keep the car looking great and the paint protected.

Those of you who use it, what is your opinion of its durability?

I waxed both vehicles probably over a month ago, cannot remember for sure. I've only had the chance to wash them once since then. Washing was easy and both still had their shine afterwards. It rained today and both are still beading water. I plan to apply another coat soon, since I would like to get 3 or so waxes on before winter. I think the durability is going to be fine, but I am not an expert and this was the first time I've used the ice. I used to use Mequiars, but with all the black trim on the Explorer and Edge, I thought I would try the ice.

 

[harlenm]

Best thing available, in my opinion, is Klasse all in one. It's a polymer, so it goes on and comes off real easy. Doesn't turn white on plastic, and doesnt dry on the paint.

It's also a cleaner and sealant, so it removes surface contaminants in one step.

http://www.autogeek.net/klasseallinone.html

 

[Hidef]

I forgot to mention I used the ice paste instead of the liquid.

 

[jrmexplorer]

I use Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax every couple of washes and ultimate quick wax in between ultimate liquid waxes. Works good.

The ultimate quick wax is awesome. Spray on, wipe off (doesn't turn plastic white either) - takes no time at all!

Personally, I think the difference between the waxes mentioned on this forum are pretty miniscule. Any will likely work well.

I think the most important thing is to wash your car by hand yourself the right way. Use a nice microfiber wash mitt with a good quality soap (not dish soap) and the two bucket method.

The two bucket method: 1.) use a hose to spray your car down to lubricate it for washing. 2.) fill two wash buckets. One with soap, one without soap. Then - dip your wash mit in the soap bucket and clean one part of your car. (one website I went to recommended up and down motions on vertical surfaces - but I don't see why that would matter). When you are done cleaning that part stick your wash mitt in the other bucket with the clean water and agitate gently to remove the dirt you just washed off your car. Then put your mitt back in your soapy water and repeat until the car is clean.

This method helps keep trapped dirt on your wash mit from fouling your soapy water and being picked back up in your wash mitt and fouling your paint by scratching your clearcoat.

rinse - then remove the nozzle from your hose and "pour" water over the explorer. The water will "sheet" off the car (rather than bead up) and you wont have to dry so much.

Also, save the dirty parts for last - you don't want to get dirt trapped in your wash mit.

Dry with a microfiber towel and use any modern wax (most are probably pretty equivalent in all reality) from a reputable company like Turtle Wax, Meguiar's, or Mothers. Clean your wash mits and towels in your washing machine after every wash.

Oh I should add: Meguiar's makes a nice new car care kit with everything you need and it's available at Walmart for a decent price

 

[Frustrated]

Thanks for the details!

Do you guys do anything with the 20" polished aluminum wheels? (other than just wash)

 

[RandyH2]

+1 On jrmexplorer's post. If you aren't a car fanatic, you probably won't appreciate the subtle differences between waxes, etc. I always feel like I have to wash, clay, de-tar, then wax and guess what-- my car doesn't get waxed as often because I feel like it is such a chore! Give it a good wash and a coat of easy to use wax, and do it every 3 months, and life is good.

The microfiber towels are nice- but make sure you don't buy the cheapest microfiber as the quality does vary considerably. I have some cheap microfiber that actually scratched the windshield on my last car.

Very important with microfiber! WASH SEPARATELY from other fabrics! The microfiber will pick up lint, etc. off of other fabrics. Also, try not to drop it on the ground, etc. And don't use your car wash towels for dusting, etc. And only use them when the moon is at 3/4, the sky is clear, and the humidity below 49.2%. Okay, I am serious about the washing and dusting part.

 

[RandyH2]

Also-- Keeping the front end waxed will make bug removal much easier. For you new car owners--- wax it now before it gets all bugged up.

 

[RandyH2]

For wheels- I have been using a Turtle Wax Ice product lately that leaves some sort of film on the wheels. It seems to work pretty well. Buy a brush with long, soft bristles and make it a dedicated wheel brush.

If you start to feel the need to be compulsive, I can recommend all the products from Griot's Garage (online). Meguires also does a lot of good stuff, especially their Scratch-X 2.0. I'm not a huge fan of their quick detail spray as it seems to leave a bit of haze, but that may be my problem and not the product.

 

[joecrna]

This is like asking what oil, its all opinion and very little real world difference. I do agree with RandyH2, even on brands. Again, just our opinion and personal preferance. My routine actually adds 3 polishes with an orbital, an oil repenisher and then wax to his routine. If you decide to use something easy like an all in one by hand and do it every 3 months instead of every 9-12 like with my routine, guess who's car will look better. Yours! Mine takes all day so it is only seldom done. Pick something you are willing to use every 3 months and all will be much better. Wax those wheels, they get the most harsh treatment of your entire car.

 

[RandyH2]

Hey Joe,
I think they opened a new Betty Ford clinic down the street... It's right behind Pep Boys.... I'll let you know how the food tastes.

I've not heard of an oil replenisher. Is that for pre-clear coat paint only?

 

[Paraphoe]

I like Mother's Carnauba. I'm currently using the Meguiar's NXT Gen 2.0 Tech waxand I'm pretty disappointed in longevity. 1-2 rainy days and it's like I never waxed the truck. When the bottle is done I'm going back to mothers or Nu-Finish.

 

[Varsity]

I use KIT wax on my Explorer for now. It's kinda on the cheap side, although still a great name. It beads up water great and lasts a decent amount of time, either way makes me happy.

I'll be watching this thread too as I was planning on getting the Mesguiar's wax Paraphoe was talking about. However, his comment makes me hesitant on buying Meg's wax.

 

[shooterdude199]

Meguiars gold class with extra carnuba.

 

[Frustrated]

So how do you tell cheap microfiber towels from good ones, simply price?

I picked up some at AutoZone this morning and a larger towel at Walmart.

As for the Turtle Wax Ice, they have WAX and POLISH. What's the difference?

Perhaps the wax will last longer? Soooo many different products, and my gut tells me that most of it is packaging and hype; but I also know there IS a difference between a cheap product and a good one.

thanks.

+1 On jrmexplorer's post. If you aren't a car fanatic, you probably won't appreciate the subtle differences between waxes, etc. I always feel like I have to wash, clay, de-tar, then wax and guess what-- my car doesn't get waxed as often because I feel like it is such a chore! Give it a good wash and a coat of easy to use wax, and do it every 3 months, and life is good.

The microfiber towels are nice- but make sure you don't buy the cheapest microfiber as the quality does vary considerably. I have some cheap microfiber that actually scratched the windshield on my last car.

Very important with microfiber! WASH SEPARATELY from other fabrics! The microfiber will pick up lint, etc. off of other fabrics. Also, try not to drop it on the ground, etc. And don't use your car wash towels for dusting, etc. And only use them when the moon is at 3/4, the sky is clear, and the humidity below 49.2%. Okay, I am serious about the washing and dusting part.

 

[jrmexplorer]

I use KIT wax on my Explorer for now. It's kinda on the cheap side, although still a great name. It beads up water great and lasts a decent amount of time, either way makes me happy.

I'll be watching this thread too as I was planning on getting the Mesguiar's wax Paraphoe was talking about. However, his comment makes me hesitant on buying Meg's wax.

I've heard that about the NXT wax, but the liquid one I use works great.

 

[GregV8]

Meguiars. Love it.

 

[beach]

[URL="autogeek.net"]autogeek.net[/URL] end of story. Waxing, claying etc.. is pointless without a good polishing. Get something like the Flex for polishing, some good polish/compound (Optimum is great). So clay first, polish, use some Klasse AIO as a wipe down, then seal with wax or sealant etc. Paint will look way better, no swirls etc, and products will last longer on a prepped surface.

Most of the store bought stuff is junk, even retail mircrofibers. Personally I love Poorboys waxes.

 

[harlenm]

[URL="autogeek.net"]autogeek.net[/URL] end of story. Waxing, claying etc.. is pointless without a good polishing. Get something like the Flex for polishing, some good polish/compound (Optimum is great). So clay first, polish, use some Klasse AIO as a wipe down, then seal with wax or sealant etc. Paint will look way better, no swirls etc, and products will last longer on a prepped surface.

Most of the store bought stuff is junk, even retail mircrofibers. Personally I love Poorboys waxes.

You don't need to do a sealant if you use klasse aio, as it is a sealant.

 

[nfb1971]

One Grand Blitz Wax is the best I've found. It goes on easy and lasts a long time. You can find it on Amazon for about $30/12 oz. It goes a long way and you will not have to wax as often.

 

[beach]

You don't need to do a sealant if you use klasse aio, as it is a sealant.

Well actually yes you do, it only has light acrylic protection.. it's mainly a chemical cleaner that leaves a very faint acrylic layer. Actually the old versions were much better, but thanks to all the new regs ad this and that it's been watered down the last few years. It's great to use after polishing, then go to your sealant or wax. AIO won't last long on paint by itself, you could go to wax right after it though it's all personal preference. I generally would use sealant like Collinite, then top with an wet wax like nattys blue, gives the paint a deep wet look. Then just upkeep with a good spray.

It's also excellent for glass, I use it, then usually a quick spray of something like Duragloss FCS. That will bead longer with no haze, Rain-X wishes it could do 1/4 as well as that combo lol.