Wax & Cleaner Recommendations

[Bill #5 Explorer]

How about the 2013 Polished Aluminum wheels? They do not recommend anything on them. What are folks using?

RejeX. And the Armor All Wheel Protectant is also great. I've been testing it this summer, with excellent results on the toys.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

You should use whatever wax you use on the rest of the car...they are clearcoated

Well, not really. While a carnuba wax might be ok for the exterior, it will quickly melt off the wheels due to the extra heat.

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Ok, so when we bought our Ex we got one of the extended warranties and included in the price was the "stain resistance" on the interior and the "scratch resistance" on the exterior and we were told we would not need to wax the car...how true is this?? I have not put any wax on it, I just take it to the touchless car wash and get the cheap wash without any wax. I have never waxed any of my previous cars, I haven't really cared to, non of them were "perfect" when I got them so I didn't really worry about it much. I guess I don't really know the benefits of waxing your car.

"we were told we would not need to wax the car...how true is this??"

the only true part is the actual word "true" in your question. When you get your first scratch go ask them to guarantee it and then grab some popcorn for the dealer dance off...

Re: Wax, have used mostly Meg's products. Recently purchased some Griots wax and sealant, want to try it out soon. Also have some Ice on the shelf as well I wanted to try. Need to check out the ReJex product reported too.

 

[KanewtZ]

Best Car Wash Product

Hi All,

Did a quick search and came up with nothing. My apologies

What is the best car wash product (soap) to use?

I have always used Hertel on my vehicles...but am open to other ideas.

Please provide your input!

Cheers!
Matt

 

[velanzia]

Not sure about the best - but I use Maguire's on my car and works just fine. I have a Black, after washing it looks amazing. I use their car wash product, Quick Detailer to apply soon after washing. Couple of times a year, I use their 3-step detailing system to detail my car. You can buy all from Canadian Tire.

I also used Turtle Wax ICE car wash (bought from Costco - a large jug), it works too.

Never used, but people say Armour All and Mother's aren't that good.

On a side note, I say do not ever wash when the sun is high - always shade, and use a chamois (again Costco) to dry'er up.

Note: I do not have an Ex (yet) tho What I have is an Altima with non-metallic black paint, if it helps you.

 

[MikeFreas]

Most any car soap is good in my opinion. Never use dish soap as it stripes the wax off. Use a different sponge for the body and tires. Twice a year I use the Mothers clay bar to get the grit out of the clear then a good wax.

 

[CajunFordEx]

Never use dish soap as it stripes the wax off.

That is all I have used on my vehicles for the last 35 years with no problems. If no dishwashing soap available I use Wisk or Tide liquid detergent.

ALWAYS wash your vehicle in the shade to prevent streaking and use a chamois to dry it off.

 

[sport97]

I like to use Meguirs products. They seem to be great quality. I have used dish soap purposely because it takes wax off. Ill wash down with that prior to a full detail (clay bar, polish, etc).

Best tip is a clean rag or sponge, whatever you use. Don't use the same one on the hood that, say, you used on the rims or to get mud off the rockers. Most basic car wash soaps will all do the trick, where the differences in products comes in is the waxes and polishes.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Cajun- the soaps you're using while do clean, are in fact stripping any wax you had on your vehicle off... Not the best idea...

 

[KanewtZ]

Thanks for the pointers!

I washed up the Explorer today..was perfect...around 15C out...overcast so no sun. I always wash it in the shade...then bring it my garage and dry it up before applying wax (Although I didn't wax it today).

I asked for forum members opinions because I am running low on Hertel.

I also clay bar my vehicles (I also have a 2007 Civic) once in the spring and once in fall before I give it a good coat of wax for the winter months.

I always use Meguire's wax on my vehicles but was curious how their wash is. I think I will pick it up next time I am at Canadian Tire.

Cheers!
Matt

 

[shooterdude199]

meguires gold class everything. wash with all microfiber towels and dry with only 100% cotton towels

 

[BobbyMarks]

Meguiars products are good. Answering your question: car wash? I have been using Gold Class Car Wash for many years now. Excellent product and will not strip your wax.

Bobby

 

[sticker500]

meguires gold class everything. wash with all microfiber towels and dry with only 100% cotton towels

+1 on the Meguiar's Gold Glass Shampoo. When it states it is Shampoo it means it. Lot's of thick suds that last. Smells good too!

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

After washing the truck, dry it with your leaf blower to remove +95% of the water. Then finish with a quality waffle weave drying towel (Sonus- blue).

 

[KanewtZ]

meguires gold class everything. wash with all microfiber towels and dry with only 100% cotton towels

Why only 100% cotton towels to dry it? Just curious.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Leaf blower and waffle weave if needed. Less swirls than towels.

I like Megs Ultimate Wash & Wax or GC- can't go wrong with either.

 

[13Sport]

Why only 100% cotton towels to dry it? Just curious.

Terry/Cotton towels won't swirl or scratch wax or paint. Dry microfiber, and other polyester, etc, towels can. Even chamois can/will scratch paint and wax if you aren't diligent about making sure they are free of dirt and debris prior to each use. Cotton tends to absorb water better than anything else anyway (except maybe the chamois)..

That being said I prefer the leaf blower/air compressor method for removing the majority of water, and then a wipe down w/ a clean cotton towel afterward.

 

[Joe Dirt]

From Mike Phillips, who was one of the Meg's factory guys, and now is at Autogeek:

Good quality microfiber polishing cloths tend to be safer to use as far as instilling scratches into scratch-sensitive finishes like clear coats. That said, each wiping cloth, (cotton towels and microfibers), has it's place in the car care world.

For example, if I'm compounding a car, I will tend to use cotton towels to remove the residue. As I work my way through the polishing process, I switch over to microfiber polishing cloths to prevent instilling towel scratches. At the compounding step, I find the nap of a good quality towel helps to break up the compound/paint residue on the finish helping me to remove it quickly and thoroughly with less effort. I know that any towel inflicted scratches I may put in with a towel will be removed with the next process, and that's application of a cleaner/polish. After this step, I will tend to switch over to microfiber for the rest of the process.

Again, I'm not saying you're wrong, 13Sport- I use them sometimes on my truck, but with a very light hand. I just wouldn't avoid saying that anything you dry with will swirl or scratch paint depending on pressure or condition of the substrate, including cotton.

 

[13Sport]

Again, I'm not saying you're wrong, 13Sport- I use them sometimes on my truck, but with a very light hand. I just wouldn't avoid saying that anything you dry with will swirl or scratch paint depending on pressure or condition of the substrate, including cotton.

Yeah man, I don't disagree w/ anything you said I find from personal experience that microfiber just doesn't absorb water very well, so I end up leaving streaks, etc. Wholeheartedly agree with the statement that ANYTHING can swirl/scratch if used incorrectly

 

[Joe Dirt]

Oh yeah- IMHO, microfiber sucks for water. The waffle weave towels are incredible though.

I won't even use micros on my cars, they just push water around, not absorb it.