When to wax

[Bill #5 Explorer]

Don't wax it, drive it because soon enough, someone will put a door ding in it, scratch it or fling up a rock which will but a nice ding/chip in your aluminum hood.Otherwise, I really like the Zanio products!

My prior Explorer (I'm on my 4th since 2003) was a 2007 Eddie Bauer and was traded in when I bought the 2011 Limited. With over 120,000 on it, I never had a door ding or any scratches (other than the typical car washing swirls). I think most of this has to do with how and where you park.

As for rock chips, yes, had a few of those. But not too bad. Being up high helps a little. Not so easy to avoid with my Porsches, and much more concerning.

 

[charliez]

What does "claying" mean?

 

[JohnnyO]

What does "claying" mean?

You rub the paint out with a clay bar and a spray lubricant/wax prior to waxing. It does get out the microscopic tar and grit that you can feel but not see. I use the Meguier's kit. I do it once a year, although I wax more than that.

My system:
wash and dry vehicle
rub out sides and rockers with tar remover
clay bar whole vehicle
wax

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

You rub the paint out with a clay bar and a spray lubricant/wax prior to waxing. It does get out the microscopic tar and grit that you can feel but not see. I use the Meguier's kit. I do it once a year, although I wax more than that.

My system:
wash and dry vehicle
rub out sides and rockers with tar remover
clay bar whole vehicle
wax

Close, but no cigar!

Claying is done prior to polishing (paint correction). After the car has been clayed, it needs to be re-washed. Then the polishing is done, and the fianl coat is wax (protectant, synthetic sealant or natural wax like carnuba). You need to clay prior to polishing, as NOT to do more damage (scratching) when rubbing the paint's surface, either by hand or with an orbital machine, for example.

 

[drober30]

My prior Explorer (I'm on my 4th since 2003) was a 2007 Eddie Bauer and was traded in when I bought the 2011 Limited. With over 120,000 on it, I never had a door ding or any scratches (other than the typical car washing swirls). I think most of this has to do with how and where you park.

As for rock chips, yes, had a few of those. But not too bad. Being up high helps a little. Not so easy to avoid with my Porsches, and much more concerning.

That's awesome! The harder I try the worse it gets...