Hi,

My wife and I just bought a 2013 RDX with graphite exterior and parchment interior. I was hoping to get some general advice on products for washing and waxing the exterior and for cleaning and conditioning the interior.

I would like to use the best products available at a reasonable cost and effort level. My wife has several Zymol products and I was wondering how they stack up. She has:

1. Zymol auto wash (natural concentrate)
2. Zymol cleaner wax (original formula)
3. Zymol leather cleaner (glycerin enriched spray)
4. Zymol leather conditioner (creme)

Unless these products are below average, we might just stick with them, except that I don't think I want to use a creme on the perforated leather (won't it clog up the little holes?). On the other hand, we could just continue to use these Zymol products on our other car (2000 Camry) and we could buy new products for the RDX.

I'd really appreciate suggestions for what products to use on our new car, as well as any secrets on how to apply them.

Thanks!

Gregg

 

go over to the wash annd wax section....good info over there. also...check out autogeek or detailer's domain.

from your list i don't see a true sealant or wax. there are plenty of good products. it all depends on what you want out of the product (durability, ease of use, price etc). you can get pretty anal and OCD about this stuff so determine how much effort you plan of putting into caring for your new ride.

congrats on the new RDX BTW.

 

Thanks for the tip.

I spent a while at the wash and wax section. It looks like I could spend years there. It all looks fairly overwhelming. Maybe I'll start by learning how to properly wash my car. Then later I can worry about how to clay, polish, wax, and protect it.

Do you have any favorite brands of products?

Thanks,

Gregg

 

^^of course.

klasse twins, optimum products, collinite, poor boy's...meg's pro line, aerospace 303, to name a few

i researched a lot for the ones i use. i look at quality, value and durability.

a lot of guys use the zaino system. price per ounce is on the higher end. most of the higher quality products aren't found OTC. autogeek has a lot of DIY vids and instructionals....you could spend all day there.

for wash...two bucket system with grit guards. easiest way to wash...ONR (no rinse wash). use lots of microfibers to dry (make sure they are clean). you can never have too many microfibers. i have a huge plastic tub of them (different plushness for different applications).

 

Thanks for the advice. Wow, I sure have a lot to learn! I don't even know what the 2 bucket system is. Why two buckets? Does one contain only plain water and one have something added to it?

And what is ONR?

Thanks again,

Gregg

 

Using two buckets minimizes the risk of scratching paint with dirt.
First rinse car well.
Use 2 buckets, one with clean water only, one with auto detergent, wash a small section with microfiber mitt, rinse mitt in bucket with water only, rinse, wash another section, clean mitt in water, rinse, repeat till done. Mitt will collect dirt as you wash, you want to keep wash bucket and mitt clean, hence the second bucket to rinse the mitt, and keep dirt out of the wash bucket.

 

ONR is short for Optimum No Rinse solutions. They currently have two variants. One is the ONR Wash and Shine and the other is the ONR Wash and Wax. As the name suggests, it doesn't require the traditional rinsing that you do with the regular car wash. Both solutions have very good reviews. In fact, I just washed my MDX yesterday using the ONR Wash and Shine solution. I used a total of 12 microfiber towels. I also used a separate drying towel (Meguiar's water magnet microfiber drying towel).

 

Thanks for explaining the 2 bucket approach and for defining ONR.

I visited several local auto supply stores today (Advance Auto, Pep Boys, Auto Zone, CarQuest), as well as Target and Walmart. Of the brands mentioned in some of the threads I've seen, the only ones I found on the shelves were Meguiars and Mothers. If I had to pick between these two, is one recommended over the other?

Even looking only at Meguiars and Mothers, there were so many versions of each type of product that I still could not figure out which items to get. If anyone would like to compose a list of the basic products I need to get started, either in the Meguiars brand or the Mothers brand, I'd sure appreciate it.

After I figure out how to do all of this, then I might venture into ordering other brands online.

One more question: are all of the various microfiber towels and mitts about the same, or should I be looking at certain brands of those as well?

Thanks,

Gregg

 

Well, I bit the bullet today and ordered some Optimum No Rinse Wash & Wax (from AutoGeek), based on TLtrigirl's recommendation, along with a pair of Grit Guards.

I also bought a bunch of microfiber towels at the local Advance Auto, along with a lamb's wool wash mitt, a microfiber wash pad, Mother's California Gold Synthetic Wax, and Mother's California Gold Clay Bar System.

I hope this is a good start.

Gregg

 

^^IF the car happens to get disgusting gross...do a regular hose and soap wash.

watch the you tube vids on the ONR system. DO NOT scrub at the paint. literally just go over a panel with one or two passes...dunk in rinse, then dunk in wash bucket...continue always making sure the wash mitt is plenty soaked.

use left over wash water to wash the wheels. clay bar only needs to be done maybe once or twice a year. i'll assume you've read some of the info on autogeek. what you bought is a good start. when you feel more adventuresome, you can add to your collection depending on how OCD you want to be with the appearance of you car.

one other thing...DO NOT let the dealer wash your car after service...EVER.

 

Aww...I usually make sure the vehicle is really dirty when I take it in so I get that 'free' wash

I'll admit, they usually do the minimum, but "DO NOT...EVER"? How else are we to feel the 'valued customer' vibe when we take the car in for service?(I don't drink coffee, so I can't speak to the quality of the free cafe).

Mine's almost a year old and 'needs' a clay and wax; but a lease is only going to get SO MUCH attention from me. The Volvo C70 gets a bit more TLC; but I'll admit the RDX is being treated more as an appliance than a thing of beauty(NOT that it couldn't be BOTH). We've got another week of schlepping stuff from the former large residence to the much smaller townhouse...I'll get that clay and wax on the RDX to celebrate completing the move!(AND that 'zero' birthday later this week)

 

^^I feel valued in other ways. i don't eat nor drink their complimentary "goodies".

You only get the free wash if you also like the free dealer installed swirl option on your paint. My cars are ALWAYS freshly washed BEFORE i take them in for service and i look over the entire vehicle before leaving with a bottle of detail spray and a microfiber. anal? yes... my dealer knows this about me. it gives them a good giggle.

 

I'm with TLtrigirl. At the dealer where I bought my 2010 RDX, I learned that Free wash = custom paint swirls. Never let them wash it after the first time. However, I did partake in the free coffee and bottled water until I determined that I received better service at a lower price from my Honda dealer.

 

But...but...but...I thought the custom paints swirls were distinctive...no two are alike!

Actually, I've only been to the Acura service dept once since the initial PDI and tint install. The 6k service included a darned nice wash, vac and de-dust. Not sure if our Acura folks use a swirly or not. Our Volvo is a quick wipe-down and dry...sometimes looks a little dirtier AFTER service than before! It's not their strong suit; but they will give the vehicle a little more attention when asked.

Back in '07/'08 the our Lexus dealer in Atlanta had to quit with the 'free' washes during the severe drought. Austin could be headed that way!.

 

I personally highly recommend the chemical guys leather cleaner & conditioner, especially the conditioner.

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Leather_...ioner_s/14.htm

 

I have had great success with Leatherique, I used it twice a year on my last car (Volvo) and the leather looked brand new after 8 years, it comes with a Rejuvinator and Pristene clean. Let the Rejuvinator soak in on a hot day for the entire day, then use the Pristene clean. In between deep cleanings, just use the Pristene clean. It is amazing stuff. The leather stays soft and won't crack. If you want the best, IMO, this is it.

 

I have been using thier products now for 8 years check out Griot's garage. I use them for both the outside and inside of my cars.

 

Zaino as was mentioned earlier. Not sure on the price arguments, key is using the product (Z2-Pro) sparingly. 1 ounce can do a whole car. Also, outcome is tremendous, and it lasts, especially if you layer multiple coats. I personally don't think anything beats zaino for gloss and protection, but the look isn't for everyone. I posted something a while back on a group that reviewed a number of products and zaino came out way ahead. I've use griots, zymol, maguires, etc., but all Zaino the last decade or so. They do a nice leather care product and a good tire product.

Griots also has good products in these categories (leather and tires) as well. Griots hand polish took care of a nasty bird dropping issue with no trace afterwards. I also use griots wheel cleaner, good stuff. Their general cleaner and vinyl protector do well on interiors. Be careful though with griots, they describe many items as being almost proprietary, but you can get the same items cheaper at auto geeks. - brushs, towels, etc. oddly, you can also get some of their stuff more cheaply on Amazon - gallon sized containers.

Enjoy!!

 

^^^^^ - I couldn't agree more with Sculldog3. I have used nothing by Zaino's on my car and the shine / protection is amazing. I use all of Zaino's products, but with anything, everyone has an opinion on what to use for wax.

 

Adams line of products..pricey but worth it. Two bucks washes are a must. I use a leaf blower to dry my cars as well works great and no scratches.

 

Well, I have used Optimum No Rinse (ONR) Wash & Wax twice now. It was easy to apply and the car looks good.

Just out of curiosity, does washing the windows with this solution help, hurt, or have no effect? I guess what I'm really asking is whether I should clean the glass with something else, after washing the car with ONR Wash & Wax.

Thanks,

Gregg

 

^^if the window is clean...it's clean with the ONR. i use the left over wash water for the wheels and tires. then follow that with 303 on the tires.

for the car i either use optimum spray wax or meg's last touch after the ONR bath.

 

Agreed, the free dealer washes leave a lot to be desired, but I never got the swirl on my paint. I usually use the detail spray and microfiber too.

 

Zaino is good, I recommend it and have used it in the past, but there are other products that come out nearly as good for far less $ , just saying... I have a lot of experience detailing cars.

 

Nearly as good.... call me crazy....but.....

z-2 pro is $15 for 8 oz, good for about 5-6 applications the way I do it. Zaino would suggest you get 8. I haven't mastered the one ounce or less application. I'm just over a year in to the ownership experience on the RDX, and have 10 coats applied, with another 5 or so planned before winter hits. So figure maybe $40 total...on a car I plan to keep and that cost north of $45k out the door. Think it looks pretty amazing, well worth the cost!

For those on the fence, z2-pro, zfx, clay bar can be had for about $60. Clay it once, the zfx lasts a couple bottles of z2, and you'll never look back!

 

I get around 7 applications to the 8 oz bottle of z-2 pro. Zanio is not that expensive compared to other waxes.

You only have 10 coats applied in a year? I have 15 coats in 4 months My plan by the end of the month is to use the remaining 2 bottles of z2 by the end of the month w/zfx.

Sculldog3 - Have you ever used the Z-CS Clear Seal? I'm going to seal the RDX at the end of the month. I was just wondering what to expect after the product is applied.

 

What other products are there? Zaino's is not that expensive to begin with.

 

The Off the shell Zymol product is awful (Not their Pro end), I would highly recommend checking out Pakshak, Detailingdomain, Autogeek, Chemical guys.

Zaino is great product, they have been around for awhile now.. I could tell you that, Their Trim & tire is one my favorite, and I would highly recommend their leather conditioner leaves nice leather scent, but leave little oil flim behind. Their Claybar sucks and if you want to try their sealant make sure you like the Candy shell look.

Here's some steps i do, Picture below, is when i first got my TL back in 11" (Now RDX 14")

Didn't do anything to the car yet "As it receive"
[Spot Check]



waterspot was forming


Tar spot


Birdbomb


adhesive left behind when removing sticker


Brake dust

[Foam Prep]


Used Foam gun mixture of CG CWG Concentrated to Loosen dirt/oil/tar.

[Wheel/tailpipe cleaning]

Pre-soak Wheel/Well with MS SGS

Brake dust loosing up



Agitated With Valuable Brushes



Scrub Tire/Wheel well w/ Mixture of MS SF/SGS


Clean Tailpipe w/ MS SF/SGS


Clean Cracks and Crevices w/ MS SF/SGS

[Wash]

CG CWG Concentrated w/ 2 bucket method


[Claying]

Bilt Hamber Soft w/ ONR Detail spray formula


Nasty


Also did the Badge/tailpipe

[Drying]

Flooded the car to remove much water as can

Used Pakshak WW and Makita Blower get any water left on surface and Crevices

Wheels dried

[Door jams]


Door Jams cleaned with ONR.

[Surface Prep]

I wanted Maximum Nubu glow and bonding, so I choose SV Cleaner fluid.. also it is easier to work with then zymol field glaze
Used 4" white pad with CF by hand :cursing:

After.

[LSP]


I choose Zymol Vintage

Let it sit for 15mins or so


[Trim&Tire Dressing]

Tires, I used my Favorite tire dresser "Zaino Tire Shine"
Wheel well dressed with CG Bare bones


and last Gtech c4.. and WOW the best one i've used so far.. the problem with the other trim dressers was it was to tacky and collected dust... i highly recommend this and try n overlook the price tag. because IMO its worth it!

[Washer fluid/Rubber trim]


My Favorite Einszett Products was used "Kristallklar Premium" & "Gummi Pflege".

[Final Shots] Note: the weather had overcast with dark gray clouds, real bad lighting. so enhance the brightness and contrast to bring out the color.














And Last a Pano shot


Hope this helps, if you have any question feel free to ask.

 

Liquid leather for the, well leather. I use it on my Audi that's done 80k miles and it's like new and stinks of leather

 

Hadn't tried the new zaino all in one type products. While the durability is tempting, especially heading into winter, some reviews on the zaino store site seem to say gloss is better with the z2 pro. For now, figure I'll stick with the z2.

 

I have a bottle of the zaino all in one and never used it. I purchased the bottle for our Nissan Titan. I just use the z2. Now if the weather would play nice, I can finally start waxing my RDX again.

 

TLtrigirl, I notice you're using a car cover. I have a separate post asking about any recommended car covers for a 2014 RDX not driven every day. Would you have any advice to share? Thanks.

 

Applied zaino clear seal over a fresh coat of Z2 Pro. Applied to much, taking a while to dry. Will see what tomorrow brings!

 

I just applied 3 coats of zaino clear seal over Rejex in the past 3 days on both the paint and rims. I can't believe what a difference the clear seal makes. I have been using Z2 but jumped to Rejex for 4 coats just to give the paint a little bit of extra pop.

Did you seal your rims?

 

I've used multiple coats of z2-pro on regular rims (winter tires) and the accessory wheels with the OEM tires. Apply this with the wheels off before the switch, easier to clean them, and I do 3-4 coats, including the inner rim. Will do the clear seal for the winters in the next few weeks.

Still have two bottles of z2, will likely keep using this until I'm out, but the clear seal went on so easily! Wonder how it will layer - you could seemingly do 6-8 coats in a weekend, with most of the time spent on dying time. I'd missed this, but note on the zaino site says ten sprays will do a corvette - I thought I was going sparingly, probably did 30 sprays on the RDX!!

For fellow fanatics, can use this on the lower rocker trim under the doors, and the lower cladding on the rear bumper. Immediately looked better, I wiped the B pillar strips as well, and since it said it could do glass, so I ran this over the sunroof glass as well. I usually rain-x all glass, and will continue with rain-x on all other glass, but you can do the whole roof in one pass with the clear seal. I also did all the inner door jambs.

 

For my diamond cut rims, I did 20 coats of Rejex to bring out the shine. (It could have been more but I lost count) I never used z2 on the rims as I wanted a super slick feel and easy to remove brake dust. I waxed the inner part of the rims with Rejex 3x before I had them mounted on the car. This weekend, I am going to seal the inner part of the rims. Once I was happy with the amount of wax on the rims, I followed up with 3 coats of the Zanos clear seal.

I still have 1 bottle of the z2, which I was going to use until I was out of wax but we still want to add additional coats of wax to our Accord, Titan, and Harley Davidson. Each of those vehicles will be sealed. Have you used the Z6 between the coats of sealant? I did and it made a difference. I plan on using z6 and z8 now that the car has been sealed. I used about 30 sprays the 1st time I did the RDX but the 2nd and 3rd coats was 1/2 of that if not less. You start to learn as you go along on how to do the seal. I also noticed it was easier to just swirl the seal on and to let it dry.

I did the lower rocker trim, lower cladding on the rear bumper, B pillars, silver trim pieces and the grill with the seal. All of my glass and lights are done in Rejex. I did the silver trim pieces / grill with Rejex prior to seal.

Anything on the car that can be exposed to water / snow / salt was sealed.

 

20 coats! I feel less crazy about my own regimen!

I had to wipe down the car with z6 after the overly heavy clear seal application. Car looks awesome. Did a second coat, 14 sprays total, still didn't dry completely and had hazy swirls that I went over again with z6. Learning curve no doubt, less, way less, is the way o go.

Feel zaino owes me a commission for praising their products, but the shine and slipperiness are pretty impressive. Applying the clear seal and then some z6 work is maybe 15-20 minutes tops, with some drying time in between. Figure I'll apply a coat after every wash - truly that easy.

 

I'm going to get some updated photos of my RDX this week after I get another 2 coats of clear seal on the car. After being in the garage for 2 weeks while I was finishing up on waxing / sealing, I have had the car out since.

Sculldog - I'm so happy to see someone going the extra steps to wax / seal their car like me.

 

For anyone on the fence, the zaino clear seal is pretty amazing - takes a little bit to get use to, but 3 cars and 5 coats in, it's worth it. Will aim for 4-5 coats tomorrow before temps start dropping, gets me 8 total heading into Winter.

Any others getting prepped for winter? What are your plans?

 

Well, prepping for the winter in our household means removing some seriously embedded paint transfer My Darling managed to drag off our garage door framing

Any thoughts other than just going at it with a compounding cream? It's strictly on the bumper cover, thank goodness. I have a feeling a new complete cover will be in our future, but I'll take a shot first.