I have a new Carbon Grey '05 TSX, and need help with starting a washing & waxing system.
I've read a ton of threads in the forum, and am a bit overwhelmed about all the products and processes out there- washing, waxing, claying, detaling, etc...
Generally speaking, what do I need to do to keep my new looking new and well-protected- from the start. I've have my car for about 3 weeks and haven't done anything to it (then again, I haven't been driving it much- it's still pretty clean!)
I'm willing to set aside time each month to do this. I just don't want a multiple-step process (like more than 3 steps!) Is this unreasonable? Quick and easy would be good.
More info- I live in (mostly) sunny So. Cal, and my car is garaged at both work & home.
Info on products, and timeline (how often to wax, clay(?)) would be helpful.
THANKS!

 

http://autopia-carcare.com/how-to.html <-- Try this site. This link has pretty much on all the how to's to take care of your car inside and out.

Basically since your car is new I would do the following.

1. Wash (NXT wash is pretty cheap and a good wash)
2. Clay (is needed to remove any fallout and rail dust even though it is new. (any claybar kit is pretty good Mothers, ClayMagic)
Since you probably dont have much swirls or defects I would buy a paint cleanser.
3. Klasse AIO, P21S GEPC are some that I use for paint cleansers.
4. Wax/Sealant with so many to choose from. Personally I use Collinite #845 IW wax. VERY VERY EASY to use with great durabilty and great looks.

Steps one through four I listed are only needed maybe twice a year.

I would wash weekly if possible, wax maybe once a month or once every two months. (this is to help keep the vehichle looking its best. )

You will want to invest in some quality products for your normal washing. A good sheepskin wash mitt, and a micro fiber Waffle weave towel for drying. The key part of minimizing swirls that you could induce is to learn the proper technique.

Just read the link I posted above and it has pretty much all the info you will need!

Here are some pics from over the summer after I polished my car. I did this when after all the reading of posts and info on Autopia.org Now im a detailing addict

 

Feel free to post any questions or Pm me. But take my suggestion of reading the info with the link I posted. Oh btw, congrats on the new car! I love how the TSX looks, if it had the 3.2V6 engine in it I would be on it like white on rice! Nice car, just keep it looking that way!

 

Sharp car, Bluecls!
THanks for the advice. I'm gonna try it out this weekend.

 

Spend a few bux on quality items, decide whether or not you will buy locally (Walmart, Autozone, Kmart etc...) or make your purchases online. Online has better choices, and along with that, quality is much better. Larger retailers are limited with who can provide the best deal for what they will carry, as well as profit margin. Im sure your aware that Meguairs makes great products as well as Mothers and some others. There are other products, as good and better, available online.
You also need to decide if you want to go the Polymer route or Carnauba route. Theres advantages to both, i personally prefer polymers for my own cars as well as clients. The two are so close in appearance these days (Quality Carnauba vs quality Polymer) its really a matter or durability for me, and i need to insure my clients that they have lasting protection, thats not going to melt off 4 weeks from now. You can always have the best of both and apply a polymer, and top with a carnauba as many, many do.
Necessities:
1 or 2 buckets to start with. (3.5 to 5 gl)
consider a gritguard also in the future
Pure sheepskin washmitt
Wax safe auto soap
Wheel brush
Tire brush
Waffle weave drying towel
at least 1/2 dozen microfiber towels
Clay kit (twice a yr)
**Paint cleaner
**polish
wax/sealant (**Fourstar, Blackfire, NXT, Mothers now has a poly also)
vinyl/rubber protectant
303 protectant (protects everything practically)
Glass cleaner (Stoners invisible glass)
Instant detailer (Clearkote Quikshine, Meguiars, Mothers, many choices!)

Im sure theres something i left out!

 

What are some good online sites that carry automotive care products?

 

www.autogeek.net
www.premiumautocare.com

These two are where I buy almost 95% of my products. BOth have great customer service. I like these two sites Because they carry a very large variety of products. Get ready to get the wallet out. It gets addictive.

 

) Good advice from my fellow autopian, 01bluecls.

 

What's the benefit of using a waffle weave microfiber towel for drying vs. a regular microfiber towel?

Also, is a chamois (natural or synthetic) bad for drying?

 

The waffle weaves dont have any nap, the towel itself is much thicker and heavier duty, and generally much larger. Even without this nap it still has the ability to grab and hide debris should you have some left after washing. It will absorb about 7 times its weight. Chamois do not have that ability, nor the ability to hide bits if debris, not to mention chamois werent/arent the easiest to use.