I got my 04 AM TL last week and she needs her first wash. First, I was wondering if there was anything different I should do since it is a new car? Since the finish hasn't been messed up by a previous owner, I wan't to keep it in brand new condition.

Also, do I need to wait to wax/zaino it? I've read some different arguments about waiting when you get a new car.

Thanks,
-Brandon

 

Congrats on your new TL
Get yourself some good quality "tools",like wash mitts, brushes, towels, etc.
Look into Clay for your car.

You don't have to wait to wax/zaino it. The paint is cured since it's been a few months from the factory to you.

Here's some great articles on the basics.
www.bettercarcare.com

 

Thanks for the response. I just ordered a Big Blue Waffle Weave MF towel from pakshak that I'll use. When can/should I first zaino the car?

Thanks,
-Brandon

 

You're welcome.
The dealer probably put something on the car. Some kind of wax or sealant. So you can ride that out until it dies or start now with the Zaino. I would do Zaino now, but that's me.
Pakshak's towels are Great !!! The BB WW MF towel is great for drying !

 

is the big blue 2 worth the extra money? it goes for around 25 bucks and big blue for around 17 bucks. I know the big blue 2 has silk edges so it doesn't scratch.

Thanks

 

You should look up the prices the ExcelDetail has for his products. He posts on here frequently and has a website "exceldetail.com". I have and use his towel products. Don't spend the $25 for a towel when you can get it for $8!!

 

You can Zaino anytime - just skip the dawn wash :lol great job on getting the WW to dry with !!! No scratches!!

 

Why would I skip the dawn wash??

 

Curtis, thanks for the positive input, much appreciated! As for the Dawn wash, totally unecessary...Any reason why your using Zaino ? Also, when your washing any vehicle, its a great idea to use products that come reccommended from reputable sources. May I reccommend using Pure Australian Washmitts ? Also, good idea, dry with Waffle Weaves, dont overspend whoever you decide to purchase from! Also use a surface friendly wash product, NXT Car wash is very nice......

 

You say the dawn wash is not necessary, then what soap should I wash my car with? Dawn is probably cheaper than any car wash soap.

I am probably going to go with Zaino because with every car I have owned, on every message board, Zaino has been the most talked about detail product. The price really isn't that bad. The entire kit is about $85. If you get cheaper stuff seperately, it will still add up to $50 or so. The extra $35 is nothing when you're talking about a $35,000 investment. I may be mistaken though. I have no experience with detailing products. In the past I've used the manual car washes and wal-mart towels to dry; so this is all new to me and I welcome any input and/or advice.

Thanks,
-Brandon

 

Cheaper than Dawn is mix 50% alcohol and 50% water and wipe down the car - this will get the surface clean for Zaino. I think you answered your own question - why would you wash your 35000 car with dish soap meant to cut grease and oils when it's the oils in your paint that make it glossy, the oils in your tires that keep them from oxidizing, the oils in your trim that keep is soft and black...

 

Well i wont try to disuade your use of Zaino, I have never used it, just havent heard as many good things about it, as i have of many other products. Z away! IMO, the only reason Dawn is recommended, and recommended by one individual is its cleaning ability, and thats about it. It seriously strips! Keep in mind it doesnt stop at paint surfaces, it does remove natural oils from vinyl, rubber, plastics...ANYWAY...Spend a few bucks on some quality microfiber, and waffle weave towels, they will make your life easier while using that Z also....Also, consider sheepskin washmitts...Go with a reputable car wash that doesnt strip wax/sealants. Stay away from the corner car washes! Do it yourself!

 

Thanks for the response. I checked out your site and wish I would have seen it yesterday. I already bought a WW microfiber towel from somewhere else. I think I may buy those mits though, they look really handy. What soap would you reccomend for weekly washes?

Thanks,
-Brandon

 

Any goog car wash will do just fine (well okay stay away from the wash and wax kind).
Off the Shelf Meguairs Gold Class or Deep Crystal -

If you got the Zaino kit I think it comes with a car wash - that should be just fine!

 

Always next time Brandon.....As said, any reputable wash, and by a familiar name should do just fine.....Stay away from that "goog" wash though !

 

- I use it before I zaino :lol