Hello, I've recently bought my car a couple of months ago and actually went through 2 automatic car washes. I know that was a bad decision... so I need help getting started with products/routine.
I know everyone here has a monthly routine they use and if you could help me out that would be a big help for me. I was thinking of washing my car every 2 weeks or so? Any input would be great! I also did read up on the Autopia site to get started on how to wash the car.

 

Welcome aboard. Where to start? To begin with, the basic detailing process consists of:

1. Washing - removes road film, dirt, debris and contamination from the vehicle's surface. Refer to this thread . Most of the members wash on a weekly basis, depending on location and environment. Every 7-10 days I feel would be sufficient. You chould also follow with a QD (Quick Detailer) product such as DG Aquawax.
2. Claying - removes imbedded particulates (brake dust, rail dust, industrial fallout) from the painted surface. Highly recommended if not been done before. See this thread on [URL=https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=261254]claying[/URL. I would recommend doing this 2X a year preferably when doing a complete exterior detail. I do it before the winter months and then again during spring.
3. Polishing - removes/corrects minor surface defects such as swirls, scratches and oxidation while providing reflectivity and gloss to the painted surface. Refer to Autopia's "How To Polish Paint" article. Polishing should be done 2X a year to rejuvenate the paint or when surface defects continue to be more visible.
4. Sealing - protects what you just previously accomplished namely the painted surface of your vehicle. You can use a natural (Carnuba) or synthetic wax (most polymers provide durability and longevity). "How To Wax Your Car" ..... Apply a selant/wax 6-8 weeks. This will prolong the initial layer of protection up to 6 months, maybe longer.

As far as products go, you can view this thread and get an idea of what AZiners prefer. The majority of these products are available from online detailing sites listed here. We also have an authorized vendor where a good number of the members purchase their detailing needs. Click here. Finally, if you have questions about detailing, please do post them here. There are a number of very knowledgeable and helpful members that will offer their input as well as provide guidance and assistance. Hopefully, I've covered some of the facets on detailing and I'm sure the other guys will provide further input on the topic.

 

Ideally, what you would like to do is apply additional protection after every wash. Spray sealants are a great way to minimize effort, and maximize protection. They also serve as protectants for your base coat.
Try to lightly polish twice annually, and alternate between polish and paint cleaning. In other words, polish in the Winter, clean in the Spring, polish for Summer, clean for Autumn. The differences between the two are a polish minimizes light swirls, and cleans paint. Paint cleaners only clean the paint via chemicals and attrition.
Clay as needed, but you shouldnt need it more then twice a year.

 

Alright, so if I read this correctly..

Polishing and Claying 2x a year (Spring/Winter)
Wax every 6-8 weeks
And should I use a QD or a Spray Sealant after every wash?

So my basic every week wash would be:
Wash/Dry
QD or Spray Sealant
Tires/Rims
Interior/Windows

Am I missing anything? I need a basic every week routine you guys use. Thanks.

 

Regarding claying, thats only if needed twice a year.
You can use a QD between washes to maintain that just washed look.
But I would definetely use a spray sealant after every wash, that will maintain whatever sealant/wax your using as your base sealant.
Tires, you dont have to necessarily "clean" with every wash. If you do that, your stripping them of protective oils. I would recommend just wiping clean, then reapplying your protectant....

 

Is UPP used more as a sealant or a wax?

 

UPP is a pure sealant. And the best I have used to date. Its so easy to use, and so rewarding, you can use it as often a a wax, although monthly apps (as a wax would require) is not necessary.