First of all I must say, I HATE swirl marks. I have had my TL for 11 months now, and am thankful to say, there are no swirls on it yet. However I have not waxed it either.

I know I need to wax the car, but am scared that I will do it wrong and end up swirling my car. What waxes are good and what are ones to avoid. I don't want some el cheapo wax, but one that gets good results.

Also what are the steps for waxing and getting great results?

I also have a meguairs dual action polisher, that I haven't used since I got the TL.

Thanks.

 

What are you waiting for !!??
Start here........

 

Intresting since most swirls will come from washing and drying.

Throwing a coat of wax on wont hurt anything, but it will hurt if you never do. So, do it up...

 

Yup! Better late than never. Do not wait. Just do it.

 

Start by going through the link exceldetail gave you. Just make sure the car is clean before applying the wax. Do it now, it'll be better for the paint rather than waiting and worrying about it.

 

Go for it. With the proper gear and techniques, they can be minimized. I have an AM also and thought I didn't have any, but closer inspection revealed some very fine webbing. A little polish (PB PP) on a polishing pad took care of that. You can also check Autopia's "How To" library located towards the bottom of the page for more info regarding car care. Just curious tho, have you done anything to maintain the finish in the 11 months you had it?

Now is the time for a detail, before the winter season sets in. Clean, polish, seal and top it. With the right products and washes in between, you should be good to go for 4-6 months. As far as products go, run a search to see what products the members are using on their TLs. BTW, there are numerous threads regarding car care and a bunch of knowledgeable folks can help you get through it.

 

The best advice I could give is to wash the car perfectly before waxing. No dust no stains, nothing. That will cause the swirls. Use a good applicator and moisten it slightly. If you are really scared, then, and I hate to say this, apply more wax than normal. It will take longer to dry and in some cases won't dry (i.e Zaino in cooler temperatures) but the greater amount acts as a lubricant on the applicator which minimizes the threat of swirls further. Honestly, even if you get them, a proper polish and application will remove it.

 

Too much product can result in uneccessary and additional wiping, which could result in marring......Use the appropriate amount. Anything that dries, is a waste anyway......

 

I've had some bad experiences with "too much product". Most people I know had their problems (scratches and marring) that started with applying too much. With Klasse AIO, I used merely a "quarter-sized" amount at the most. The lubricating issue can be resolved with a spray QD like Meg's #34 Final Inspection that worked liked a charm especially with foam pads on a DA polisher or by foam applicator by hand.

 

If you have been washing/drying it for 11 months and have no swirls, I'm sure you can manage to wax without getting any, your much more likely to get swirls when washing (the car has dirt on it) than waxing (the car has no dirt on it)

 

since you have not waxed your car you should also consider claying the car. it will remove all the dirt washing alone can't get to.

 

With all the info that's been provided, have you waxed yet? Some pics would be cool.

 

LoL not yet, I plan to try to wax this weekend if its not too cold outside. wish me luck

 

Dude. we're pullin' for ya and we do wanna see you succeed ..... and most of all we wanna see the finished product. When you get done, you're gonna say to yourself, "I should've done this a long time ago!"

 

I would definitely do clay first, (after washing) at least on the horizontal areas like the trunk, hood, and roof, this will clean the paint better than just soap can, and will leave your paint as smooth as glass.
even brand new cars have airborn pollutants and particles fall on the paint from the docks, factory, and in shipping that soap will not remove.

then either use a sealent wax for longer term protection. carnauba waxes bring out dark colors better but do not last as long as the new sealants. I've used both and just top with carnauba, looks deeper on a dark car.
What color TL?? oh I see it's anthracite like my car.

Good luck, it seems crazy to me to not wax, there can be more damage done by not protecting the paint with wax from the sun damage and chemical pollutants and most paint damage is done by washing and drying than waxing. swirl marks can be removed, sun damage and chemicals can be permanent.