I searched the posts and couldn't find a good answer, so I submit to the experts...

Took delivery of my new Black TSX about three weeks ago and love it. I live in Arizona where it is ALWAYS dusty, and mostly really hot and sunny. I don't feel like I need to have a spotless car at all times (unrealistic for my schedule) but I would like to, at the very least, make sure I take care of the finish due to the climate I live in. I guess what I am looking for is a schedule for waxing/polishing etc... for a fairly severe climate.

I am not really too interested in polishing/waxing my car every month unless it is absolutely required, but if there is no way this will keep the finish looking good long term, I guess I could adjust. Any thoughts on a schedule? Also, if anyone knows of a good detailing outfit in Tucson, I am all ears, as I don't have an orbital or anywhere to use it.

So, how often should I use quick detail type products, how often for the waxing, how often for the polishing based on the fact that I live in a location a bit closer to fusion than most? Thanks, you guys are great!

 

Hey man... Congrats on the new ride. I have an NBP '05 TL and, although my climate isn't quite as harsh, am kinda in the same "frame of mind" as you... Might I suggest the following:

http://www.properautocare.com/blacnewcarki.html

Without going into great detail (as I know you can read) I've decided to use this product for a bunch of reasons. While the look might not be quite as stunning as carnuba, the protection offered (and duration between applications) is fantastic, espectially for darker cars. It is important to remove any old wax prior to application, but after that one time, you're good to go. Where I am, I typicall carnuba every 3-6 weeks depending on schedule and weather. With this I am expecting to be able to go 3 months at least...

Check out the site and read up... There's plenty of good info there (as well as here on the forum)...

For your interior, I feel comfy saying that alot of us would recomend 303, which that site also sells for your detailing pleasure. It'll keep you dash nice and buttery even in that 120 degree DRY heat. ROFL

 

At a minimum, alternate details every season (clay, polish, seal every summer and Winter) protect with a good Polymer like Blackfire or Four Star Ultimate Paint Protectant. Spring and fall months go with a paint cleaning and Polymer . Definetly 303 for interior, you need serious UV protection out there.

 

Thanks for the great info on the exterior. The link is great. I have tint on all of the windows except the windshield, so won't that block a majorityof the UV rays? I thought the reason you couldn't get a tan in a glass house was because glass blocked almost all of the UV rays? Is 303 available retail as well? Who makes it?

 

Everyone must be pondering the best way to tell me I am at the lower end of the IQ scale....

 

Yeah, you can buy almost all of 303's products at Boaters World or West Marine and a few other boating supply stores.

 

Most of us were noobs at some point in our life. 4 months ago I had no clue what it took to keep a car looking nice. Now I have a 1/3 of a clue.

 

So,I am still wondering about the UV penetration of glass. If I can't get a tan in a glass room, how is UV going to affect the inside of my car? Is there just not enough UV to change live human skin, but enough to damage dead cow skin?

 

Well... Even if only 5% of that UV gets through, and you, as a person, would be burned in 30 mins... Well, at that 5%, your car would be burned in just 10 hours... Times how many days a month, etc....

(POOR analogy... BUT...)

My point being, especially where you live!!!, would be to take the most precautions you possibly can. From everything I've read here and elsewhere, that 303, with some good tint, should keep your dash and vinyl in tip top shape. I use Megs for my leather, although others here use... Lexel I do believe... (correct me if I'm wrong)

Either should do it up nice. Important thing is to keep up on it and use a quality product.

 

Ace Hardware sells 303 in AZ.

I'm not sure about the UV stuff, I just use it because it keeps the dash and trim looking clean.

 

Lexol... thats what I use. Great stuff, you can find it at most carwashes. For some reason I haven't been able to find it at Autozone or any of the other auto parts/supplies stores out here.

I tried the Meguiars, but it got gunked up in the perforations on the seats and then dried in there and left little white spots everywhere.

 

BINGO. Think I might switch to the Lexol here soon... Most of the lil white spots have gone away, but for the ones that didn't??? How did you get rid of them???

Also, as I have recently used the Megs on my front seats, is it bad to use the Lexel soon thereafter? If so, how long to wait do you think?

 

Thanks for the good info. I will buy some Lexol soon, I saw it at Pep Boys. Anyone in AZ know where I can get some 303 retail? (or a what is a GOOD alternate?)

 

I net ordered the 303 from ProperAutocare.com (in Tampa I think) along with my Blackfire kit, but before I got that I used Lexol VinylEx (which comes in a blue spray bottle)... It too, is supposed to be very good at taking care of surfaces. A few friends of mine use it exclusively. I now use it for under the hood trim and my tires sometimes.

The reason I got this first over 303... They had it at Pep Boys...

From 303's site, find a retailer near you!!! (Although the "places near me" didn't have it.)

http://www.303products.com/main.php?...retailersearch

Here's some additional info as well:

http://www.properautocare.com/lex1215.html
http://www.autogeek.net/lexsprayvin.html
http://www.superiorcarcare.net/lexsprayvin.html

Hope all this helps!

 

pep boys in AZ didn't have the 303 when I looked and neither did ACE hardware, I got the lexol from Pep Boys. I was thinking of trying a boating store to see if they have the 303.

 

I don't care what EVERYBODY else says about you guys, I think you rock. All jokes aside, I think I am going to get some 303 from the Spa place listed on the website as a retailer (thanks DarkWraith33 for the link) and use Lexol for the leather to avoid the white gunk. Guess I will keep the Megs leather wipes for emergencies, and give the ArmorAll wipes to some new mother to use as baby wipes... Thanks again for the great info.