Protecting a relatively new car

xabi · 30-10-2015 2:39pm #1

My wife got a new car recently, well, a 6 months old ex demo. It had been machine polished and waxed before we took delivery and the paint looks amazing on it. Whats the best way to continue to care for it now after washing?

Curran · 30-10-2015 2:48pm

First and foremost....
Wash it using the Two Bucket Method, with a good quality microfiber wash mitt, and pH neutral shampoo. Dry it with a good quality microfiber drying towel.

Doing that alone will keep the paintwork in tip top shape.

If not already, the wax, assuming it was wax, will start to show signs of being on its last legs, you will need to apply a fresh coat to keep the deep glossy look.

A cars paintwork begins to look bad when swirls and defects start to appear in the paintwork; so your priority should be to wash and dry it correctly!

xabi · 30-10-2015 2:51pm

Thanks,

At what stage is it likely to want another polish? What wax would you recommend?

Curran · 30-10-2015 3:09pm

When it needs a polish is directly associated to how well you care for.
Wash it 10 times in a brush wash in a day and it will need polishing that evening to return it to how it looked that morning, due to the damage inflicted in the brush wash. The damage dulling the overall appearance due to swirling.

If you care for it well, anything up to 2 to 3 years. But you may decide that a light polish wold be nice to enhance the appearance and return it to its full potential.

What colour is the car. Wax may not be the best choice. Wax is usually best suited to darker colours and sealant ts to lighter colours...but there is no harm going against that, it's just that it will look that little bit better.

xabi · 30-10-2015 3:12pm

Its black

Curran · 30-10-2015 3:50pm

Generally a wax will be best suited to black; as a rule of thumb, however the offset is that it won't be as durable as a sealant.

Chemical Guys Pete's 53 is a nice paste wax. Easy to apply and buff, reasonably durable too.

If you are looking for something that punches well above its weight in terms of price is Collinite 845; which will be a bit more durable than the Pete's.

There is no harm in using a sealant too; especially coming into the winter given its extra durabilty.

There are so many factors when choosing protection; durability, appearance, ease of application and removal, beading (some people love it) and of course price.

xabi · 30-10-2015 6:33pm

Are you saying I can use a sealant on top of the wax or instead? Great advice, thanks very much.

Curran · 30-10-2015 6:50pm

Instead!

Some people like to use both, but it's not needed. Sealant first with Wax on top if doing both.

Protecting a relatively new car

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