[Timgt5]

How to clean and wax a car

I recently posted some pics of my 2000 Acura and some folks asked me how I kept it clean. I thought as a bit of public service to the forum I would post my methods. I hope you guys find this information of use.

Supplies Needed:

Bucket
Car Wash Mitt
Car Wash Concentrate
Meguiars Degreaser

If you cannot wash your car at home nix the above and have lots of quarters instead

“Drying” Blade (this is a plastic squeegee like device found in the carwash section)
Chamois (The artificial “Absorber” is the best for the money)
2 Shop towels (For very grimy areas)

Meguiars “Hot Shine” for tires
Armor all “Ultra Shine” (if you have plastic wheel covers)
Mothers aluminum wheel polish (if you have aluminum or chrome finish wheels)
Meguiars Clay Bar Kit
Meguiars Cleaner/polish wax
Meguiars Paste Wax (Nu Tech line is great!)
6 Microfiber cloths

Climate conditions, you will want to wax with temperature between 60-75 degrees, spring and fall are the best times of the year with less direct sunlight.

Step 1. Clean and dry the car:

Start by spraying your wheels with the degreaser, let it sit while you work on the rest of the car. Rinse the car thoroughly first before applying car wash. Apply the concentrate and water make sure the car stays wet at all times (Warning: NEVER USE OTHER HOUSEHOLD CLEANING PRODUCTS ON YOUR CAR) scrub thoroughly and rinse, if your car is very dirty, do it twice. Use the shop towel to scrub the wheels and then spray the degreaser off. Rinse the rest of the car taking your time and get all of the soap off of it.

Once the rinsing is complete, use the “blade” first, this tool will save a lot of time and prevent “water spots” on the paint. Start with the roof, then the trunk and hood, and finally the sides. Once that is finished, pick up the remaining moisture with the clean “chamois” make sure to wipe down the insides of the doors. Thoroughly dry the car; this is critical for the next step. Finish up by using the second shop towel on the wheels only. This will keep the chamois clean and help it last longer.

Step 2. Surface Prep and Trim:

The car is ready for the next step, if you have plastic wheel covers and they are completely dry use the armor-all ultra shine on them. Then the Hot Shine on the tires. If you have aluminum wheels use the Mothers Polish and not the ultra shine, just follow the directions on the package. Finish with hot shine on the tires.

Once you complete the tires, it is time to get the car ready for waxing, and that is where the claybar kit comes in. Your goal is to create the smoothest cleanest surface possible before applying wax. The Kit has a bar of clay similar to modeling clay. Clay has the ability to lift embedded tar, sap and other particles in the clear coat of your car’s finish. Take it section by section spray the detailer that comes with the clay bar, then gently rub the bar over the moistened surface, follow by drying the area off. If the car was really dirty you may need to do this step twice.

**IMPORTANT: NEVER WIPE THE CLAY OVER A DRY SURFACE; THIS WILL DAMAGE YOUR PAINT!!

Once you are finished, the car should feel very smooth to the touch, you have a blank canvas on which to create a beautiful finish.

Step 3. Waxing.
If possible you will want to avoid doing this process in direct sunlight. Start with the Cleaner/Wax. Take the car in sections, apply with one clean microfiber cloth, and take off with another. Avoid using a circular motion to cut out “spiderweb” scratches. Once this step is complete go back over the cart with the dry cloth and make sure you wipe down any spots you missed. One coat of this is sufficient. You car should be reflective and shiny at this point.

Next up will be the application of the Paste Wax. The function of this stuff is to add a solid form of protection to your finish that will last for a long time. Think of it as a suit of amour for your paint. Use the applicator included in the box, work slowly in a similar pattern you used previously. Take off the excess with another microfiber cloth. You do not want to let this wax sit on the surface too long before using the cloth or it will become difficult to wipe down. Like before, once complete go back over the finish with your dry cloth making sure to get anything you may have missed previously.

***I have a cautionary word about electric buffers. These can be great tools but be very careful. If you have not used one of these before, I strongly recommend inviting over someone who has successful experience with a buffer, to come and help you the first time you use it.***

This should have your car looking much better than before. Wash the car at least 2X a month and it should stay very shiny for at least 6 months or so. Then repeat the process. March/April and then September are a good set of months to use for waxing. .

[possum220]

I pay you to do that................... when can you come over???

Cash or Credit??

Possum

PS - No Joke

[Timgt5]

ha ha, does that include air fare??

[possum220]

Ummmmm No. lols

But it does include meals and a bed....

Possum