I have read a lot of threads in this area but need more directed information.

I am looking for a good but not great wax that is relatively inexpensive and can be bought at Wal-mart or a regular auto care store. I am not quite the fanatic you guys are but do care that my car is kept in above average shape and looks good. I would prefer the wax to be as easy to use as possible.

Also what all do I really need to do between washes/waxes.

What is the best but most accessible thing to clean my windows with inside and out (there tinted).

Does it really matter what type of soap I use to wash the car with? Does it really matter what I wash the car with? Yet again what is the best for its price and most accessible?


I have one of those blades to get all the excess water off with and am going to buy one of those "Absorber" cloths this week for drying purposes.



My car is not even two weeks old and is a 2006 Silverstone Enthusiast.

 

autopia.com + search = fountain of knowledge

 

http://autopia.org is the correct url.

 

I would recommend Meguair's NXT.

And a 'quick detailer' for between waxing and after washing. I personally use the NXT Speed Detailer. But the Mother's Showtime is good too.

Also, check out my thread on XMT- https://my350z.com/forum/cleaning-and-detailing/191933-xmt-series-from-pinnacle.html

Nothing. Keep the car away from trees and don't drive through mud.


Windex. Or a dry, clean microfiber cloth. And I use NXT on the (outside) windows sometimes too.

Yes. A good soap definitely makes a huge difference. I personally like the Gold Class Shampoo concentrate from Meguiar's.

Those blades are ****- IMO. Get the Absorber and make sure you clean it between uses (or as often as possible). Some people also use leaf blowers to get the water out from wheels, crevices and stripping. I've never tried it.



Misc products you might need:
- microfiber cloths for removing the wax and using the detailing products.
- a nice lambswool wash mit or natural sponge.
- Tire Gel or tire dressing
- Tire Gel Applicator (rubbermaid makes the best one and you can get it at target or on Amazon)
- "Wheel Wax"
- Paint cleanser or glaze

Sweet, man- ENJOY!

 

thanks for the thought out response..


to the other clowns, I didn't sit there and type that for a dumb *** comment from you. if you are to much of a lazy ***** to anwser, then don't waste my time typing a half *** reply...

 

Never use Windex, it contains amnonia which is not good for the interior of your car. Use something like Stoner's Invisible glass or something made for cleaning auto glass.

 

Try Stoners, you can buy it at Autozone.

As far as soap, I'd go with something middle of the road that you can buy from Autozone or Wallmart, you should be fine. If you were going to spend $$$ on only one thing, I'd strongly suggest some quality microfiber towels for washing and waxing, and you can't get those at Autozone or Wallmart.

I use DF Towels for washing and waxing, and the applicators for applying wax. They are GREAT and have not introduced any swirls to my Silverstone Z. They are worth every penny, and make the washing waxing process a lot more fun.

http://www.dftowel.com/

 

if your are replying to my short answer...most of your questions are fairly basic and probaly been covered dozens of times...lazy = not using search feature...i recommened autopia.(du-oh, thanks davesz)org..because not only will you get some anectdotal info...but info from pro detailers..use the tools provided don't be a tool...

 

Good point on the Windex.

I use Windex...but I spray it on the cloth first. Been doing it for 12 years and have never had a problem.

Also, Costco has the Gold Clas shampoo in Gallons for like $7.00.

 

+1 to zzrobzz, great write up!! If I can give my humble opinion, try Turtle Wax ICE. As a fellow Noob in detailing this was VERY easy to use and left a great shine...check out this thread for my Pics...
https://my350z.com/forum/cleaning-and-detailing/192362-turtle-wax-ice-liquid-story-greattt.html

 

how long did it take u jasi?

 

I did 3 coats in about 2 hours and that includes the wash, dry, Rims and sitting back and Admiring my small accomplishment!

 

I'm sure it's been said...but here's what I use:
Once or twice a month:
NXT Car wash (don't use dish soap, it's too harsh) - car wash won't strip the wax
NXT wax
in between washes
Cali Car duster
Any spots that need it:NXT speed detailer

 

Where in FL are you located?

 

how long did each coat take roughly?

 

im in port saint lucie

 

Just the TW-ICE maybe 30 min with putting it on waiting the 5 min and then wipe and polish one coat looked great but I added two more to be safe!

 

i am so stuck between buying the ice or the nxt

 

I was too BUT the ICE came with the applicator and the Microfiber towel, or at least at Pep Boys it did, and that was the deciding factor

 

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....&highlight=wax
I got all this from a search, and I only looked at 9 out of 13 pages
between washes you dust and between waxes you wash.
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....eaning+windows
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....eaning+windows
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....eaning+windows
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....eaning+windows
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....eaning+windows
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....eaning+windows
same type of results as above, but I don't feel like pasting all of them.
^^These are the type of comments that make people not want to help you. All the links I posted above are from easy searches performed from the search section of the forum. Word of advice, don't come on the forum with an attitude or you'll find alot of people disliking you very quickly. Also, don't accuse people of being lazy when you obviously didn't do a search. Instead you came on the forum with a blunt question expecting everyone to answer it without question. This forum is a great source of information and there are many individuals that are willing to help, but don't disrespect other forum memebers and do not expect people to hold your hand like a toddler and walk you through everything.