Until I order the good stuff...

[ACEnders]

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Until I order some detailing supplies from Autogeek (I still haven't decided which to order just yet), what products to you guys reccommend I buy from AutoZone or other auto supply store to wash and wax and maintain the interior? My car is new - I just bought it Monday - do I even need to wax it right away, or will washing suffice until spring?

[ZeroDfx]

Personally, given that you have a new car and, for all intents and purposes, have a "blank canvas" to start with, I'd order the good stuff right away. You may want to get some good car wash soap at the local AutoZone (I like Meguiar's NXT or Gold Class) to maintain a clean surface, but then I'd decide if you want to take the sealant route or carnauba route, and what polish/cleaner you want to use for prep. Then place your order.

My .02 cents.
Nick

[ACEnders]

What stuff should I order? There's so much out there, so many options, and I've never been someone who really...keeps up with washes let alone polishes, sealants, waxes....

I don't even know where to start.

[skylolow]

Everybody has there preferences. Read up on proper washing is the key since your starting fresh. Chances are at this time no need for paint correction work (ie: polishes).

Here is a few of the very popular and very good products that won't break the bank.

Car wash: Duragloss $7 (Carquest or internet), Megs. Gold Class $7 (anywhere), Chemical Guys Citrus (internet), Finish Kare 118 (internet $12 for like 32 oz)

Clay: Megs. Smooth Clay kit is excellent ($14 anywhere). I've used a few of the internet stuff and haven't really seen much of a difference since I maintain my car.

Waxes: Collinite 476 ($14 at Harbor Frieght, like it better for lighter color cars, very long durablity), Clearkote Carnauba Moose Wax ($20 on the net, looks excellent on any color, very good durablity, I'd also recommend there glaze), P21S ($30 on net, great look but usually wears its look off in about 6 weeks depending on climate), Megs. 26 Yellow Wax ($8 or so, solid all around wax), Finish Kare Pink Wax ($17 on net, similar to Megs 26).

Sealants: OptiSeal (net and excellent product), Klasse SG (net and a long history of very happy people), Zanio (net, loyal following, though alot of steps and can be confusing for some), Finish Kare 1000p ($16 or so on net, solid product all the way around).

Quick Detailer: Finish Kare 425 ($14 for 32 oz., best that is out there, just get some and enjoy)

Interior Detailer: AeroSpace 303 ($10 or so at some local stores or boating stores, nice matted finish with UV protection) and Finish Kare 108 ($16 for 32 oz., my favorite by far, matted finish, doesn't streak, last the longest by far that I ever seen, and keeps dust off for what seems like forever).

This is just a quick list and there is many products out there that are just as good and better. You can spend thousands on some products. But for a single man keeping up his personal cars there is no need to spend more then $30 on a wax. You should beable to put a nice collection of products together for about $125 that will yield excellent results that your friends will envy of. As the other user said get some MF towels and a good MF waffle weave for drying. Use a two bucket system for washing. Like I said earlier read up on proper washing.

Congrats on the new car.


P.S.: Finish Kare puts together a nice sample kit for about $18 that lets you try alot of there products. I've used many of there products and I can't complain.

[djfitter]

skylolow gave you all the right info, now I'll throw in my preference. Zaino

http://www.zainostore.com/

If you read up on washing the car you will also read about using a clay bar. One of the scariest things to do if you never did it before but is really so easy and gives you a smooth as silk finish and I say should be done even though your car is new. It is new to you but who knows where it has been sitting until you got it. What ever you use for paint protection use the clay bar first. You won't be disappointed. :)

dj

[ProRail]

What stuff should I order? There's so much out there, so many options, and I've never been someone who really...keeps up with washes let alone polishes, sealants, waxes....

I don't even know where to start.

Whatever happened to common sense? The differences between the various brands are miniscule. Just take care of your care and it will take care of you.

[skylolow]

Whatever happened to common sense? The differences between the various brands are miniscule. Just take care of your care and it will take care of you.

I'm not sure I'd buy into that statement a 100%. OTC products vary quite a bit from brand to brand. Some are flat out crap and some are very good. I would agree many of speciality brands (usually internet ordered) are much closer in quality. Though results can vary using any products since many factors play into it. Example would be certain waxes and sealants look better on different colors, better depth, better durability, better wetness, etc. etc..

[stream]

Here's a post from a while back with my favorite detailing products:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137277

[GH41]

A reasonably priced sealer that works well is Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0. My wifes 328 sleeps outside and is still beading water after 4 months. We have used the WG Spritz once or twice to maintain it. It is very easy to use. You have to consider that 16oz of any good sealant will damn near last the life of your car. You only use drops per aplication. GH

[robb01]

A reasonably priced sealer that works well is Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0. My wifes 328 sleeps outside and is still beading water after 4 months. We have used the WG Spritz once or twice to maintain it. It is very easy to use. You have to consider that 16oz of any good sealant will damn near last the life of your car. You only use drops per aplication. GH

Wolfgang makes a lot of great products, ive found similiar durability from the DG sealant