Advice on wax / clay bar / polish on a new car

[VolksGolf]

Just a quick request for advice for my brand new VW. I've researched on various detailing forums / sites and I think I'll try to :-

- Clay bar the car, then polish then wax with collinite.

Just a bit worried as I don't want to remove any of the factory paint or lacquer. The colour is the volkswagen steel grey and I'd like to do this as I've seen this colour, even on 2 year old VW s fading and becoming dull / matt.

How early have people done this to their brand new cars (especially the clay bar use). Any recommendations for what people have done, when and outcomes would be good (especially if on a steel grey VW). Also Can you actually over clay bar / polish a car (I've read 3-4 times per year is OK but sounds a bit much)

[m3-fast]

I am a bit of a car wash geek so will try and help!

Claying a new car is the ideal time to do it, as there will be very little wax on it but often contaminants from the journey/storage etc..

When I get a new car i always clay - Meguiares clay used in conjunction with the 'Quick Detailer' spray is fantastic. Upon delivery I would wash the car and then dry with a drying towel (I have a large Sonus one - cost about a tenner). Then using the detailer spray start to use the clay. Warm it in your hands first and then rub lightly over the panel, if it drags the paint isn't lubricated enough. You will see the contaminants sticking on the surface of the clay. The paint afterwards will feel like glass. Using the clay is completely harmless and being non-abrasive doesn't actually remove any paint at all.

After it has been clayed rinse the car clean again and then dry. I use Meguiares polish and then Meguiares Carnuba wax. A quick spritz of Quick Detail spray after every wash keeps the water beading for months to come.

I would also consider using snowfoam or similar - the more dirt that can be removed without actually touching the car is good long term for keeping it swirl free.

My weekly regime is:

1. Snowfoam with PH friendly snowfoam using pressure washer.
2. Leave to dwell for 5-10 mins
3. Rinse car with pressure washer
4. Snowfoam again
5. Using a lambswool mitt agitate the snowfoam and clean the car
6. Rinse car again
7. Spray alloys with Bilberry wheel cleaner and use a detail brush to clean the spokes
8. Rinse the alloys
9. Dry car with drying towel
10. Spray with Quick Detailer & microfibre cloth

Every 6 months I add the clay bar steps after step 6 and then apply polish/wax after step 9.

Hope all that makes sense!

Paul

[VolksGolf]

Thanks for the concise instructions. You have calmed my fears of clay barring the new paint. I've bought the Meguirs clay bar, Sonus shine and polish and the Collinite 476 wax.

So, The weathers good (not too sunny), I've got the products, so off I go to spend the day claying, polishing then waxing !!

[A4 Lad]

Could I ask if you think this alloy wheel cleaner would be too harsh or is it safe ?

http://www.partsworld-uk.com/products/2274-turtle-wax-alloy-wheel-cleaner-5ltr.aspx

I am buying a deepdish set of BBS LM replicas and was thinking of poorboys sealant but was worried about this ( which I have in 5 ltr containers already ) might be too harsh and remove my sealant

[belfastmark]

Hi
Bangorlad, the best thing you can use on your wheels, in my opinion is Atak from those friendly people that sell rubberite and restore. About £11 for 2 1/2 litres. Mix it 1 part chemical 3 parts water. I carry a pre mix squirty bottle in the boot so it is handy if I am ever passing a jet wash. Spray on, leave for a minute and powerwash off. For wheels that are heavely soiled, use less water in the mixing process.
Good luck.