What do I need?
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Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
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What do I need?
Well, I finally got my car. I didn't have enough to buy a RX8, but I got a Mazda3. Beautiful car. My question is, what do I need to wash and clean it and stuff? I know nothing about cleaning the car and stuff. What type of material do I need? What are some things NOT to do and stuff?
Short Bus Allstar!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 608
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This is from MY experience... so feel free to add brands of wax, cleaning supplies, etc.
DO:
- Use any of these to clean and wax: Zaino, Mequire's, Turtle Wax.
- Use microfiber towels to clean just about anything (they are cheap and work beautifully with no scratching).
- If you drop your sponge you are washing with... wash it off with the hose. Don't put it back in the bucket first!
- Use two different sponges to wash it. First use a sponge for the body and then a second sponge for the wheels, wheelwells, and exhaust.
Do NOT:
- Use a chamois to dry if you are doing a 'quick wash'. You may have left debris behind that will scratch the paint.
- Allow the break dust to pile up on your wheels. If you don't wash your car every week, at least wash the wheels.
- Do NOT use armor all on leather (steering wheel, shifter, etc.)
That's just a few things that come to mind. :D
CONGRATULATIONS and Enjoy! (Don't forget to post pics if you haven't yet!)
DO:
- Use any of these to clean and wax: Zaino, Mequire's, Turtle Wax.
- Use microfiber towels to clean just about anything (they are cheap and work beautifully with no scratching).
- If you drop your sponge you are washing with... wash it off with the hose. Don't put it back in the bucket first!
- Use two different sponges to wash it. First use a sponge for the body and then a second sponge for the wheels, wheelwells, and exhaust.
Do NOT:
- Use a chamois to dry if you are doing a 'quick wash'. You may have left debris behind that will scratch the paint.
- Allow the break dust to pile up on your wheels. If you don't wash your car every week, at least wash the wheels.
- Do NOT use armor all on leather (steering wheel, shifter, etc.)
That's just a few things that come to mind. :D
CONGRATULATIONS and Enjoy! (Don't forget to post pics if you haven't yet!)
Registered
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, AB
If you want to do it like the pros - go to www.autopia.org . They have introductory primers, articles, and videos about car care that will teach you more than you ever wanted to know!
Do it right and look after your car like they teach you, and you'll have people in 10 years asking if your car is new (or if you have a new paint job)!
Regards,
Gordon
Do it right and look after your car like they teach you, and you'll have people in 10 years asking if your car is new (or if you have a new paint job)!
Regards,
Gordon
sittin' sidewayz
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, MO
Meowloud stated exactly what you should do. I wash with clean sponges and car soap at home, dry with microfiber, and then put on some good wax/polish. I use Meguiars stuff and its great. NEVER USE ARMOR ALL on anything. I use Meguiar's wet wipes on my interior and plastic trim. I also keep a bottle of Meguiars quik detail spray to get light dust and crap off the car between washings.
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: SW Ohio
I have tried everything over the years. Zaino seems to be the best. A little time consuming but the results are awesome. Esp. on black. In 3 months ihave about 5 coats on already. It looks unreal and is very easy to maintain.