New Car Washing/Waxing Schedule?
 

Hey All,

So I've mentioned before I havent had a new car in 10 years so bear with me. Lovin my 2006 '8' and want to get off on a good foot in terms of maintenance.

Any advise on wash, wax procedure for a new car? I assume only washing is in order with Zaino or Meguiars for at least a few months since still has showroom finish? How soon to wax with garage kept and casual driving in mind? Planning on using Zaino for waxing just not sure how soon since car is new and how frequent...

Thanks

Gil

ha, this is my area of expertise...

First off: Congrats on a new car!

As for waxing: Wax as soon as possible. The paint on these cars is very delicate and prone to chips / scratches. The sooner you can get something on there, the better off you'll be. Remember, every time you touch your car's paint, you will leave fine scratches. That's why I like to wax new cars within the first 30 days. Get a small layer of protection on there....

Zaino is the only thing I use on my RX-8. I'm compulsive about my car so she gets washed every weekend and zaino'd every month. (Blacks are SO sexy when they're clean)

Make sure you ONLY use micro fiber towels / wash mits on your car. If you dont have any, I'd suggest www.fiber-works.com

Exaxtly what I wanted to know. One more question, what is your Zaino regimen?

Monthly:

Z-7 Show Wash
7-18 Clay Bar
Z-7 Show Wash
Z-2 Clear Coat Polish

Does that look about right? Thanks!!!!

Time

You only need to Clay your car about once a year (since it requires stripping off the wax and starting over)

Weekly:
-Z7 wash
-once all dry, 1 coat of Z6

Monthly:
Z7 wash
Dry
Z5 w/ zfx
z6
Z2 w/ zfx
Z6
Z2
Z6 or Z8 to finish it off...

Nice. Thanks for the prompt and clear answer.

Will start next week.

Time

So why don't you use the ZFX with the last application of Z2?

oops...typo.

Always use ZFX. Good catch Marc

I just Zaino'd my car yesterday. It looks great.

If I knew how to upload pictures to this site, I'd post some. I have a 2005 Velocity Red with GT and AP.

Congrats on the 8 and welcome!

I agree with those above, never too soon to put some protection on that paint/clearcoat! Before putting any wax/polish on, be sure to use a clay bar first (after washing thoroughly with Dawn) to remove any contaminants. I'm a Zaino convert and amazed at the results.

Oh, if you're really concerned about your paint/finish on the front-end, look into getting a clear bra....it was my first investment after buying my 8 last year (after the clear corners!)......then look into aftermarket exhaust....then look into springs/dampers, sways, and the list goes on and on...........ENJOY!

You guys really have enough time to do a full zaino regimine once a month? Doesn't that take like 5 or 6 hours? Man, thats tiring :).

I'm a big believer that you MAKE time for important things.

5 hours a month to have people drooling at my car all month is a small price to pay

Im worried that I'd do the full thing, then it'd rain, or my car would get attacked by pollen like it seems like it has been lately, and I'd want to rewash it like a few days later

if you get a new car.. should u clay it be4 waxing? or just start waxing away?

I would definitely clay a new car. You'd be surprised the chemicals and stuff that is on that "new" paint.

Also, the clay process will be super fast on a new car. Definitely worth it to do