what exactly, do I have (newbie)

[paranoid123]

Hi,

Over the years, I've amassed a potpourri of different Meguiar's products, mostly of what ever was on sale, whatever was on hand, or whatever I just needed at the time.

I've never really done the five step process (washing, cleaning/preping, polishing, protecting, maintaining) from start to finish at any given, at least not the entire car.

So I've decided to inventory everything, to see what I have for each step. Unfortunately, I'm not sure about some of the products is for what step. Also, I know some product actually overlap some of the steps.

Could someone classify what I have is for what step? Am I missing anything? Can some of the items be replaced with something different when it comes time to refill, (I realize some of it is pretty old)?

This is what I have:
-Gold Class Car Wash
-Cleaner/Wax
-Clear Coat Body Scrub Paint cleaner (very little left)
-Deep Crystal System Wax (Step 3)
-NXT Spray Wax
-Quik Detailer

[Jeff Smith]

Re: what exactly, do I have (newbie)

Originally posted by paranoid123
Hi,

Over the years, I've amassed a potpourri of different Meguiar's products, mostly of what ever was on sale, whatever was on hand, or whatever I just needed at the time.

I've never really done the five step process (washing, cleaning/preping, polishing, protecting, maintaining) from start to finish at any given, at least not the entire car.

So I've decided to inventory everything, to see what I have for each step. Unfortunately, I'm not sure about some of the products is for what step. Also, I know some product actually overlap some of the steps.

Could someone classify what I have is for what step? Am I missing anything? Can some of the items be replaced with something different when it comes time to refill, (I realize some of it is pretty old)?
This is what I have:
-Gold Class Car Wash
-Cleaner/Wax
-Clear Coat Body Scrub Paint cleaner (very little left)
-Deep Crystal System Wax (Step 3)
-NXT Spray Wax
-Quik Detailer

Take a look at Mike's thoghts on the 5 Step deal.

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Step 1 Wash

Step 2 Clean

Step 3 Polish

Step 4 Protect

Step 5 Maintain

Also here is another thread making some recommendations.

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

We can throw a generic process at you but keep in mind here that there is alot more to it than just buying the individual itmes needed to fill the blanks in of a 5 Step application.


Below I have added a couple of "suggested" items to look at. "BUT" keep in mind here that you have not provided any information on your cars finish. That is the key to all this. Meguiar's has numerous products, and sure you can just keep buying them until somehting works, Or you can tell us what you have going on with your paint. Do you have alot of scratches, waterspots etc. If you can provide more detail we can give you much better advice. Pics would even be better.

Step 1
-Gold Class Car Wash
(Will work fine)

Step 2
-Clear Coat Body Scrub Paint cleaner (very little left)
I would recommend:
Quik Clay System

Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner


Step 3
Deep Crystal Polish


Step 4
-Cleaner/Wax
-Deep Crystal System Wax (Step 3)

Step 5
-Quik Detailer
-NXT Spray Wax

[paranoid123]

Thanks for the classification and recommendations.

Just to let you know, I have a silver color car, that is just two years old. It is in quite good condition, considering it's parked outside most of the time. The only problem that I'd like to remedy is the little black bits, which I assume is just everyday fallout, which is keeping my car from getting that smooth as glass finish. But it looks like the clay systems will take care of that.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: what exactly, do I have (newbie)

Originally posted by paranoid123
Hi,

Over the years, I've amassed a potpourri of different Meguiar's products, mostly of what ever was on sale, whatever was on hand, or whatever I just needed at the time.

Hi paranoid123,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Could someone classify what I have is for what step? Am I missing anything? Can some of the items be replaced with something different when it comes time to refill, (I realize some of it is pretty old)?

This is what I have:
-Gold Class Car Wash
-Cleaner/Wax
-Clear Coat Body Scrub Paint cleaner (very little left)
-Deep Crystal System Wax (Step 3)
-NXT Spray Wax
-Quik Detailer

-Gold Class Car Wash
Good car wash, continue with this.

-Cleaner/Wax
Light cleaner/wax, cleans, adds richness of color and protects in one step

-Clear Coat Body Scrub Paint cleaner
Dedicated paint cleaner. You must apply wax after using this product.

-Deep Crystal System Wax (Step 3)
This is pure wax, the finish must be either new, or previously clayed and cleaned using a paint cleaner before using this product.

-NXT Spray Wax
This is a spray-on wax for use on a car in excellent condition and one that already has a normal coat of wax on it.

-Quik Detailer
Mist and wipe cleaner for removing light dust, finger prints and smudges. This is the number one selling mist & wipe product in the U.S. and has been around since 1981. continue to use this product or try our new Speed Detailer.