Paint Protection in Michigan

[07F150]

I live in western Michigan and I'm looking for advice on what Meguiars products would work best to protect the paint on my 2007 F150.
I don't have access to a heated garage, so the only washing the truck sees between late October and April is a high pressure rinse at the coin operated wash, and there's no chance of applying wax/polish during this time.
During the spring, summer and fall, I bucket wash the truck at the same coin operated wash. I use a mitt and auto shampoo.
What do you folks use?
*I'm especially interested in hearing from people from the "salt & snow" areas who are not able to wash and wax their vehicles during the winter months.
What do you use? How do you keep your vehicle paint protected during the winter months?
Thanks for your time & advice.
Tim

[tguil]

Re: Paint Protection in Michigan

Before I can offer any advice, a couple of questions:

1. Do you live in an area with high industrial pollution?
2. In the past, what have you done to maintain your truck?
3. Do you want a decent looking daily driver or something better? In other words, how much effort do you want to go to?
4. How much are you willing to spend on equipment and materials?
5. Is your truck garaged or does it sit outside 24/7?

Tom

[AeroCleanse]

Re: Paint Protection in Michigan

Tim, does Wisconsin count?

I would wax it as often as you can before it gets too cold to do so. Then you may want to look at Optimum No Rinse for you winter washing. You mix 1oz per 2 gallons of water (you can use hot water so it doesn't freeze) then use s mitt or micro fiber towel to wash it and dry it with another micro fiber towel. It also leaves behind some protection.

[Murr1525]

Re: Paint Protection in Michigan

In the winter, I try to wash when possible, and use UQD after washing.

Washing in the rain also is a quick way to get the dirt off in the winter. Are you able to wash at home at all, or just choose not to?

[07F150]

Re: Paint Protection in Michigan

Before I can offer any advice, a couple of questions:

1. Do you live in an area with high industrial pollution?
2. In the past, what have you done to maintain your truck?
3. Do you want a decent looking daily driver or something better? In other words, how much effort do you want to go to?
4. How much are you willing to spend on equipment and materials?
5. Is your truck garaged or does it sit outside 24/7?

Tom

Tom,
Good questions...
1) No
2) Last fall I applied standard Turtle Wax.
This spring I took it to a detailer, and he gave the sides of the truck an acid wash to remove the tiny rust spots caused by brake dust. Then I used some Meguiar's mild clay and Final Inspection to remove any spots that were missed. Afterwards I applied a coat of Collinite 476S. I've been using "DP" auto shampoo to wash the truck.
I wasn't happy with the Collinite 476S. The rainwater seemed to bead up on the truck but it didn't want to roll off.
3) My truck is strictly a daily driver. All I want to accomplish is to protect the paint and keep it looking new...no show-car shine, no bling-bling (it that how it's spelled?).
I'd like to use a liquid or paste product that I can apply to the truck in the spring and in the fall; and then a spray on product that I can use after washing in the spring, summer and fall.
It's important that the spray on product not stain black plastic parts. My truck has a lot of black plastic trim, and I don't mind having to tape it off for the semi-annual wax jobs, but I don't want to have to tape it off every time I use the spray on product.
4) I have no problem spending a little extra money if for a product that will accomplish my goals. As far as equipment goes, I'd prefer to apply the wax by hand. My garage is just barely large enough for my truck, making it next to impossible to wax it inside.
5) The truck is parked in a garage every night and driven daily.

Thank you for your time and advice.
Tim

[3Fitty]

Re: Paint Protection in Michigan

Hey Tim.

My father-in-law has a 2003 silver F-150, he lives in Warren, Michigan and I detailed his beast after years of neglect. I never took photos of it and it took me about 12 hours (I couldn't believe how big it was until I really go into it).

In any event, here is what I did, which gave me amazing results.

1. Wash (NXT Wash - you can get it OTC most places).

2. Clay

3. DC Paint Cleaner (again OTC) - In certain "trouble spots" I used Scratch X.

4. I skipped this step (normally I use #7 Show car glaze, but opted to leave it out on his because of time and the size, I was just plain tired).

5. Two coats of NXT 2.0 Tech Wax (I didn't have time to do his 12 hours apart so I put the second coat on after dinner) so the second went on after about 2 hours.

** I also used the Meg's "All Wheel Cleaner" because he had horrendous buildup on the wheels that just wouldn't come off without some help.

My father in law was ecstatic with the look but I can't speak as to how long the wax remained on the vehicle. My impression (from him) was that it lasted about 6-8 weeks (pretty good for a daily driver that is not garage parked).

[Deaner5]

Re: Paint Protection in Michigan

Well I'm used to the snow, so here are a few items to add to what everyone else has said. I am also in the same boat where, while I do care about scratches and such, I am not after that show car swirl free look, just keeping it to a minimum.

First off at least your truck is garaged every night. This will help reduce some of the junk that might fall on the surface from tree sap to rain and such. This will help in reducing claying, although you may still have to a few times a year if you feel it's necessary. I garage my car every night and I have found that if I clay in the spring at least it will look good through the summer and make it through the winter.

My process is just a standard wash, clay, cleaner, polish and wax once a year (usually in the spring). I will follow it up with a fresh wax about every 6-8 weeks depending on how I'm feeling and how the car is looking. I will keep this up through the winter as well.

The biggest problem it seems will be winter for you since you won't make it to the car wash that often. I would suggest finding a friend with a heated garage and offering to also wash his also and wax them both. Then make a night of it and go to the coin-op and drive back to their place to wax them and such. This way while your truck is getting some attention you can also enjoy the comforts of a warm garage and just hang out. Bringing some beer or something (and not drinking and driving of course) to hang out will probably also help. Say if you wax your truck in late fall, maybe late October, have a car wash/wax night in December or January, then you should be ready for some spring cleaning and your only going about 10-12 weeks or so between waxing (although you will probably need it early, but you can live with it).

As far as tools, I love to use the Meguiar's wide body brush (even on my car) and it will make quick work of your truck. Also take your two buckets to the coin-op and your own mitt (or brush) so you can minimize the scratching and swirling. Stick with quality products as well since it sounds like you're not having the results you want with other products.

For washes either NXT or Gold Class soap are great products and I have also heard that the Deep Crystal Wash is pretty good too. For waxing you can't go wrong with the new NXT 2.0, especially since it is one of the best waxes durability wise. Plus, Ultimate Quik Detailer added protection as well and is great after washes and between full waxes and it shouldn't streak on the trim (I don't think it will). As for the trim Gold Class Trim Detailer is an awesome product. I only use it on the trim around my wipers, but I love it.

Sorry for the long post, but that's a start. Many more will add and keep reading and soon you'll find a process that works for you. Happy detailing!!!