Brand New Car - Where to Start??

[madhartigan]

Hi there.

As I've mentioned in my introduction post, I've just purchased a new 09 Honda Fit M/T.

This car was driven from a dealership that was 70 miles away to my dealership, in the RAIN.

Now, I want to get the car back to its "off the factory floor" condition but I'm not sure where to start. I have a gallon of #62 on the way and I've watched the video Mike made HERE so I know that I need a 2 buckets, 2 grit guards, a lambswool mitt (unless the Meg's MF Mitt is a better option) and some microfiber towels.

My questions begin pretty much following the completion of that task. Should I clay a car that's so new? Also, should I wait 30-60 days before I use any paint cleaners, wax, etc. I read the "Paint needs to breathe" thread and from what I read at the end of that post it seems that I can wax with no worries because I'm confident that all of the paint on my car is from the factory.

Before I go rattling off any more questions, I think I should just sit back and wait for answers to those I've already asked.


Thank you!!

-Darryl

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Brand New Car - Where to Start??

First of all congrats on the new vehicle.

Can you clay, yes you can.

No need to worry about the paint not being fully cured. After washing and claying, go ahead apply some wax.

[gb387]

Re: Brand New Car - Where to Start??

Clay, Clay, Clay - Every time I purchase a new vehicle I do a full detail and this includes clay. I have always found plenty of bonded contaminantes even on a brand new vehicle... then follow up with a polish and/or wax.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Brand New Car - Where to Start??

Should I clay a car that's so new?

Meguiar's teaches to evaluate the condition of the finish after washing and drying and let the results of your evaluation guide you to the right products. That is after you wash and dry the car, feel the horizontal surfaces with your clean hand and check for little bumps or texture. If discovered then you need to clay your paint. If you don't find any little bumps then chances are good you don't need to clay your paint but you can if you want as properly done it won't hurt anything and sometimes claying will remove contaminants you can't detect with your sense of touch.

This article from our Hot Topics forum group covers your question in depth...

How often do I need to clay my car's finish?

Also, should I wait 30-60 days before I use any paint cleaners, wax, etc. I read the "Paint needs to breathe" thread and from what I read at the end of that post it seems that I can wax with no worries because I'm confident that all of the paint on my car is from the factory.

Correct. When you buy a car at the dealership and it has not been repainted then the factory paint is cured and was cured when it left the assembly line.

[madhartigan]

Re: Brand New Car - Where to Start??

Great information!! I really appreciate it!!

I'll be getting the Smooth Surface Clay Kit and some #16 from eshine. Hopefully those two, combined with the #62 wash should provide some nice protection for going into the winter.

I'm also wondering whether or not I should go for a lambswool mitt, as you describe in your 2006 "Reducing Potential" car washing video or should I get the Meguiar's Microfibre mitt.

I realize I'm asking an employee of Meguiar's this question, but from what I've seen of your posts, Mike, you're a straight shooter and not a Meguiar's exclusive fanboy.

Thank you to all for your great advice!!

-Darryl

[Carfire]

Re: Brand New Car - Where to Start??

Either mitt is good. As said in the video the Lambswool Mitt just provides extra lubricity. I really like the 100% Lambswool Mitts, they just glide across the paint. I also like genuine chamois with the California Water Blade dry before and follow up with the chamois. The chamois does not leave as many little droplets as the other types of drying methods.

[Murr1525]

Re: Brand New Car - Where to Start??

The MF mitt certainly seems to be high quality, I have 3 of them.