Got a new car. Want to do things Right

[curryitr]

Hello,

My name is Ryan and I join the forums a day or two ago. I recently purchased a 2009 Fit sport in white, and I am waiting for it to arrive. I have read about the 5 step system and car for new cars. I have only washed and waxed my current car, so a lot of this stuff is new to me. I am a second semester sophomore in college so I would like to spend less than $100 dollars. The car will be on campus in the elements the majority of the year so I want to protect it as best as possible. I own #26 yellow wax already, but I might be interested in the #21 sealent if it will protect for longer. Here is what I looked at doing so far:

1. Gold class wash
2. Quick clay
3. Crystal Paint Cleaner
4. Crystal Polish
5. My #26 wax

or:

1. Gold class wash
2. Quick clay
3. ColorX
4. My #26 wax

I also don't know what quantity of applicators or microfiber towels, etc. I will be needing.

I just need some guidance and input on where to go with this. I haven't recieved the car yet so I don't really know how bad the paint will be from the factory. These forums have already been a great help.

Thanks,

Ryan

[Megafast13]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

Welcome to MOL!!!

Okay:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. DC Paint Cleaner (Step 1)
4. DC Pure Polish (Step 2)
5. NXT Wax 2.0
6. Ultimate Quik Detailer

That should work great for you, depending on the swirls on the new car.

What Are You Trying To Achieve? Is the question.

You'll also want some Supreme Shine MF Towels, a Water Magnet, and some Foam Applicator Pads.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

If your new car is arriving fresh from the factory and still has the white protective mylar covering the finish (the best of all possible worlds) a clay will likely not be necessary (if in doubt, your dealer should know whether the car will arrive with the mylar). Tell your dealer you do NOT want a courtesy wash after the lot boys remove the mylar. And if there's any way you can physically be there as they're peeling off the mylar, plus points! Run your hand over the finish and check for smoothness. You can also check for swirling under sunlight, but there shouldn't be any if the paint is factory fresh.

[Carfire]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

Welcome to Meguiars Online!!

1. Wash With Gold Class Shampoo and Conditioner
2. Clay With Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit
3. Polish With Deep Crystal Step 1 and Deep Crystal Step 2
4. Protect With NXT Tech Wax 2.0 or M26
5. Maintain With Meguiars Ultimate Quik Detailer or M135
6. Between Waxes Use Meguiars Ultimate Quik Wax or This Thread

Meguiars 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

[Murr1525]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

Well, I'll pull for the other routine...

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. ColorX
4. NXt 2.0 or #21 2.0

As far as towels and stuff... a bunch. A bunch of appicators... Say at least 4 of the yellow applicators. I prefer to have at least 3 Water Magnets, and 3 of the Supreme Shine towels.

I would consider ordering from Autodetailingsolutions.com, might save a few bucks. ADS also sells some cheap MF cloths that you can use for dirtier jobs.

And definately be sure to call the dealer and dont let them touch it.

[akimel]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

Well, I'll pull for the other routine...

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. ColorX
4. NXt 2.0 or #21 2.0

As far as towels and stuff... a bunch. A bunch of appicators... Say at least 4 of the yellow applicators. I prefer to have at least 3 Water Magnets, and 3 of the Supreme Shine towels.

I would consider ordering from Autodetailingsolutions.com, might save a few bucks. ADS also sells some cheap MF cloths that you can use for dirtier jobs.

And definately be sure to call the dealer and dont let them touch it.

I agree with Mat here. This is a workable routine that will keep your car looking good. For my adaptation of Mat's routine, see my article "Your Daily Driver." M26 will give you excellent protection, though it may not last quite as long as NXT or M21. The important thing is to wash your car periodically and wax it every 4-8 weeks. Stay on top of it and don't let the condition of the car slide downhill. That will be your biggest challenge.

Cheers,
Al

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

Congrats on the new car.
I would go for the following:
1.Wash, be sure to use 2 buckets with grit guards, quality wash mitt
2. clay
3.Any cleaner wax. Regular cleaner wax or the colorx.
4. NXT wax. Since your vehicle will be exposed to the elements the nxt will probably give you longer lasting protection then the #26.

You can never have enough applicators, microfibers etc. Besides getting some quality micro's I would also suggest buying some from your local Wal-Mart, Target etc, for the dirtier jobs.

Good luck.

[3Fitty]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

1. Gold class wash
2. Quick clay
3. Crystal Paint Cleaner
4. Crystal Polish
5. My #26 wax

or:

1. Gold class wash
2. Quick clay
3. ColorX
4. My #26 wax

Since you're a college kid looking to save a buck, here is what I would do...

1. NXT Wash (I think it is a bit less $$$ than GC and IMHO it is better).

2. Go over the car with your hand and feel if it needs to be clayed. It might not. If it doesn't, you can *temporarily* skip this step and save the $$$ but remember, since your car will be parked in the elements, it won't be long before you get above surface "bonded contaminents" which are most effectively removed with clay. So, it's your choice but you'll eventually need it.

3. ColorX. I recommend this not based on my use but on many here (like Murr) who swear by it. Especially since your new car is white, a paint cleaner like ColorX is a must. If you start to get staining on your white paint, tinting it slightly, ColorX will turn it white again. I never really believed in the "cleaning step" of the 5 step approach until I worked on my mother's single stage (white) Honda Civic.

4. Skip the polishing step. Meguiars says this is an "optional" step and since you're trying to save money and the car is new (and white), I would say definitely DO NOT do the pure polishing step.

5. Use your M26. It is a great product and there is NO need to buy new. You may have to re-wax more often but if you enjoy car care, that is no big deal.

6. With all the money you've saved, get some good Micro Fiber towels, a good lambswool wash mit, quality applicators, at least one grit guard, etc...

*** One last thing. I believe the "white" you have on that car is also "Taffeta White". You should find out if it is clear coat or single stage paint because many "Taffeta White" Hondas are single stage paint jobs and it probably worth knowing before you get started.

[3Fitty]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

I was doing a bit of online searching and I do believe your 2009 Taffeta White Honda Fit is SINGLE STAGE PAINT.

That means there is no clear coat.

[curryitr]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

Thanks for all the help guys! I looked and it appears that it is a single stage paint. How much will the affect what products I use? At this point I am considering getting the car wash soap, clay kit, and a decent amount of microfiber products. If I read correctly the clay kit will come with some cleaner wax which I could use before I apply my m26. If I tell the dealership not to wash it it seems like this should work. If I want to I could buy the Crystal cleaner, polish, and a different wax such as the m21 or tech wax later. Sound good?

[Carfire]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

It Should Not Affect Your Products.
It is Just that Some Paint Will Come Off Onto The Pads and Towels You Use.

[3Fitty]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

Thanks for all the help guys! I looked and it appears that it is a single stage paint. How much will the affect what products I use? At this point I am considering getting the car wash soap, clay kit, and a decent amount of microfiber products. If I read correctly the clay kit will come with some cleaner wax which I could use before I apply my m26. If I tell the dealership not to wash it it seems like this should work. If I want to I could buy the Crystal cleaner, polish, and a different wax such as the m21 or tech wax later. Sound good?

Single stage shouldn't affect product choice but it is different.

Yes, you could use the cleaner wax before M26 but I don't think the cleaner wax cleans as well as something like ColorX. It shouldn't be that big an issue for you if the car is new.

Use your M26 and buy NXT 2.0 later (as I understand it the only difference between NXT 2.0 and M21 2.0 is that M21 can be applied with a rotary). Considering it is so much harder to find, just make things easy on yourself and get NXT 2.0.

[Murr1525]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

Yeah, you can use the Cleaner/Wax in the kit for now, but it is only a small sample bottle.

[akimel]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

Curry, also take a look at these two articles: In Praise of Cleaner Wax and The Value of Cleaner Wax.

[curryitr]

Re: Got a new car. Want to do things Right

Hey Guys! Went ahead and bought these products today. I am going to try to make a deal with my dad to let me detail his car in exchange for some tech wax . I let the dealer know that I didn't want the car to be washed after delivery so hopefully the paint will be unharmed after paper removal. Do you think that I will be able to wash, clay, clean, polish, and wax in one day, or would it take two?


Meguiar's Deep Crystal A2116 1
Car Polish

Meguiar's Deep Crystal A3016 1
Paint Cleaner

Meguiar's COLORx 1-Step G11816 1
Car Wax & Polish

Meguiar's Smooth Surface G1016 1
Clay Kit

Red Grit Guard Insert GritGuardRed 1

Meguiar's Water Magnet X2000 3

Drying Towel

Meguiar's Even Coat X3080 2
Applicator 2 Pack

Meguiar's Supreme Shine X2020 2
Microfiber 3 Pack