New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

[rob Sanders]

I just got a new Black SL MB and wanted to know what I beed to get to keep it looking like it just came off the showroom floor. The dealearship did clean it up good and it looks nice now but I want it to stay this way all the time.

Thanks

[Eddie6th]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

Hi,What products have you already got for detailing?

Have you read a lot of the do's and do not do's?

[rob Sanders]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

I have just started to read up on some of the items. I do not have any products yet. I have read that wax is not good and should use synthetic wax which last longer and still gives a deep dark shine. Need some imput on products and best techniques and practices.

Thanks

[CieraSL]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

I think you need to read this thread and watch the following vids to get you started:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2409

How to wash your car

How to clay bar

to MOL!

[Murr1525]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

To add a few more links:

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle
Step 1 Wash
Step 2 Clean
Step 3 Polish
Step 4 Protect
Step 5 Maintain

Lessons from White Paint

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

How To Remove a Bird Dropping Etching by Hand using M105 Ultra Cut Compound

How to correctly apply ScratchX to remove swirls and scratches

Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer

Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

1986 Ford Bronco II - Extreme Makeover

Each one, teach one... Ferrari Fiorano 355 F1 Spider

[CieraSL]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

Also, check out this thread, specifically posts #3 and #6 for products to use in the 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34837

[akimel]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

Also check out this article: Your Daily Driver: A Simple Wash & Wax Regimen.

Rob, the single most important thing you can do to maintain the finish of your car is to wash it properly. Watch and re-watch the video on the two-bucket method cited above. Be sure to rinse your wash mitt frequently with the hose during the washing. You want to make sure that dirt and grit does not get trapped between the mitt and paint surface.

Have fun!

Cheers,
Al

[Eddie6th]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

I have just started to read up on some of the items. I do not have any products yet. I have read that wax is not good and should use synthetic wax which last longer and still gives a deep dark shine. Need some imput on products and best techniques and practices.

Thanks

That's not a true statement 'wax is not good'. I've been using DC3 carnauba for years and hasn't done anything to the paintwork and my car is outdoors all the time and exposed to extremely hot temperatures in the summer.I've also used Gold Class,and before that(8yrs ago) autoglym products.So my 15 year old car has had it's fair share of waxes,without problems.

As for what you want to put on your car...it's down to personal choice.A lot of users here like to use NXT Techwax2.0 and rank it highly.

If you read through the links given to you already,you'll pick up a good bit of info.If you have any more Q's,just ask..

[CieraSL]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

Here's another great source for you: Internet Resources for Detailing Newbs

[the_invisible]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

You drive an SL, black for that matter! You might want to consider letting someone do it. Not just for dignity, but for your own sake!

[rob Sanders]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

Thank you for all the links and info.

I was looking at having someone also do a full detail once every 3 months and I could just keep it clean/washed in between. I have found a few car wash / detail shops. But would like to know what to look for or ask to make sure they know what they are doing so the do not screw up my paint/car?

When I bought the car they wanted me to buy a kit for $400 but figured it was not worth it.

Thanks

[akimel]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

I was looking at having someone also do a full detail once every 3 months and I could just keep it clean/washed in between. I have found a few car wash / detail shops. But would like to know what to look for or ask to make sure they know what they are doing so the do not screw up my paint/car?

That's a good question and a real concern. I hired someone a year ago to buff my car, and he thinned out the clear coat excessively in a couple of places. Unfortunately, I did not discover the problems until many weeks later. I wish now I had simply done all the work myself. I might not have been able to eliminate all the scratches and swirling that the professional did, but with a DA I would not have been able to do the kind of damage that the professional did with his rotary buffer.

Given that you have a new car in wonderful condition, I suggest that you do not have to hire a professional to maintain it. Do it yourself! Read the articles that have been suggested. Visit detailing forums and listen in to the conversations. Call up experienced detailers on the phone and pick their brains.

Wash your car properly and gently. Remove bird excrement, tree sap, and other destructive contaminants as quickly as possible. Wax your car every two months. Take ownership of your car's care and maintenance, Rob, and do not hand it over to a stranger. After all, who cares more for your special car than you do?

Everyone here on MOL will do their best to ensure your success.

[rob Sanders]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

Thanks.

I did find a small mark on it now after getting it how, looks like a light scratch not deep just surface level. I think I will atke it back in and have them fix it and then apply some synthetic wax on the whole car to protect it.

[Murr1525]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

Yeah, for a lot of us here, a small mark means fix it yourself and avoid the dealer touching your car like the plague.

But, its up to you what routine works best for your time and energy.

[akimel]

Re: New MB - How to keep it looking showroom best

Rob, when you say that you are going to have the dealer apply a sealant, to what precisely are you referring? Dealers are notorious for charging mucho bucks for a protectant that you could easily buy and apply yourself. See this thread: Dealer Protection Plans/Products. If you research the internet detailing forums about car dealer protection plans and dealers' lack of detailing competency, I think you'll be quickly dissuaded from entrusting your car to them.

Where do you live? I would suggest that you announce both on MOL and Autopia that you are looking for an experienced detailer. Check out the references of those who respond. Also check out the references of the professional detailers who advertise in your local yellow pages. I'm sure you will find someone who knows what he is doing and who will do a good job for you.

But the key thing is for you to take ownership of the wash and wax process. Wash your car properly once a week. Clay the paint when necessary. Apply a cleaner wax (e.g., ColorX) three or four times a year to deep clean the paint. Apply a good wax/sealant (e.g., NXT) every four to eight weeks. Apply Ultimate Quik Wax after every wash or every other wash (it's such an easy product to use and it looks great). Do all of this and you will keep your new chariot looking her show car best!