New Car Wax question

[CaliberSXT]

Hello

I just bought a brand new 2009 Dodge Caliber SXT with 18' Crome Wheels and it'is the Sunburst Orange Pearl color.

Here is my question:

I want to wax it to protect and keep the the new car shine on the paint, Chrome Rims and black trim.

What products do I need to do this.

Thanks
Evan

[CieraSL]

Re: New Car Wax question

to MOL!

Some great reading for ya':

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

List O' Links 2.0

Internet Resources for Detailing Newbs

Videos to watch:

How to wash your car show car style

How to clay bar

And don't forget to check out Meguiar's YouTube channel for more vids: Meguiar's USA YouTube Channel
Have fun, and welcome to the forum!

[Murr1525]

Re: New Car Wax question

Pretty simple.

1. Wash - as shown above

2. Clay - As shown above

3. ColorX

4. Wax - Nxt 2.0

Trim - Few choices here, Gold Class Trin Detailer is a good starting point if you dont have loads of trim.

Wheels - I like to stay as gentle as possible, so I choose the Hot Rims Aluminim Wheel Cleaner (or the Multi-Piece Wheel Cleaner found at many Big Lots). But, there is also a dedicated Hot Rims Chrome Wheel Cleaner, and then you cna of course use a metal or chrome polish on them in the future.

[CaliberSXT]

Re: New Car Wax question

OK I get the Washing part? But why clay and Colorx? as this is a car less then a week old and it seems to have a good shine and it beads of but I want to make sure I protect the coat.

Pretty simple.

1. Wash - as shown above

2. Clay - As shown above

3. ColorX

4. Wax - Nxt 2.0

[Murr1525]

Re: New Car Wax question

Hopefully it doesnt need claying, but unless you have clayed before and know what a good surface feels like, the only way to make sure is to clay.

You could go a bit milder than ColorX and use the regular Cleaner/Wax, if you want to start off as mild as possible. I just really like ColorX, esp for a daily driver.

[CaliberSXT]

Re: New Car Wax question

OK SO I will Wash the car and use the Cleaner Wax, Then Wax with NXT 2.0.

When does the Ultimate Quick Wax and Detailer products come in to use?

Thanks for the help. I want to keep my new car looking new but I don't want to over treat it so this is all helping me here.

[Murr1525]

Re: New Car Wax question

Well, after you:
1. Wash
2. Clay if you want
3. Cleaner/Wax
4. Wax - Nxt 2.0

Your car should be looking pretty good. Until a bird flies by, hard water from a bridge drips on you, etc. That is where you would gently use the UQD to spray and then to dab, slightly wipe, etc the spot as needed.

After future washes, you can use the UQW to give a quick 'booster wax' to the paint, to add back some wax and refresh the gloss.

[CaliberSXT]

Re: New Car Wax question

Thanks for all your help

Off to Canadian Tire today to buy all my supplies.

Well, after you:
1. Wash
2. Clay if you want
3. Cleaner/Wax
4. Wax - Nxt 2.0

Your car should be looking pretty good. Until a bird flies by, hard water from a bridge drips on you, etc. That is where you would gently use the UQD to spray and then to dab, slightly wipe, etc the spot as needed.

After future washes, you can use the UQW to give a quick 'booster wax' to the paint, to add back some wax and refresh the gloss.

[the_invisible]

Re: New Car Wax question

Definitely do clay a new car, especially one that was delivered to your state by train.

[Nappers]

Re: New Car Wax question

Yes! our Neon brand new had so much overspray from the factory and rail dust it was awful and I'm glad I clayed it prior to waxing. Use a plastic sandwich bag and run your hand over the paint (in the bag) and see if the paint is rough or not......

Our Neon paint is hard as nails, something strong may be needed for your isolated swirling/scratches. I like Ultimate Compound and SwirlX on our Neon, your Caliber may be a different story on hardness of paint. Test spot and start least aggressive first!

GC trim detailer works great on trim and if you have those black gizmo's on the pillars, Ultimate Quick Wax seems to work the best for me on our Neon (Dodge at least). All Season Dressing seems to work good too if you can get that, but can't go wrong with GC trim Detailer or M40.

Have fun and be sure to clay! if needed!

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: New Car Wax question

I would definitely clay your car also. The dealership gave it a quickie detail. The car was probably on the lot for a while. I would bet there will be some bonded surface contaminants on the paint. Clay, it is not that hard to do.