New to detailing, need advice on it all..

[Nagaz]

Hi,

First I must say that finding this forum has made me realise the following:
1. You lot are extremely knowledgeable
2. I have very little idea of exactly how I am to clean and maintain my new car.

That being said, I have done a bit of research and contacted the Meg's rep in Sydney Australia. He was very helpful and lots of basic info was given, but the more questions I think of, the more apprehensive I get of trying anything.

My car is a new Hyundai i30. I know its not the most amazing car, but for my driving and cash flow, its pretty good.

Anyhow, I have come up with the following list of products that I am intending to buy:

NXT Generation car wash
Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner
Tech Wax 2.0
Ultimate Quick Detailer
Dash Trim Foam
Quick Interior Detailer
NXT Generation Glass Cleaner


So now comes my questions:
- I dont actually pick up the car from the dealer till mid October (thought i would get my knowledge base up now). Once I pick the car up, should I wash, clean the paint and wax straight away, or should I leave it for a few weeks?
- Having never waxed a car in my life, what is the best/correct method of apply the wax? (point me in the direction of the videos if any..)
- Being in Australia in the middle of a drought, is it OK to use tank water rather then tap water?
- The car wont be garaged at all, and as such, will be subject to the Melbourne weather system (sun, rain, hail, winds, birds, winds, etc all in one day). Is just periodic washing, waxing and removal of pollutants asap the best protection?
- What product would you recommend to remove bugs and tar?
- Although not advisable, is it OK to apply all these treatments outside (not in direct sun light)?
- Finally, what cloth(s)/towel(s)/applicator pad(s) do you recommend, and what do I use them for?


Thats about it for now.. Looking over it, it shows that i am a total newbie to all this, but I thank you in advance for your assistance and advice...


Cheers,


Nagaz

[yalerd]

Re: New to detailing, need advice on it all..

I dont actually pick up the car from the dealer till mid October (thought i would get my knowledge base up now). Once I pick the car up, should I wash, clean the paint and wax straight away, or should I leave it for a few weeks?

You can wash/clean/protect the paint right away.

Having never waxed a car in my life, what is the best/correct method of apply the wax? (point me in the direction of the videos if any..)

No matter if you apply it by hand or machine, you should always apply a very very thin coat of wax.

Remember to apply and let it sit for about 15-20mins, do this to know if it's ready to be removed The Swipe Test.

Two coats of wax are better than one. Not because you are putting more coats but you are ensuring that you are putting an even coat of protection and a uniform appearance.

Being in Australia in the middle of a drought, is it OK to use tank water rather then tap water?

Yes you can, just remember to wash on the shade and dry as soon as you've finished rinsing

The car wont be garaged at all, and as such, will be subject to the Melbourne weather system (sun, rain, hail, winds, birds, winds, etc all in one day). Is just periodic washing, waxing and removal of pollutants asap the best protection?

Yes, the best thing to do is to regularly wash your vehicle and protect the paint. A good thing maybe will be is to wash weekly and every month wax the car completely.

What product would you recommend to remove bugs and tar?

Meguiar's makes a very good one, Gold Class Bug N' Tar Remover

Although not advisable, is it OK to apply all these treatments outside (not in direct sun light)?

Yes you can, keep in mind this "always in the shade"

Finally, what cloth(s)/towel(s)/applicator pad(s) do you recommend, and what do I use them for?

Take a look at these products:
Microfiber Wash Mitt
Water Magnet Microfiber Drying Towel
Foam Applicator Pad
Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel

Hope this helps out a little

[akimel]

Re: New to detailing, need advice on it all..

Nagaz, I cannot stress enough the importance of mastering proper washing techniques. Wash this Mike Phillips's video:



And then check out the articles on car washing cited here: Internet Resources for Detailing Newbs. Also see Todd Helme's recent article: How to Properly Wash Your Vehicle. I know that my poor washing techniques are responsible for 95% of the swirls that I can see in the paint surface of my cars.

You may also find helpful this general article: Your Daily Driver: A Simple Wash & Wax Regimen. Given the environmental conditions to which your car is going to be subjected, I would suggest that you befriend one of Meguiar's cleaner waxes, like Cleaner Wax, ColorX, or M20 Polymer Sealant, and use it in conjunction with the wax/sealant of your choice (e.g., NXT).

Good luck and enjoy your new car!

Cheers,
Al

[Nagaz]

Re: New to detailing, need advice on it all..

Thanks for the quick responses, I should have mentioned that this is my proposed washing program

- Rinse car
- NXT Gen car wash (2 bucket method)
- Tires done seperately
- Dry with cloths
- Check to see if any paint defects - use ClayBar system if needed
- Check if paint needs to be cleaned - use DC Paint Cleaner if required
- Ensure car is dry and apply NTX Wax
- Allow to dry and then remove using microfiber cloths.
- Clean windows (inside & out)
- Clean interior
- Stand back and admire work

Thats it for now, but I am open to suggestions and improvements.

I have also been looking at the "Megs Dual Action Polisher" (link: http://www.meguiars.com.au/productde...subcat=&show=4) and was wondering if this is easier and safer to use then the hand method to apply waxes? Again, having never done any of this, I want to make sure I do it right with the least amount of potential harm to my car. If this is the path I go, what pads do i need to just apply the wax and possibly ColorX

Akimel, you stated the below,

...Given the environmental conditions to which your car is going to be subjected, I would suggest that you befriend one of Meguiar's cleaner waxes, like Cleaner Wax, ColorX, or M20 Polymer Sealant, and use it in conjunction with the wax/sealant of your choice (e.g., NXT).

When and how would I implement this step? Before or after the NXT wax stage?

Thanks again for all your help!!!

Nagaz

[akimel]

Re: New to detailing, need advice on it all..

When and how would I implement this step? Before or after the NXT wax stage?

Nagaz, see the article I cited: Your Daily Driver: A Simple Wash & Wax Regimen. Top the cleaner wax with NXT (or whatever wax/sealant you decide upon). On the value of using a cleaner wax, see Mosca's article on cleaner wax. You don't have to use the cleaner wax every time you want to wax, but decide on a discipline that incorporates it into your regular detailing routine.

Have fun with all of this and figure out a regimen that works for you.