Clay bar question

[dvtldav]

Is it possible that after a year I would not need to clay my car? I wash it regularly with NXT soap, GC soap or UWW and follow that with a wipe down of UQD or UQW. I clayed the rear deck lid and the clay was as clean as when I started and the clayed surface felt no different than the non-clayed surfaces. This surprised me as my car is a daily driver in the snow belt and had not been clayed in over a year so I was just wondering if anyone else goes this long without claying?

Dave

[Murr1525]

Re: Clay bar question

The more often you wash, the less things will have a chance to bond.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Clay bar question

I'd be surprised if the lower body panels and grill we equally as clean.

It's not going to hurt it claying it, but leaving contaminates could. If it's not that bad it won't take very long to clay the vehicle anyhow. I'd recommend carrying on with the claying process.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Clay bar question

Every time you wash and dry your vehicle you should inspect the finish both physically and visually.

If the paint starts to feel rough it's time to clay, or at least getting close to that time. Only you can make the determination when you feel it's "bad enough" that claying is called for.

Similarly, if the paint looks defect free under strong, direct light then there's no need to go the paint cleaner route. When some fine swirls, towel marks, etc do begin to show up (and they will) you again need to make a determination - do I spot clean an area with ScratchX by hand, or is it time to pull out the G110v2, pads and whatever paint cleaner is necessary for the job?

How much time passes between the need for either of these steps is totally dependent on exposure and maintenance. It sounds like you've been taking care of your vehicle quite nicely, regardless of the weather it's seen. And while everyone here on MOL is a huge fan of removing defects, we should all be equally huge fans of avoiding them in the first place!

[roushstage2]

Re: Clay bar question

I've only had to clay my Mustang twice in the years I've had it.

[Paul S]

Re: Clay bar question

Try the sandwich baggie test. If it feels rough then clay . If not then relax.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Clay bar question

Try the sandwich baggie test. If it feels rough then clay . If not then relax.

x2. The best way to tell.

[Scoobie]

Re: Clay bar question

just wondering if anyone else goes this long without claying?

I clay the S2000 about once every 18-24 months, but it is not a daily driver, I don't drive it that much anymore, and it stays parked inside my garage.

The paint on the S2k is silky smooth.


I'm guessing your car is garaged?