waxes & winter prep/care

[carcareGAL]

I'm reading through the forum on waxes. I am still a bit confused. I bought the nxt and the carnauba plus waxes, both in boxes. Wanted to use the nxt on the two less-expensive vehicles and the carnauba on the two better vehicles. I have used both waxes, and will admit the nxt is easier. Now, can I tell the difference. Well, I think I can sometimes, and other times no. Anyone else in the family, NOOOO.
You all seem to like the nxt, but then every now and then someone likes the gold class (I hope thats the carnauba one).
Was I correct in my thinking the carnauba wax is for more expensive cars?
What is/are the main uses for those waxes?

next:
We live where we have snow and ice, thus salt. I can NOT care for the vehicles very well in the winter.
How do I prep the them before winter, since I have done all this work on them?
And how do I care for them. I can bring them into the garage and shut the door, but I have no way of washing them. My husband usually runs the vehicles thru the auto wash in the winter.

thanks!

[BobbyG]

Re: waxes & winter prep/care

In the North East we experience some of the worst weather conditions in the US compounded by salt, sand, and other chemicals.

This is a very basic approach I use when doing a basic detail to get my truck or car ready for winter.

Washing

To properly maintain a cars finish washing is paramount to success. Washing gives us the opportunity to float away any loose dirt, debris, or other water soluble contaminates.

Claying

Claying a cars finish is the next logical step. A clay bar when used properly in conjunction with a spray lube will remove those small particles of debris that become embedded in the finish.

Paint Correction

This step will remove minor floors or defects in the surface through the use of fine particles of abrasives specifically formulated just for this purpose. Normally I'll start with Meguiar's M105 then M205 progressively getting finer as I go Using an appropriate pad for each product.

IPA

This is where I use an IPA wipe down to remove any residual oils and check the surface for quality.

Sealant

I'll apply two coats of a good sealant. Sealants are basically synthetic products and are very durable. Sealants have come along way through the years and now rival waxes for looks and performance.

• Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Sealant
• Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0

Wax

Apply a couple of coats of your favorite wax. While Meguiar's carries a line of quality products I'm looking for the longest lasting products I can get my hands on. These are three I use to tilt the odds in my favor.

• Collinite 845
• Collinite 915
• Optimum Spray Wax

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: waxes & winter prep/care

Really in Meguiar's there is no "boutique" wax. One that is made for higher end vehicles. Having said that, NXt is the longest lasting sealant (wax) they have.

I have also thought that it boils down to what looks good to you. Some may go with NXT, others Gold Class, etc. .

[Blueline]

Re: waxes & winter prep/care

How do I prep the them before winter, since I have done all this work on them?
And how do I care for them. I can bring them into the garage and shut the door, but I have no way of washing them. My husband usually runs the vehicles thru the auto wash in the winter.

thanks!

Winter is hard on a car, however an old friend at GM told me never to wash my car in the winter. It just wets any dried salt and forces it into the seams.
So on the basis of that comment (and me being lazy) I never wash it in the winter.
The car is inner panel rust sprayed with oil (or something) every year by one of those rust places. I then clay, ColorX and M16 it and forget it for the winter. In late March or early April I wash the car and it still beads and looks particularly gorgeous after months of being white with salt. (It is a black car)
If you have to wash it in the winter, tell your husband to only use the "touchless" auto washes. Those with the brushes or hanging fabric will scratch the heck out of your car.

[carcareGAL]

Re: waxes & winter prep/care

thanks guys!

have a question, as this is way out of my area...

Blueline: what do you mean your car is inner panel rust sprayed?
When do you do this? then the clay, colorx, and M16 (which is discontinued?)...
thanks, will tell hubby to use the touchless auto washes. we have so much snow and salt on our vehicles in the winter....

thanks!

[CSI K-9]

Re: waxes & winter prep/care

Blueline: what do you mean your car is inner panel rust sprayed?

I believe Blueline is talking about a service such as this one offered by Ziebart:

http://www.ziebart.com/rust_protection.php

I was thinking about having this done to my truck by a company called Rust Stop. I'm still thinking about it as I've heard pros and cons to having it done and not done.

Oh, and +1 for Collinite 845

[TOGWT]

Re: waxes & winter prep/care

Winterize your car - http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/...e-your-car.htm

[Blueline]

Re: waxes & winter prep/care

Blueline: what do you mean your car is inner panel rust sprayed?
When do you do this? then the clay, colorx, and M16 (which is discontinued?)...

CSI K9 is correct. Zeibart, Rust Stop or Rust Check. They drill holes in the panels where you cannot see them, and spray in some type of oil. Some people don't like getting the holed drilled as it may void your new car warranty, but I think it is a bit hokey. You have to get it sprayed (using the same holes which are plugged after spraying) yearly to keep their guarantee valid. I get it done every October for about $70 or $80 dollars.

My Dad has a 12 year old LeSabra which he gets sprayed yearly. Not a spot of rust anywhere.

M16 is discontinued but it can be found on ebay sometimes, or there is a detail store in Canada (eshine) that sells it. It is the best stuff I have ever used, and have a healthy stock on hand.