New here getting ready to detail my car

[aretardedorange]

Hi. I am new to the meguiar online forum. I have a 2008 BMW 528i in space gray metallic. I am getting ready to do a full detail on it this weekend. So far I have all this stuff ready to be used.

Meguiars Ultimate Wash
Meguiars Clay Kit
Meguiars Ultimate Compound (Do I need this?)
Meguiars NXT 2.0 Wax-Been using this since 09 and I love it!

Now I need a few other things. I need something for my interior as I have spots on my leather and want to make my dash sparkle. I was also wondering what should I use for the rims/tires? Is the ultimate compound a sealant that I can use after claying the car? If not whats a good sealant?

And anything to make the exhaust tips sparkle?

A problem I have with washing is water spots. They stain my car fast and my windows whats a good way to avoid these?

[weavers]

Re: New here getting ready to detail my car

Welcome! sounds like you have a nice car and I am glad to hear you wanna take care of it.

ulimate compound removes swirls and scratches. Its doesn't protect. Use it if you have swirls and scratches or if the paint is oxidized. A new car shouldn't need it, unless its been going to a mechanical car washer. After washing and claying you can use ultimate compound on your car, then wax/sealant.

If your using a wax then you don't need a sealant. if you want long lasting protection try finish kare 1000p(sealant) or collnite 845,(wax) with either you will get 5-6month of protection from one or two coats. A sealant tends to have a shiny look and won't attract pollen as much. I like 3m performance finish as a sealant, easy on and off and last for 5months. I would use what you have, nxt 2.0 is a decent wax. If you like it keep using it.

are your exhaust tips chrome? either way clean with never dull or steel wool #0000 and apply a wax or sealant. Also apply wax or a sealant to your wheels. so much easier to clean

to avoid water spots, wash the car in the shade and be sure its cool to the touch. Try using a drying aid like finish kare 425 or a quick detailer(megs makes them), dry with a waffle weave towel, then spray detailer and wipe again with a clean microfiber cloth. It sounds counter productive, but it works and leaves a streak free/water spot free shine.
I use optimum no rinse to wash cars and even in direct sunlight I don't get water spots so long as I wipe it dry. thought in direct sunlight I do one body panel at a time or half the car.

For water spots on windows I like IPA(rubbing alcohol 1:1 with distilled water). main thing is to use two microfiber towels. one to spray window cleaner into. and the other to wipe dry. wipe the window in one direction(vertical) then flip the towel over to a dry side and wipe horizontal.

If you want a shinny tire dressing try meg's endurance tire dressing. I have good experiences with it so far.


edit: dashboards. Personally I like a mantel look. It works with most cars and gives a nice "new" look. those shinny ones just aren't my taste. meguiar's makes a supreme shine interior protectant. I found it at big lots for 3 bucks. I haven't had a chance to use the shiny one, but the mantle one looks great.