How to avoid swirls on a new car?

[clt57]

I just bought a black 2012 Highlander. I haven't washed it yet and don't know what the dealer did to it. I am worried about swirls. Haven't had it in the sun yet so I don't know if it has swirls now. I bought a Waxcoa wax master years ago. Don't have bonnets but I think it needs a 13" bonnet. Only has one amp of power so I know it doesn't have much power. What product should I use to hand wax without getting swirls or is there a product I can use with my buffer if I can find the bonnets?

[Murr1525]

Re: How to avoid swirls on a new car?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7598756069207401372#

That should teach you how to wash properly.

After that, you dont really need a whole lot on a new car, if there are no swirls.

You can use something like:

1. Wash
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. ColorX
4. Wax - Ult. Wax or Nxt 2.0, etc
5. Maintain - Ult. Quick Wax or Gold Class Spray Wax after future washes.

You would just want some of the Smooth Foam pads for applying, and some of the Supreme Shine towels for removing the products.

[Meticulous-Detail]

Re: How to avoid swirls on a new car?

I just bought a black 2012 Highlander. I haven't washed it yet and don't know what the dealer did to it. I am worried about swirls. Haven't had it in the sun yet so I don't know if it has swirls now. I bought a Waxcoa wax master years ago. Don't have bonnets but I think it needs a 13" bonnet. Only has one amp of power so I know it doesn't have much power. What product should I use to hand wax without getting swirls or is there a product I can use with my buffer if I can find the bonnets?

I have a 2011 Highlander, dark grey.

Wash with quality soap , 2 bucket system with grit guards or you can use a foam gun
Dry with leaf blower, or Metro Vac
Final wipe with waffle weave drying towel and a waterless wash or quick detailer as a drying aid

If paint is clean and free, then apply wax. If not then follow the steps Murr1525 posted.

As far as the Waxcoa wax master the 13 bonnet is to big. If you want to stick with a wax spreader, here is what I did to my 35$ Autozone special (6inch bonnets); I removed the foam from the backing plate and sanded the backing plate down, then put velcro on the backing plate. This allows me to use 5.5 and 6 inch hook and loop pads, the same pads everyone uses on their PC and GV. The small hand held only goes up to 3500 rpms and I only use it to apply wax. It works great and is very lightweight.

[majosu]

Re: How to avoid swirls on a new car?

I just went through the same situation last week with my new Tacoma TRD. I can't say enough about the quality advise I got from the forum members here(Murr 1525). I followed the following procedure and it came out perfect.
1. Two bucket wash - The two bucket method is so logical, I cant believe I had not used it before
2. Clay - This was easier than I thought it would be. Great results.
3. I could not find any evidence of swirls, so I went straight to wax. I used Ult wax. I layed on a very thin coat and buffed off with a MF towel, as advised, and it went very well.

Good Luck with your Highlander!

[TheDetailBoss]

Re: How to avoid swirls on a new car?

I would avoid using lamb's wool mitts as they do put scratches in paint, especially soft clear coat! I recommend using grout sponges from Home Depot if you are going to wash the car by hand rather than touchless. Always wash in the direction air flows over the vehicle. That means straight lines front to back! Good luck and congratulations on your new Highlander

[LS1BERLINA]

Re: How to avoid swirls on a new car?

I would avoid using lamb's wool mitts as they do put scratches in paint, especially soft clear coat! I recommend using grout sponges from Home Depot if you are going to wash the car by hand rather than touchless. Always wash in the direction air flows over the vehicle. That means straight lines front to back! Good luck and congratulations on your new Highlander

I have never experienced scratches from lambswool, however i only use the meguiars genuine 100% lambswool mitt and not those cheaper synthetic ones.

[SVT Lightning]

Re: How to avoid swirls on a new car?

I have never experienced scratches from lambswool, however i only use the meguiars genuine 100% lambswool mitt and not those cheaper synthetic ones.

Yup!