white dodge caliber

[Alsparkle]

Never really detailed a white car. Usually just wash and interior detail. Just bought the wife a new dodge caliber .... Yes white i know... How do i tell if its single stage or does it have clearcoat now? What is the best way to keep it looking new and shiny?? I'm old school.. do everything by hand.

[ksk93]

Re: white dodge caliber

Welcome to the forum.

Here is a great place to start:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?37320-Meguiar-s-5-Step-Paint-Care-Cycle-Updated

[Murr1525]

Re: white dodge caliber

If your pad comes up white, it is SS. But doesnt really matter.

If you are new, and want to keep it simple, then looks at:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. ColorX
4. Wax - Ult. Wax is a good option.

5. Maintain - Ult. Quick wax after future washes.

[Alsparkle]

Re: white dodge caliber

Thanks for the quick replies. Murr1525 im not new to detailing , just never really "Detailed" white before, so simple is not a factor for me But i am a hands on detailer. btw i am a hands on detailer i get more satisfaction out of my work .

[Murr1525]

Re: white dodge caliber

You might enjoy something like Ult. Polish then 2 coats of wax then.

Sometimes #7 before wax can really pop on white, sometimes not.

[Car Potential]

Re: white dodge caliber

White cars are pretty easy to keep clean and they hide swirls very well. The one annoying thing is any road grime or mud easily shows but dust usually does not show. I have learned to pay more attention to the paint since detailing my neice's white jetta because sometimes there will be little spots where I have to wipe a little harder to get the grime off where if the car was a darker color I wouldn't even notice that it is still there.

Also, any new car these days come with a clear coat. Like mentioned above, 1)wash 2)clay for sure and then you can polish if you want even though I don't notice much of a difference polishing a white car. Finally apply some wax. Also, one of my favorite products is Ultimate Quik Wax in which I apply it after every wash.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: white dodge caliber

Your new Caliber definitely has a clear coat on it. Lexus still offers a single stage black, but that's about the only major manufacturer who does. That single stage Lexus black, by the way, is a modern catalyzed paint system, not an old school lacquer.

Maintenance should be fairly straightforward here, and you've already gotten some good recommendations from some MOL regulars. Exactly what you use depends on how demanding you are and how much effort you're willing to put in. For some a good cleaner wax once a month is sufficient, while others will do multiple steps to get the maximum possible result. That's true whether working by hand or with a machine.