Am I doing it right?

[larry0071]

I typically use Chemical Guys citrus wash and wax for my sponge washes if the car is actually dirty or it had been multiple days since a wipe down.

Daily or every other day I use Meguiars ultimate detail spray for mild cleaning with a couple micro fiber towels.

Every couple times I use the ultimate detail, I'll follow with the ultimate spray wax.

My main wax is Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection, applied about every 2-3 months.

Am I doing anything wrong or missing anything? I feel like my cars are simply stunning and look better than most cars I see both on the roads and at cruises. But if I can do better, I want to learn!

My cars are 2012 Camaro SS TF3 edition yellow with carbon fiber stripes, 2012 Cruze Red and 2013 Malibu crystal red tint coat (metallic), 1999 F350 black and 03 SVT Cobra silver.

[Evan.J]

Re: Am I doing it right?

What kind of sponge are you using?

I would get some grit guards for at least your rinse bucket if you don't have those.

What kind of microfiber towels are you using for you QD and spray waxes?

[larry0071]

I use a part store sponge, MF towels from https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/home.asp and I don't have a grit gard.

[davey g-force]

Re: Am I doing it right?

Sounds like you've generally got a good regimen happening.

As suggested, get some grit guards and wash using the two bucket method (if you don't already).

Do you ever clay or do any paint correction?

[larry0071]

Re: Am I doing it right?

I recently learned the clay thing after I got the Meguiars clay kit from a local Auto Zone store. I clay bar treated the 03 Cobra and my mothers 03 Jeep GC and was amazed at the changes.

I also got a Porter Cable dual-orbital polisher and the Meguiars pads with velcro backing and used that on the Cobra after the clay kit. I used Meguiars medium and fine polish (the type that deminishes as you use) and again, I was blown away! For most of my normal "waxing" with the UPP I apply by hand and remove by hand.

Can anyone explaine the difference between the magenta bottle of Meguiars Quick Detail spray compared to the black bottle of Ultimate Quick Detail spray? are they interchangable for use as a periodic quick clean up and also as a clay lube?

Also, from talking to the detail shop where I buy most items, they highly recomended the Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection sealant as a near Carnubua wax shine but with a 4-6 month life on a vehicle. Does Meguiars have a sealant that is similar in shine, ease of use and long life? I do augment with a periodic post wash blast of the Meguiars Ultimate Spray Wax in the black bottle with the yellow car on the label.

[Evan.J]

Re: Am I doing it right?

Can anyone explaine the difference between the magenta bottle of Meguiars Quick Detail spray compared to the black bottle of Ultimate Quick Detail spray? are they interchangable for use as a periodic quick clean up and also as a clay lube?

UQD has a hydrophobic property. They are different in that you cant use UQD for claying but the both serve a similar purpose in that they remove light dust.

Also, from talking to the detail shop where I buy most items, they highly recomended the Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection sealant as a near Carnubua wax shine but with a 4-6 month life on a vehicle. Does Meguiars have a sealant that is similar in shine, ease of use and long life? I do augment with a periodic post wash blast of the Meguiars Ultimate Spray Wax in the black bottle with the yellow car on the label.

Ultimate wax would yield a close protection life but I would stay with UPP.

Find something you like and use it often

[davey g-force]

Re: Am I doing it right?

Can anyone explaine the difference between the magenta bottle of Meguiars Quick Detail spray compared to the black bottle of Ultimate Quick Detail spray? are they interchangable for use as a periodic quick clean up and also as a clay lube?

They both essentially perform the same function (Quick Detailers), however the magenta bottle (Quik Detailer) is the older technology (still good) whereas the black bottle (Ultimate Quick Detailer) has the newer hydrophobic polymers. I find the UQD to be easier to use, slicker and leave a slightly deeper shine. Also, the UQW is not recomended for a clay lube. It's also not economical to be used as a clay lube, since it costs more than QD.

Also, from talking to the detail shop where I buy most items, they highly recomended the Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection sealant as a near Carnubua wax shine but with a 4-6 month life on a vehicle. Does Meguiars have a sealant that is similar in shine, ease of use and long life? I do augment with a periodic post wash blast of the Meguiars Ultimate Spray Wax in the black bottle with the yellow car on the label.

I haven't tried UPP, so can't comment on that. But UW is right up there with the best sealants on the market IMO. It's easy to use, looks spectacular and should last your 4-6 months (conditions dependant of course).