Opinions on a maintenance regimen

[supergus]

I would appreciate any feedback-

After winter breaks I plan on these steps (in order):
1. Wash vehicle using Ult. Wash & Wax
2. Iron X
3. Clay bar
4. Wash again using D114
5. Ult. Polish ( paint only has minor swirls)
6. Ult. Wax
Then for maintenance I'll wash using D115 and touch up with Ult. Quik Wax as needed.
As next winter approaches, I'll perform steps 1-6 again, but top with Paint Protect 365. Through the winter as temps allow, I'll wash with D115. Maybe an additional coat of PP 365 about midway through winter?

I would appreciate feedback from you guys. Thanks in advance.

[Jarhead0754]

Ill just point out quickly is that u don't want to use a wash with wax as ur 1st step like ult wash and wax. The reason being is that when u clay, compound or polish this will strip that wax off.

[Murr1525]

I tend to use ironx and tarx before washing, to help rinse them off. If you wash first, you may need to wash again after. Probably would want that before claying.

2 thin coats of wax is best.

Yeah, uw&w would really just be wasting money.

And if you Uqw after each wash to help with drying, will really extend life of wax, and not need a was and wax type. Uqw is better protection as well.

[supergus]

Re: Opinions on a maintenance regimen

Yea I hear ya. Only reason for using UWW is that is what I have on my shelf. I suppose I could be a little less frugal and just buy some Gold Class or Deep Chrystal wash.
Also, after watching the D114/115 video over on AG, I was under the impression that D114 was a good pre-correction wash. I figured that any contaminants that the clay might have loosened but not removed would be stripped away with 114.

Murr,
I figured since it's been too cold to wash,that the thick road grime might inhibit the Iron X's effectiveness. I've never used Iron X so I'm not sure what to expect as far as potency.
I appreciate you guys' input. Thanks again.

[The Guz]

Re: Opinions on a maintenance regimen

I would appreciate any feedback-

After winter breaks I plan on these steps (in order):
1. Iron X
2. Wash
3. Clay bar
4. Ult. Polish ( paint only has minor swirls)
5. Ult. Wax
6. Maitenance - Wash with 2 bucket or rinseless depending on how dirty the car is. Include Ultimate Quik Wax and also Ultimate Quik Detailer for removing light dust.

I modified your approach. No need to wash after claying since you are going to polish. Here is a good article on using ironx.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/87430-what-iron-x-why-should-i-use.html

This is what I believe your winter prep should be.

1. Iron X
2. Wash
3. Clay bar
4. Ult. Polish
5. Paint Protect
6. Maintenance - As far as maintenance I would just wash it with your choice of soap and D114 or D115.

Considering how durable paint protect is designed to be I would use that on it's own after polishing. We all know the gloss comes from polishing so you should be fine locking that in with paint protect. Also I would not top off paint protect since we all know the characteristics of the topper is what you would be seeing. Maintenance wise it would just be a simple wash (2 bucket or rinseless) and that is all. Not even a spray wax.

[Murr1525]

Yeah, if you think grime, I world want tarx also.

I don't think trix did as well.

But the tarx tracer is a pain, and needs washed after.

Ironx and tarx are good though.. esp on wheels...

[supergus]

Re: Opinions on a maintenance regimen

Guz,
Are you saying that I don't need to wax? That PP 365 can be a substitute?

[Eldorado2k]

I always use cleaner wax as lubrication for #00 steel wool. As long as you're working on real metal it'll polish without scratching.
For example, It will leave fine scratches on plastic chrome.

[Eldorado2k]

Whoops! Wrong thread. Lol.

[The Guz]

Re: Opinions on a maintenance regimen

Guz,
That PP 365 can be a substitute?

Yes I am. 365 is another form of protection. This is for someone who is looking for long term protection/durability. It won't alter the appearance that much like ultimate wax does. Ultimate wax will win in the gloss department against 365.

With 365 I would not even top it with anything such as ultimate quik wax because then you would see the characteristics of ultimate wax and not 365. Simply wash and dry and you are done.

Whoops! Wrong thread. Lol.

Lol it happens.

[Eldorado2k]

The Guz & supergus... Any relation? Lol.

[supergus]

Re: Opinions on a maintenance regimen

Yes I am. 365 is another form of protection. This is for someone who is looking for long term protection/durability. It won't alter the appearance that much like ultimate wax does. Ultimate wax will win in the gloss department against 365.

With 365 I would not even top it with anything such as ultimate quik wax because then you would see the characteristics of ultimate wax and not 365. Simply wash and dry and you are done.



Lol it happens.

Good to know! While I do enjoy waxing, the N.E. winters and my work schedule make it difficult to find time to perform a complete maintenance regimen. This is my daily driver and is parked outside, so protection is way more important than flawless paint. Plus, if PP 365 works as advertised, I'll be able to get rid of some of my other detailing products.

[Murr1525]

I imagine the 365 will still benefit from uqw after washes.

But yeah, don't get confused with wax, protectant, sealant, etc on Meguiars products... just advertising names.

[Eldorado2k]

I asked Mike Pennington about that specificly. My question was what happens to a car with a '365' finish on it.. Because we're all aware that there's alot of people who use UQW or D156 as a 'drying aid'... What happens to a 365 finish when D156 is applied onto it? Does it boost/help it in anyway? Or does the finish then become a UQW finish instead of a 365 finish? His answer? '"You'd probably be best to leave it as is, as it would turn into a UQW finish instead of your original planned 365 finish".

That's something I had found out on my own long before being able to actually ask him that question in person. I'm glad I remembered to ask him though, because it was nice to get an official word about it. I used D156 today. On my rims. Lol.

[The Guz]

Re: Opinions on a maintenance regimen

The Guz & supergus... Any relation? Lol.

Lol none that I know of.

I asked Mike Pennington about that specificly. My question was what happens to a car with a '365' finish on it.. Because we're all aware that there's alot of people who use UQW or D156 as a 'drying aid'... What happens to a 365 finish when D156 is applied onto it? Does it boost/help it in anyway? Or does the finish then become a UQW finish instead of a 365 finish? His answer? '"You'd probably be best to leave it as is, as it would turn into a UQW finish instead of your original planned 365 finish".

That's something I had found out on my own long before being able to actually ask him that question in person. I'm glad I remembered to ask him though, because it was nice to get an official word about it. I used D156 today. On my rims. Lol.

I remember Mike P saying that as well. Same thing when others asked about topping with another wax.