What should I do for a brand new car?

[dabsevo]

So I picked up a brand new car and I want to get some protection on there. As far as the paint is concerned, it is really smooth there's no bumps or anything. The car onl had 6 miles and it's been sitting in my garage. I'm not looking for professional quality work but I really want to apply a sealant as I heard that's important.
I'm not planning on doing a clay job or anything with polish. Maybe just a wash, sealant and another wax if it makes it look better?

Is it ok if I take the car to a touchless car wash, get it nice and clean and then apply Meguiar's ultimate liquid wax? ULX is a sealant right because it's synthetic versus a carnauba wax? Can I apply turtle carnuba wax on top of the ULX? Is it going to make it look better? It's a black car.

Also, I don't know if I haven't noticed but to me if it feels like ULX doesn't last long.. maybe like a month or after a few days of rain it goes away. I might not be skilled enough to know if the wax is still there or not but I don't see how a liquid that runny can form a solid layer of protection for a long time. Carnuaba seems like it would be nice and thick but then again I never used it before.

I'd like to know if ULX by itself is good enough or should I also do a carnuaba for better protection?

[Blueline]

Re: What should I do for a brand new car?

Well, if you don't want to clay, or polish, then just throw any cheap wax on and you probably will be happy. Seriously, there is an old saying, "Anything worth doing, is worth doing right". However if you insist on not doing it properly, Ultimate Wax (solid or liquid) is fine and as good or better than a carnuaba wax. It is all in the eye of the beholder and some how I think you will be happy with either.

[dabsevo]

Re: What should I do for a brand new car?

Hmm ok. well it's not a matter of doing it right I just dont have the time. It's my daily driver and not my weekend queen so I don't really think clay and polish is necessary. I did inspect the paint for bumps using a zip lock and it's really smooth so I dont think a clay is absolutely necessary. At least for now.
Ok thanks i'll go with the ULX for now.

[The Guz]

Re: What should I do for a brand new car?

If you are happy with the how it looks then just seal it with ultimate wax or NXT. You also have the new paint protect 365 that offers a years protection. It just won't outshine a carnauba wax or a sealant such as ultimate wax or NXT.

I would still personally clay. Contamination can be on the car from transportation and from sitting on the lot. Plus it allows the protection to bond to the paint better and last longer. It takes maybe 30 - 45 min to clay. That's not a lot of time.

One thing to mention is that if the dealer washed the car then they have more than likely swirled and scratched the paint. There is a lot of horror stories. That is why folks recommend a polish.

One thing you may want to consider is paying for someone to coat the car with a semi permanent coating that offers even more protection. Especially since you don't have time.

[davey g-force]

Re: What should I do for a brand new car?

Agreed with Guz - I would clay it first. I mean, if you really don't want to, then don't, but claying first is best practice. This may also explain why you aren't seeing much durability out of ULW. It will last longer on a properly prepared surface (generally 4-6 months).

Have you really looked at the paint in direct sunlight? I'm betting it has swirls (most do). But again, if you're not concerned about it, then no need to polish first.

Regarding sealant vs carnauba - sealants generally last longer than carnauba waxes. However, many people prefer the look of the carnauba, so they layer that over the top of a sealant. <---This is optional.

[Murr1525]

Re: What should I do for a brand new car?

Wash
Clay
Cleaner/Wax, ColorX, or White Wax
Ult. Wax or 365 Wax

would be my process if nothing else.

And then Ult. Quick Wax after future washes.

[thedoc46]

Re: What should I do for a brand new car?

My car was brand new last month. I thought the same as the OP.. Is it worth claying and all that, cos the car is new.

I will say absolutely.. So glad i did. It made the paint surface glass smooth... Admittedly i didn't polish, and went straight in for the wax. UW would be my recommendation so you don't have to bother taping off (assuming you're doing all this by hand)

You will be over the moon with the results.. Plus you'll of given yourself a perfect contaminate free surface to reapply wax on for at least the next few months.

Don't be fooled thinking dealers properly detail your car. They kick the tires and give it a quick as a once over as they can get away with, and move on to the next.