One or two questions

[GreeceLightning]

First and foremost. The alloys of my Honda Civic Type R have quite a bit of what looks like heavily baked on breakdust - black specs and patches. I've tried several applications of Hot Rims, but to no avail. Obvously Hot Rims should be useful for more day-to-day cleaning, so I won't have wasted my money there. But I don't want to waste money on another app that won't be any more powerful than the Hot Rims. What should I use to rid my alloys of these stains and have them sparkling like new?

The second question is regarding my general cleaning routine. I am quite new to the 'proper' way to do things so you'll have to bear with me.

Currently I am using a two bucket + 1 watering can method with a lambs wool mitt and Gold Class shampoo. I dry with a magnat towel... and that's about it at present.

On my Meguiars shopping list I currently have...
- GC clear-coat liquid wax
- Grit guard
- Scratch-X
- Terry towels

The idea is to give my car a real going over and have the paint work looking pristine. What should I consider in addition to what is on my list d'you think?

[Murr1525]

Sounds like you might want to look into a product like Nxt Metal Polish. Perhaps following up swith some wax to help protect even more.


By magnat drying towel, do you mean the Meguiars water magnet? Thats the best thing I've ever seen.. it even amazed the parents when doing their car. Would be better than the terry cloth towels for drying as well. Also, look into the Supreme Shine Microfiber for removing cleaners, waxes, etc. That said, I also have terry cloth towels around for the nooks and crannies, places I dont want to snag a good microfiber.

Your buckets and grit guard are good.

I assume you are working by hand, so we'll focus on that.

ScratchX is a good cleaner, esp if you have lots of swirls, etc. But it will be a pain to use every single time. You probably also want to look into something like DC#1 for if you have no swirls to clean up, and just want to clean the paint before polishing.

For polishing, DC#2 will be good, and is meant for use by hand.

Your GC liquid wax will be fine, as will many waxes. I'm enjoying the Nxt paste at the moment, but whatever you like is fine, or I bet most of us have tried more than one wax when the last bottle/can runs out. Just have to see what looks/works best for you.

You also will probably want to look into a couple boxes of the applicator pads. They are re-useable, just wash a bit in between, and use one for each product.

The new interior detailer is also another one of my new favorites. makes quick work of the dashboard, and other hard surfaces.

Anything else, let us know

[GreeceLightning]

Thanks for the help, dude. Much apprciated. Yes, I did mean the drying magnet towel and I agree it is very good. I was actually going to be purchasing the terry towels for the waxing, but now I see the applicator pads are the way to go. I thought previously that they were only for use with a PC.

You didn't mention what you thought I should do about my wheels btw. I have heavy amounts of what looks like baked on breakdust - black spots and patches. After 3/4 applications of Hot Rims still no noticeable change. What would you suggest for this problem? Also I'd like something to really make them shine as much as possible.

[the other pc]

Well put Murr1525.

GreeceLightning, In addition to NXT All Metal Polysh you might try claying the wheels too.


PC

[GreeceLightning]

Will do mate. Thanks for the help both of you.

Soon my Civic will look good as new

[Murr1525]

Sorry, I could have been a little clearer i suppose. I meant that you could use the Nxt Metal Polish on the wheels. And definately a good call from PC, claying would be good too. Wash them a little, then clay then polish.

You didnt mention if you have clayed your paint at all? Whether the car is brand new or used, claying will be an excellent step to help prep the surface. You can use the search function to see about proper ways to clay.
BTW, dont use the clay from your wheels on your paint. Generaly, you would go paint, then glass, then wheels. Or some folks will save the dirtier clay for use on wheels. Dont go from your wheels up to the paint.

And also just to be clearer, there are pads for the PC and pads for use by hand. I was refering to the Gold Class High Tech Applicator Pad. They are little round yellow disks that come in a two pack. Just wanted to be sure we are discussing the same pads.

[GreeceLightning]

The car is 2 years old. The paint is in pretty good condition. But it does have quite a lot of swirls and holograms that I'm eager to remove. I haven't clayed the car before, having only owned it for about two months.

I did a search for pads in the shop and realised that there is a difference between those for a PC and those for use by hand when my search brought up several different items. I bought the applicator pads in a pack of two.

Regarding the claying process. I will do a search on the process but I'll just ask something about what you said. You talk about claying the wheels after the paintwork because the clay gets dirty. The clay isn't a single use item is it?

btw thanks for clarifying a few things. Becoming a member here has taught me just how little I actually know about proper car care

[05PhillyStang]

You talk about claying the wheels after the paintwork because the clay gets dirty. The clay isn't a single use item is it?

No, clay can be used multiple times, but not forever. A good practice is to cut the clay into 3 pieces so you have two "new" pieces even after using one piece. After you use the first piece, inspect it before using it again, making sure that the clay doesn't have any inbedded dirt that will scratch your paint.

Also, if the is dropped on the ground, throw it away, it's done. Using it WILL scratch your paint.

Many people, myself included, use "old" clay on the wheels after it has served it's purpose on the paint

A new clay bar should clean 4-5 cars.