New Member -- Looking for Advice on Daily Maintenance Routine

[Hook]

Hello,

I am new to Meguiars Online, so please be gentle with me :-)

I just purchased a brand-spanking-new 2006 E55 (tried to post photo below, we'll see if it's there). It's the first really "nice" car I've owned, so I want to start out right keeping the car looking as nince as possible.

I'd like to know what people recommend be done on a daily basis. For example, should I be dusting with a "California Duster" (car is garaged over night)? Should I be using a quick spray detailer daily? Only when necessary?

What about getting brake dust off the wheels?

What about the interior? Other thoughts or tips?

--
Hook

[Blr123]

Hello Hook,

aboard

I have just given my car a full detail after this I personally don't do much outside the weekly wash, only remove bird droppings, tree sap etc that sort of thing if it's there it's removed with quick detailer.

On a weekly basis I wash & dry the car then use NXT Spray Wax, that tops up the main detailing and it should last a bit longer.

If it's a show car then that may well be different..........I'm sure there is a lot you can do with a car like that but a daily user ie not a show car well what I have outlined I recon will keep it looking great.

Bryan

[gregcavi]

Personally Loose the cali duster. They are nothing but trouble. After I wash my car I will keep it going with meguiars final touch QD or if it is a touch to dirty for a qd I will use poorboys Spray and Wipe waterless wash. I really like to finish with the meguiars final touch becuase it is very slick. You might look into the interior quick detailer as well as a bi weekly touch up for your interior.

Greg

[atclew]

Re: New Member -- Looking for Advice on Daily Maintenance Routine

Originally posted by Hook
I just purchased a brand-spanking-new 2006 E55.

First off, Congratulations on the purchase of your first Mercedes automobile! It's hard to find an excuse not to drive one when you have free time! Trust me, I know!

I'd like to know what people recommend be done on a daily basis. Should I be using a quick spray detailer daily? Only when necessary?

I am by no means even close to the level of work some of these pro's can achieve but just the same, thought a few helpful hints might do some good.

The best investment I have made for my Benz is a pack of Microfiber towels. A friend picked them up at a Costco for me, they came in an 18-pack, and are fully reusable. I keep 3 MF towels and a bottle of NXT Speed Detailer in the little cubbyhole space in the right-hand side of the trunk, (just seems to be made to put that stuff there!). I usually get ready for work about 20 minutes early each day that the weather hasn't turned inclement, head out to the garage and wipe the finish down. Because of this routine, it usually only involves just misting the MF towel and removing a very small layer of overnight dust. If you drive greater distances per day and/or have an unusual amount of road grime behind the tires, switch to one of the extra towels specifically for those areas only. You can then relinquish that towel to wheel duties. Quik Detailer/NXT Speed Detailer is quite safe to use on your vehicle everyday, many of the good folks in here also use it on a daily basis with no adverse effects.

What about getting brake dust off the wheels?

Mercedes vehicles are notorious for the large amounts of brake dust deposited onto the wheels during normal driving conditions. Because of this, I do not attend to the wheels but on a weekly basis when I have the car washed. Otherwise, I would be spending an extra 15 minutes each day removing the brake dust, from the front wheels only!

One recommendation, is to purchase a set of "Kleen Wheels" for your wheels, (I should follow this advice myself). Instead of explaining what they do I'll just post the link for them here.

What about the interior? Other thoughts or tips?

When necesary, I pull out the bottle of Quik Interior Detailer spray and give the interior a good once over inbetween the weekend full-on detailing. That and a bottle of Gold Class Leather Conditioner, and you shouldn't go wrong.

With all that being said, your Mercedes should last well into your children's college years, or well into your grandchildren's college years. It's not that uncommon to find owner's with over a million miles on their Mercedes and finding them still running like a champ!

[Murr1525]

A very nice car, and you certainly can keep everything well cared for around here.

Depending on your wheel "shape", as far as spokes, etc, you may find that waxing your wheels helps keep dust from sticking as badly. Also makes QDing them easier, with a MF set aside ONLY for wheels.

For your interiror, the QD Interior spray is great for dusting, and the Nxt Tech Protectant is great for dashboard/vinyl/plastic protection. Just spray some on your MF towel, wipe it on, let it set 5 minutes, and buff off the excess. Leaves a rich, but matte finish behind. The slide-lock brush is great for dusting in crevices as well.

So far, on the parents car, I have only been using the Gold Class Leather Spray, and the GC Leather Wipes. I guess the parents didnt realize they were the same thing, you know, even though the name is the same. Anyway, I have really liked using the two together, spraying some on the seat, then spreading out with the wipe. For a matte finish, just buff off any excess after a few minutes. Works great on baseball gloves too... Shouldnt need to clean leather daily, but up to you.

If you like shiny, dont buff after applying... but I figure it shouldnt be too shiny inside.