so how often do you...?

[fgraciano1980]

just wanted to ask everyone questions here to see if theres an average.

- how often do you use cleaner/polish (like 83, 80, 82, 09...) on your car within a given year?

- and if you only do it a few times a year, do you wax in between those times like say once a month? with or without a pure polish?

- and also do you clay only when you just use a cleaner/polish? or every time you wax like once a month?

[LT22]

1. people use cleaner/polish depending on the way they see their car, but most likely once every 3 months, so 4 times a year. This includes the 5 step process: Wash, Clay, Clean, Polish, Wax

2. Cleaning your car often i think is uncessary i think claying is more rational.

3. Wax whenever you feel the your car needs one, if doing so you should prep your cars surface such as, washing then claying, no need to clean/polish your paint.

4. 5 step process every 3 months is common schedule.

[Jeff Smith]

Re: so how often do you...?

Originally posted by fgraciano1980
just wanted to ask everyone questions here to see if theres an average.

- how often do you use cleaner/polish (like 83, 80, 82, 09...) on your car within a given year?

- and if you only do it a few times a year, do you wax in between those times like say once a month? with or without a pure polish?

- and also do you clay only when you just use a cleaner/polish? or every time you wax like once a month?

Speaking for myself, I pan to do the whole thing only 2x a year. When spring break and after the summer breaks.

I do a pretty good job of keeping my car clean and I don't put alot of miles on it. Of course, things may change and I may need to do it more pften but I am thnking 2x should be fine for me.

I seem to wax about every 2-3 weeks or so. Some might consider that a bit much but I like the look. Someone here said; "If you love the look of a just waxed car, just wax it!!"

As far as Claying, I think it is best to learn to evaluate when your car needs it first. Run your hand over the finish. Mostly on the horizontal surfaces. If you feel stuff stuck to it. Then you should consider claying then a wax.

It is hard to put a schedule on this stuff as everyone's needs and driving habits are different.

[Accumulator]

Re: so how often do you...?

Originally posted by fgraciano1980
- how often do you use cleaner/polish (like 83, 80, 82, 09...) on your car within a given year?

Now that I have my wash routine scienced out I cleaner/polish once a year, if that often. RIDS get dealt with as necessary though.

- and if you only do it a few times a year, do you wax in between those times like say once a month? with or without a pure polish?

Wax/other LSP about once a month or less freqently, as needed. Only use pure polish on the garge queen.

- and also do you clay only when you just use a cleaner/polish? or every time you wax like once a month?

Spot clay at every wash, full claying as needed. Just depends on how things look/feel. I clay far more often than I use a cleaner/polish but I'm pretty clay-centric in my detailing.

[Blr123]

Hi there,

I did the full detail about 2months ago and since then I have washed once a week and applied NXT Spray Wax after the wash and it still looks like it was detailed just yesterday

The only problem is that here in the UK the Spray wax is not readily available!

Bryan

[05PhillyStang]

I do a full exterior detail 3-4 times a year: Wash, clay, clean, polich, 2 coats of wax. Plus exterior trim detailer, tires and wheels.

In between, I wash about every week and a half, spray wax about every 2-3 washes, wheels, tires, and trim as needed. And Speed detailer of course.

I mentioned on this board a few weeks ago that I'm considering adding a cleaner/wax in bewtween the full details. My hesitation is that I'll be removing some protection from the full detail. Even if I do, however, I'm sure I'll be adding back more than I took away so I'm sure I'll be fine.

Another consideration, and it seems like some of you guys are doing this, is an application of a wax, by itself. Obviously, the paint would need to be in excellent condition. Any thoughts on this approach?

[Murr1525]

As you say, the paint needs to be in pretty good condition to apply a wax with no other prep.

Seems a little risky for me, as my can is a daily driver, and I always find a lot of 'sand' and dirt in my rinse bucket under the gritguard. Makes me wonder what is still on the surface. I'll just stick with a light wipe on of a spray wax.

But if you are more confident in the cleanliness of your surface, the go for it.

[Accumulator]

I frequently apply wax/LSP after just a wash with no prep other than the spot-claying. Just did it on Accumulatorette's A8 with #16. No problems. But yeah, you have to have the vehicle perfectly clean lest you dislodge a bit of abrasive grit and induce marring or else apply LSP over dirt making for a dull finish.