Any beginner-friendly tips?

[AllenCarson]

I'm new to the world of car care and detailing, and I'm eager to learn the ropes. What essential products and tools do you recommend for a beginner like me? Any beginner-friendly tips or tricks for keeping my car looking its best? I appreciate any guidance you can offer as I embark on this exciting journey of car care!

[Buddy]

Everyone has their own tricks, methods, and habits. But they all work. My take is anyone willing to to go beyond a coin car wash is further than most cars on the road.
So a few of my ideas,
Some folks to 'rineless washes, others a bucket wash. For bucket, get a grit gard for the bottom of the bucket. And use at least 2 good wash mitts, 1 for the top half and 1 for the lower half.
For drying you could grab a leaf blower like one of the Ego line, they have some good power. Blow the water off.
For protection, find a good product you like, and you'll like using it. It won't be a chore or like work. Since your on Megs site, you have some good choices. Some of the new Ceramic products, the Hybrid Ceramic line, or the Ultimate line. All great stuff. And stick with each line for products for best performance. As in, use ceramic soaps and ceramic sprays to upkeep your ceramic protection and Ultimate line same way, etc.
If you start to get into long sessions that start to tire you out or make it start to get unenjoyable back off on some of your tasks. If you start to not look forward to upkeeping your car you will slowly stop. If you at least do steps you enjoy, your car is getting attention.
Others will have great tips too.

[Nick Winn]

Welcome & a couple articles you might consider reading:

Meguiar's 5 Step Paint Care Cycle - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online (meguiarsonline.com)

D/A Polisher Basics w/ Meguiar's MT300 Dual Action Polisher & Ultimate Products - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online (meguiarsonline.com)

[waitathletic]

Hello, I am also a new member starting car care. It's great to learn a lot from experience here.