[accordi]

I have been trying to read up on how to take care of a car.. wondering how you all are making sure your accord survives the test of time. Right now, my thought is...


Preparation: Wash car with water.
1. Meguires Ultimate Detailer Spray
2. Meguires Clay Bar
3. Meguires Liquid Wax Ultimate

Not sure what the frequency is, but people say this could last over 5 months based on what I am reading? So maybe I do this routine twice a year?

What are your thoughts and how do you keep your car fresh and clean?

 

[2veloce]

There are many different cleaners, polishes and waxes along with as many different opinions. Use what you are comfortable with and use it consistently. Frequent washing and detailing spray help keep the car looking great. If your budget allows, the ceramic application done by a professional is said to be very good. For me the process you describe is my favorite, as l consider cleaning, polishing and waxing a labor of “love”!

 

[24v]

You shouldn't use clay unless there are embedded contaminants that don't come off in the wash. Also, if you do use clay you will likely want to polish it after that before you put wax or sealant on.

 

[2veloce]

You would be surprised at how well Claybar cleans new paint. It is really the only way to get out in Imbedded paint crap. Yes you must polish and wax after using clay bar to maintain the finish

 

[24v]

...unless there are embedded contaminants

It is really the only way to get out in Imbedded paint crap.

Pretty sure you just said the same thing I did?
My advice is because clay is an abrasive. The less abrasive you can use to clean/polish/protect paint, the better.

 

[AntWrig]

Pretty sure you just said the same thing I did?
My advice is because clay is an abrasive. The less abrasive you can use to clean/polish/protect paint, the better.

You always want to go with the least abrasive option first. That being said, to the OP, you may want to add 1-step polish into that process. It's very likely you have some minor swirls that could be corrected.

 

[eric38.schwartz]

I use Hydrosilex ceramic coating, and to wipe down the paint quickly McGuire's detailer spray with microfiber towels. One dirty towel to wipe away the dirt, then a dry clean microfiber towel to buff out the paint. The glass, Maguire's detailer spray with a paper towel. For my wheels and tires, a foam brush and McGuire's tire gel. To clean the wheels a dirty old greasy rag. The Hydrosilex ceramic coating goes a long way in paint protection overall! I have about two and a half coats on my paint right now.

 

[Underdog]

My '06 Legacy GT looks better than the day I bought it new off the showroom floor, IMO, and I daily drove it for about 8 years before making it a secondary vehicle. My main philosophy is that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. I always use a two bucket wash method, with a high quality mitt, and I usually get a new mitt every other year, and use the older ones for under side sills, wheels, exhaust, etc. I use the Wolgang Concours line with some P21S carnauba on top when the weather is nice. I haven't had to do any paint correction in a long time, but occasionally I'll still have to clay bar and hit it with a light finishing glaze. For the interior it's Aerospace 303 and Stoners for all the glass surfaces. I think my leather cleaner/conditioner is Pinnacle brand? I forget... it smells good though.

 

[StormX2]

I must not love my cars, as I do not bother doing anything to any of them. Likely due to how badly i would rage over something getting ruined after putting all that time into it regularly. I drive way too many Highway Miles to worry about such things =/