Just bought a new car! Where do I start?

[jmillar82]

Hi guys,

I've just bought a new Mercedes C200 which is my first ever new car and arrives in a couple months. I currently drive a 2008 Mazda 3 which gets washed maybe twice a year :S

Anyway, I'm obviously going to be looking after the new car much better, especially since it's white (non-metallic). However, I'm very time poor and don't want to spend 3 hours cleaning my car every week either.

I was just wondering if anyone has some tips on how to keep my car clean without breaking the bank and without spending too much time on it. I do about 500kms per week so it will probably need a touch up weekly. I was thinking every weekend I'll either take it to be hand washed, or I'll do it myself.

Generally when I wash a car myself I rinse it with a hose, then use a car wash liquid in warm water with a sponge, then I rinse it again. For the wheels I usually rinse, then spray with a wheel cleaner then rinse again and that's it. I'm happy to do this during summer but generally don't wash it myself in winter when it's freezing cold outside. In this case I would be taking it to the local car wash and let them sort it out.

If anyone has any tips on how to drastically improve my results by using specific products I'm open to ideas. Also, I sometimes go through drive-through car washes but I'm guessing this might not be a good idea with my new car?

Also, is there anything I should do when I get the car to put a protective layer on it to ensure it's easier to keep clean moving forward and/or less susceptible to damage/dirt?

Any help would be appreciated!!

Cheers

 

[Desertnate]

My advice would be to do a ton of reading here. A search on "new car care" and such will yield huge numbers of inputs and probably serve you better as you'll see advice on lots of products and all levels of effort. The options are almost endless and only you can really decide how fanatic you want to be.

As for winter care, my approach is to hit the car with a really durable wax in the Fall (Collinite 845), and then go to a touchless car wash when it gets really cold. The car doesn't get as clean as a hand washing, but when it's covered in grime and road salt for long periods, it doesn't really matter. I'm not sure if touchless places are available where you live, but they are far less likely to damage your paint like a traditional car wash place will. The spinning brushes and even the towels used by the employees will induce all sorts of swirls.

 

[Coopers ST]

My advice would be to find a good detailer in your area and pay them to put a coating like Optimum Pro Plus on the car. Pay them once then just use a spray n wash a couple times a month as you get time.

 

[Jaretr1]

I agree with the above, there is a TON on useful info here on the forum as well as how to videos on the Autogeek website. Considering how little you wash your car, you might want to consider a coating. They will provide superior protection to any wax as well as make keeping the car cleaner easier. Mckee's 37 Coating is super easy to apply and not very expensive. Pinnacle Black Label is also extremely easy to apply and will provide even longer protection , claimed to be 3 years.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Read this... it will walk you through the steps as to what to do...


How To Detail Your Brand New Car by Mike Phillips

 

[GCAudiA3]

I agree with the above, there is a TON on useful info here on the forum as well as how to videos on the Autogeek website. Considering how little you wash your car, you might want to consider a coating. They will provide superior protection to any wax as well as make keeping the car cleaner easier. Mckee's 37 Coating is super easy to apply and not very expensive. Pinnacle Black Label is also extremely easy to apply and will provide even longer protection , claimed to be 3 years.

Which black label product?

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Which black label product?

I'm lazy by nature and I use Pinnacle Black Label Surface Coating on my wife's Mercedes-Benz because I can apply it like a quick detailer and apply it to the three major surfaces that make up the outside of the car,

1. Paint
2. Glass
3. Plastic

This is actually her old Mercedes-Benz, but till the day we sold it I only used the Black Label Surface coating on it and it always looked better than new. It was also very easy to wash and dried very fast, that's the feature of a coating.


2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Show Car Makeover Pictures

Stay tuned for an upcoming write-up on the new MB

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Hi guys,

I've just bought a new Mercedes C200 which is my first ever new car and arrives in a couple months.

When you pick up your new Mercedes-Benz

FIRST - TELL THEM NOT TO TOUCH IT!


That is don't let them wash it or detail it or you'll be starting a new thread,

How do I remove swirls and scratches out of my new Mercedes-Benz?



Next, inspect the paint code to see if your car has the Ceramiclear paint finish, see this article,

Ceramiclear Paint Code Location on Mercedes-Benz

Then if it does, read my article here,

Ceramiclear Paints - Be Careful

And for the rest of your life, follow the instructions in this article before taking your car to the dealership for ANY service or ANY reason.



DON'T WASH CAR !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I'm lazy by nature and I use Pinnacle Black Label Surface Coating on my wife's Mercedes-Benz because I can apply it like a quick detailer and apply it to the three major surfaces that make up the outside of the car,

1. Paint
2. Glass
3. Plastic

This is actually her old Mercedes-Benz, but till the day we sold it I only used the Black Label Surface coating on it and it always looked better than new. It was also very easy to wash and dried very fast, that's the feature of a coating.


2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Show Car Makeover Pictures

Stay tuned for an upcoming write-up on the new MB

Apply it like a QD as in spray on, wipe off?

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Apply it like a QD as in spray on, wipe off?

Yes. Basically I use with the same technique I wrote for Meguiar's Spray Wax about 10 years ago on MOL

Actually, spray it on, spread it around, pause for a few moments and then buff that section about 80%

Continue around the car.

Then give the car a final wipe.

Remeber - I do this often for her car and thus it always looks amazing.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Yes. Basically I use with the same technique I wrote for Meguiar's Spray Wax about 10 years ago on MOL

Actually, spray it on, spread it around, pause for a few moments and then buff that section about 80%

Continue around the car.

Then give the car a final wipe.

Remeber - I do this often for her car and thus it always looks amazing.

Thanks Mike. What do you spread it around with?

 

[jmillar82]

Hi guys, thanks so much for all the prompt responses!

My advice would be to find a good detailer in your area and pay them to put a coating like Optimum Pro Plus on the car. Pay them once then just use a spray n wash a couple times a month as you get time.

Thanks, this sounds like something that could work for my situation. Does the coating just make it easier to clean moving forward?

What do you mean by spray n wash? Also, Desertnate mentioned 'touchless' car washes. I'm guessing you both might mean places where you can use a hose to spray the foam wash onto the car, then a high pressure hose to wash/rinse it rather than doing it by hand? Is this a better method than doing it by hand and also better than getting it cleaned at a local car wash by hand?

What are your suggestions regarding keeping the wheels clean? I notice that dirty wheels make a huge difference to the appearance of a car, and the Mercedes' wheels seem to get dirty easily.

Also, suggestions for keeping inside the car clean (car mats, leather seats)? I assume a local car wash is okay for this?

Cheers!!

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Thanks Mike. What do you spread it around with?

Clean, flat weave microfiber towel, folded 4-ways and then only use one side. Mist a few sprays of the coating onto the face of one side of the folded microfiber towel, this dampens it with the coating and then mist a spray or two onto a panel and spread it over the panel.

I do this to each panel and basically coat the car about as fast as I can walk around it.

Then come back and give each panel, glass and plastic a final buff.

The key is the same as I wrote years ago for correctly applying a spray wax.

It's the dampening of the face of the towel. If you don't dampen the towel with the coating then the towel is dry. How can you spread out something wet with something dry?

Answer: You can't. At least not easily because the dry microfiber towels will be trying to DRY or wipe off the liquid as you're trying to spread it out. In simple terms you're fighting yourself.


I think I explain it in detail in this article from 2004 on MOL - hard to believe I wrote this 12 years ago! That's my daughter when she was like 16 or 17 in the pictures.

How To Get Great Results With Meguiar's Spray Wax!

This is how to "dampen" one side of a microfiber towel

Here's an updated version I wrote in 2008 - same info, newer product.

The secret to applying Ultimate Quik Wax


Hope that helps...

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Clean, flat weave microfiber towel, folded 4-ways and then only use one side. Mist a few sprays of the coating onto the face of one side of the folded microfiber towel, this dampens it with the coating and then mist a spray or two onto a panel and spread it over the panel.

I do this to each panel and basically coat the car about as fast as I can walk around it.

Then come back and give each panel, glass and plastic a final buff.

The key is the same as I wrote years ago for correctly applying a spray wax.

It's the dampening of the face of the towel. If you don't dampen the towel with the coating then the towel is dry. How can you spread out something wet with something dry?

Answer: You can't. At least not easily because the dry microfiber towels will be trying to DRY or wipe off the liquid as you're trying to spread it out. In simple terms you're fighting yourself.


I think I explain it in detail in this article from 2004 on MOL - hard to believe I wrote this 12 years ago! That's my daughter when she was like 16 or 17 in the pictures.

How To Get Great Results With Meguiar's Spray Wax!

This is how to "dampen" one side of a microfiber towel

Here's an updated version I wrote in 2008 - same info, newer product.

The secret to applying Ultimate Quik Wax


Hope that helps...

Awesome. Thank you!

 

[GSKR]

Hi guys,

I've just bought a new Mercedes C200 which is my first ever new car and arrives in a couple months. I currently drive a 2008 Mazda 3 which gets washed maybe twice a year :S

Anyway, I'm obviously going to be looking after the new car much better, especially since it's white (non-metallic). However, I'm very time poor and don't want to spend 3 hours cleaning my car every week either.

I was just wondering if anyone has some tips on how to keep my car clean without breaking the bank and without spending too much time on it. I do about 500kms per week so it will probably need a touch up weekly. I was thinking every weekend I'll either take it to be hand washed, or I'll do it myself.

Generally when I wash a car myself I rinse it with a hose, then use a car wash liquid in warm water with a sponge, then I rinse it again. For the wheels I usually rinse, then spray with a wheel cleaner then rinse again and that's it. I'm happy to do this during summer but generally don't wash it myself in winter when it's freezing cold outside. In this case I would be taking it to the local car wash and let them sort it out.

If anyone has any tips on how to drastically improve my results by using specific products I'm open to ideas. Also, I sometimes go through drive-through car washes but I'm guessing this might not be a good idea with my new car?

Also, is there anything I should do when I get the car to put a protective layer on it to ensure it's easier to keep clean moving forward and/or less susceptible to damage/dirt?

Any help would be appreciated!!

Cheers

To sum it up I would find a reputable detailer and cquartz finest the heck out of it,wheels and all.or 845 every six months with very careful washing.or just wash it biweekly and wax it before winter and after winter.

 

[jmillar82]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the helpful tips and advice so far!! As I said, I'm time poor so won't be applying coatings etc myself and want a quick and easy way to wash my car moving forward (max 30 mins per weekend). I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg.

I was thinking of getting a coating applied when I get the car, then I could probably use foam cannon + high pressure hose once a week, and then a wheel cleaner for the wheels. Do you think this would suffice? I do about 500kms per week and plan on keeping the car for 3 years.

Also, is it absolutely necessary to dry with a leaf blower or can I let it dry by itself?

Assuming the above is OK, I was wondering what products you would recommend to clean the wheels with, and also what coating/s would be best (I'm in Sydney Australia)? Also, I assume any foam cannon/high pressure hose combo will be fine for the job? And what product should I use in the foam cannon?

Also what do you guys use for cleaning the interior? I would probably do this every 2nd week or so.

Cheers

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the helpful tips and advice so far!! As I said, I'm time poor so won't be applying coatings etc myself and want a quick and easy way to wash my car moving forward (max 30 mins per weekend). I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg.

I was thinking of getting a coating applied when I get the car, then I could probably use foam cannon + high pressure hose once a week, and then a wheel cleaner for the wheels. Do you think this would suffice? I do about 500kms per week and plan on keeping the car for 3 years.

The above will work.

Start a thread on this forum like this,


Pro Detailer wanted in Your City and State

It's important to hire someone that actually knows what they're doing.

Also, is it absolutely necessary to dry with a leaf blower or can I let it dry by itself?

Just get some of these and dry it by hand.


The Guzzler Triple Kit

Don't let the water dry by itself or you'll have water spots IN the paint and then you'll be starting a thread like this,

How do I remove water spots out of the clearcoat finish on my car?

Assuming the above is OK, I was wondering what products you would recommend to clean the wheels with, and also what coating/s would be best (I'm in Sydney Australia)? Also, I assume any foam cannon/high pressure hose combo will be fine for the job? And what product should I use in the foam cannon?

Also what do you guys use for cleaning the interior? I would probably do this every 2nd week or so.

Cheers

Wheel cleaner? SONAX

Order this special before it's gone

SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect 16.9 oz. Buy Five Get One Free Special


Instead of a coating, get this. It last around 6 months and works really well. We used this on two episodes of our TV show.


Sonax Polymer Net Shield 340 ml. NEW BIGGER SIZE! CLICK FOR BOGO DEAL!


Also just to note

Foam CANNON = Must use a pressure washer

Foam GUN = Use a normal water hose

I use a foam gun.


Hope this helps.... share our forum with your buddies.

 

[jmillar82]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your response. I actually do have a leaf blower so I will use that to dry it.

I'm in Sydney Australia so it seems I can't buy the SONAX Wheel cleaner from Autogeek as I need to do a minimum $100 order. Are there any similar products you could recommend that I might be able to buy locally?

Also I'm guessing I need a proper wheel brush?

You said to get the SONAX Polymer Net Shield instead of a coating. Were you talking about for the wheels or for the whole car? If for the whole car, why is it better to get that than the coating? Is it just because it's cheaper? I'm pretty clumsy so don't want to have to apply anything where there's a chance I'll stuff it up (as my chances of stuffing it up are higher than the average!!!)

Thanks for your note regarding foam cannon vs foam gun. I'll do some research and find a foam gun. What product do you recommend putting in the foam gun? Do you purely just spray the car with this, leave for a couple minutes then rinse with the high pressure hose? Then I'm guessing you would spray the wheels, go over them with the brush then rinse with high pressure hose and you're done?

Also, what would you use on the interior? It's a new Mercedes C200 with ARTICO Leather.

Cheers

 

[jmillar82]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your response. I actually do have a leaf blower so I will use that to dry it.

I'm in Sydney Australia so it seems I can't buy the SONAX Wheel cleaner from Autogeek as I need to do a minimum $100 order. Are there any similar products you could recommend that I might be able to buy locally?

Also I'm guessing I need a proper wheel brush?

You said to get the SONAX Polymer Net Shield instead of a coating. Were you talking about for the wheels or for the whole car? If for the whole car, why is it better to get that than the coating? Is it just because it's cheaper? I'm pretty clumsy so don't want to have to apply anything where there's a chance I'll stuff it up (as my chances of stuffing it up are higher than the average!!!)

Thanks for your note regarding foam cannon vs foam gun. I'll do some research and find a foam gun. What product do you recommend putting in the foam gun? Do you purely just spray the car with this, leave for a couple minutes then rinse with the high pressure hose? Then I'm guessing you would spray the wheels, go over them with the brush then rinse with high pressure hose and you're done?

Also, what would you use on the interior? It's a new Mercedes C200 with ARTICO Leather.

Cheers

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Your advice on this would be greatly appreciated! Have a great weekend all!