Beginner trying to figure out an "essentials" kit

T

transcend11

New member
Joined
May 27, 2012
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I've bought my first new car and have been reading lots of articles and threads on this site about the best way to use certain products. As a beginner, on a bit of a budget at first, I need to know what is the best use of my money starting off.

For my first purchase, I've considered Ultima Waterless Wash Plus Concentrate, a pack of microfiber towels, and a spray bottle.

I know that I also will eventually need some sort of wax, clay, wheel cleaner, and interior cleaner. Also, for cleaning glass - is there a special product I should buy or just use something like Windex?

I appreciate any suggestions - thanks!
 
transcend11 said:
I've bought my first new car and have been reading lots of articles and threads on this site about the best way to use certain products. As a beginner, on a bit of a budget at first, I need to know what is the best use of my money starting off.

For my first purchase, I've considered Ultima Waterless Wash Plus Concentrate, a pack of microfiber towels, and a spray bottle.

I know that I also will eventually need some sort of wax, clay, wheel cleaner, and interior cleaner. Also, for cleaning glass - is there a special product I should buy or just use something like Windex?

I appreciate any suggestions - thanks!
Click to expand...


Do a forum search using "first detail" I am sure you will find many threads of users asking similar ideas.

Maintenance washes can be done using UWWP as a waterless and rinse less so great value.

Also Meguiars APC+ or Optimum Power Clean is a great value pick for multiple uses.

Everyone is partial to certain products. My suggestion is read some reviews and take some chances. Especially with shampoos, interior cleaners, wheel cleaners you can't miss on most products. Especially on a new car that has seen minimal wear and tear.

Enjoy the new ride.

Cheers
 
For car shampoo: optimum no rinse, Wolfgang Auto bathe, Sonax high gloss, 1z perls shampoo are all excellent shampoos. For Wheels I would use your car shampoo, if not effective go with something ph balanced like P21s wheel cleaner gel or Sonax full effect wheel cleaner, For wax you could use something like Klasse AIO, it cleans,polishes, protects. Clay: since your car is new you only need ultra fine or gentle fine clay, meguiars is great. Clay lube: Otimum no rinse can be used for as a clay lube as well, WG clay lube or meguiars quick detailer. Window cleaner: meguiars window clean is a very economical buy, and is after market tinted window safe I would also invest in the glass master cleaning tool, makes cleaning a breeze. This is an overload of products but there is many good options out there.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
For a first purchase, I would buy a car wash soap, a wash mitt, and a waffle weave towel, because washing is the thing you will be doing most often and you want to do it right. I assume you have a bucket of some kind. A grit guard insert would be a good idea. IMO, a regular car wash is best, and is the least expensive in terms of product cost. Water usage is another thing. next a nice hose nozzle, that can be shut off at the nozzle, to save water.
If you wash the windows thoroughly when you wash the car and dry them quickly(and a squeegee or a water blade helps here), there is little to no need for a window cleaner for the exterior windows unless you have to have the most sparkling shine. I only use window cleaner for the inside of the windows on my car, and I use Earth Rite glass cleaner, because I can't stand the ammonia smell of Windex, especially inside a car. I shop at a health food store that sells it, so it's convenient for me. I'm sure AG has a pleasant to use window cleaner.

I would also suggest a wax like Collinite or a sealant like Griots because they are inexpensive and long lasting, and some wax applicators and 2 or 3 microfiber wax removal towels.
I also suggest a rubber and vinyl protectant for the tires and trim, to prevent cracking.

After that I suggest clay and clay lube.

After that I suggest a wheel cleaner.

After that I suggest a foam gun.

Then I suggest a wheel cleaning brush.
After that, I would suggest a Wet or Dry vacuum if you don't have one.
Then there are polishes and buffers and glazes and so many other products.
 
Welcome and congrats on a New Car !!! A lot has been covered so I would add only this. Be extra careful where you park it. One of those fold out sun reflectors for the inside windshield when you park to protect the interior. And a spray bottle of quick detailer QD Meguiar's the red/burgundy bottle and a couple of soft microfiber cloths for when a bird craps on it or something similar. You need to get that off ASAP. It's been proven here by Mike Phillips that bird poop will eat through your clear coat in minutes.

Also please keep up with wash and waxes. When you see a car with clear coat failure, and there are lots of them around. It's because of neglect, pure and simple. They never kept up with protecting the paint.

One last thing, non paint related the best thing you can do to make a new car last is keep up with the routine maintenance, especially no matter what the mfg says change the oil ever 3000 miles. Your car engine will love you for it. My brother in law worked for a major re-manufacturer of engines. He said if people would only change their oil and filter regularly he wouldn't see 80% of the work he does.
 
Countless studies including several at Consumer reports says that you are wasting your money if your change your oil before 5,000 miles.
 
Newbie Kit:

  • Folex - (carpet)
  • Stoners Invisible glass cleaner
  • ONR (qd/wash/clay lube)
  • Megs UC/UP or Megs 105/205 if your feeling frisky
  • Megs NXT tech wax
  • Megs Clay Bar Kit
  • Mothers tire and wheel cleaner
  • Megs Endurance Tire gel
  • Purple Power (degreaser)
  • Meguiars Supreme Shine Rubber & Vinyl
  • Pack of MF towels

All of these products are relatively cheap, work like they say they do. I added it up, it's about 120-130. I still use 90% of what I listed. This is what I would recommend for someone just starting out.
 
I listed a bunch of products but I forgot tools.... Man this hobby can get expensive lol
 
You know what I think would be a good Idea? Have Mike P create a list of items for a newbie. Say $50 package, $100 package, $150 ect. Have it available in the online store. If you ask this question in this forum you're going to get many different answers.

But then again you would miss out on all the trial, error and research lol
 
maximus20895 said:
Countless studies including several at Consumer reports says that you are wasting your money if your change your oil before 5,000 miles.
Click to expand...
It depends upon what oil you use. I change Mobil 1 at 3,000 and NEO, which is designed to last 25,000 miles at 6-8,000. I noticed a change in the feel of the engine, how easily it starts up and the sound at low rpm after around 3,000 with Mobil 1. I can feel it get more noticeable at 4,000 to 4,500. I only let it get to 4,500 once.
 
OP - do you have a DA polisher? That's going to be needed to do correction work quickly and efficiently.
 
:welcome: To Autogeek Online!! :props:

Everyone starts off as a beginner but with some reading, questions, and trial, error, and practice you'll be amazed how much you'll be able to do. After reading and understanding some of the basics, the more hands on your are the quicker you'll build your knowledge and gain experience.

There are a host of quality products here and work very well and don't have to empty your wallet. I do suggest you invest in a dual action polisher and pads. This takes the drudgery out of finish cleaning and correction while improving the consistency and and efficiency of the process.

I prefer to put my own package together. The Meguiar's Microfiber Kit produces amazing results and comes with everything you need to make and keep that finish looking great.


Here's some great information by Mike Phillips that will help you if you need it.

This link contains articles written by Mike Phillips and has allot of great reading within.

Articles by Mike Phillips

Basic steps in order are:

  • Wash
  • Clay
  • Paint Correction & Polish
  • Seal
  • Wax
Great all-in-one cleaners!

I use these with a green and white foam pads.....:props:

Some product recommendations I like to use and many of these have multiple uses!

Wash - Duragloss #901
Clay - Mothers
Compound - PG 1000 – PowerGloss Compound (POS34A)
Polish - PF 2500 – Power Finish Polish (PO203)
Finishing Polish - SF 4000 – Super Finish Polish (PO106FA)
Sealant - Ultima Paint Guard Plus
Wax - Collinite 845
Spray Wax -Optimum Spray Car Wax
Tire Cleaner - Meguiar's Super Degreaser
Tire Treatment - CarPro PERL
Trim - Ultima Tire and Trim Guard
Wheel Cleaner - Meguiar's Wheel Brightener
Wheel Protectant -Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0
Glass Cleaner - Meguiar's Glass Cleaner
Glass Treatment - Aquapel
All Purpose Cleaner - Optimum Power Clean
Interior Protectant - Meguiar’s M40
Chrome & Stainless Steel - BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond Metal Acrylic Sealant
 
Welcome and congrats on the new ride!

Follow the advice of people like BoobyG, Mike Phillips, and the other pros on this site, and you'll be fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top