Got a new car, advice on how to preserve the paint?

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fastfurious23

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I purchased a new Hyundai Elantra this month. The sticker on my car shows it was manufactured in February 2013, so I don't know if enough time has passed to get the car waxed.

This is my first car so I'm clueless as to how often to wash it and wax it in order to preserve the paint. The dealer also told me to only have the car hand-washed. Is there any truth to this?

So my questions:
-How often should I wash and what method?
-How often should I wax? Is there any special wax that's best for the paint?

In addition, the car has tinted windows, besides ammonia-free products (advice given by the tint shop), what else can I not use during the washing process?

I would like to do all of this at a shop rather than doing it myself. Any recommendations as to where I can take my car? Are car washes at gas stations any good?

Thanks!
 
Opti coat! Best thing out there for long term protection.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using AG Online
 
Colinpd137 said:
+1
I Agree
Click to expand...

+2

Assuming the dealer didn't swirl it up you can decon and go right to OC. There are tons of good articles on application here on application (which is pretty easy) but the prep is key.

Congrats on the new car!
 
+1 Opti-Coat or park it in an air conditioned humidity controlled garage and buy a DD driver.
 
Welcome to AGO!

You can find lots of good reading right here in this article:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-detail-your-brand-new-car-mike-phillips.html

One thing you will want to do is check the condition of your vehicle paint:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/38689-what-condition-paint-your-vehicles.html

You also want to do the baggie test to check for an above surface contamination since that car has sat on a lot for some time:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...nspect-above-surface-bonded-contaminants.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...benefits-using-detailing-clay-clay-paint.html

Once you have done the clay (if needed) you can move on to polishing out the paint via hand of Machine (if you choice)

If going with permanent coating like Opti-Coat then you will want to get your paint close to perfection as possible as any imperfect left will remain and sealed underneath the coating.

I for one will agree with everyone else coat you car and enjoy the benefits you will receive.
 
I am sure someone here can guide you on where to take your car or you can just lear from the guys here and do it yourself..
 
Rayaz said:
+2

Assuming the dealer didn't swirl it up you can decon and go right to OC. There are tons of good articles on application here on application (which is pretty easy) but the prep is key.

Congrats on the new car!
Click to expand...

The dealer did offer some kind of paint protection and claimed I would never have to wax my car. I turned it down.

rmagnus said:
+1 Opti-Coat or park it in an air conditioned humidity controlled garage and buy a DD driver.
Click to expand...

My car will be parked on the street at all times for now. If I ever got the opportunity to park it in a garage, what does the AC do for the paint? What is a DD driver?

What about if you parked in a garage but had no AC?


All, a quick local search on Yelp and I found a local shop with good reviews and they claim they are certified to install Opti-coat. Is therea specific version of the product I should ask for? I see alot of version 2.0 on the web.

In the first link that Evan J provided it has this list:
  1. Wash and dry.
  2. Inspect the paint with your sense of touch and visually in bright, overhead sunlight.
  3. Iron X paint and wheels - Then re-wash to remove the Iron X residues off the paint and wheels.
  4. Clay - If needed. Your inspection will tell you.
  5. Polish - If needed. Your inspection will tell you.
  6. Apply either a Car Wax or a Paint Sealant
Would #6 be the application of the opti-coat? Can I ask the shop to do #1-5 or is that something that they do before all opti-coat applications?
 
fastfurious23 said:
The dealer did offer some kind of paint protection and claimed I would never have to wax my car. I turned it down.



My car will be parked on the street at all times for now. If I ever got the opportunity to park it in a garage, what does the AC do for the paint? What is a DD driver?

What about if you parked in a garage but had no AC?


All, a quick local search on Yelp and I found a local shop with good reviews and they claim they are certified to install Opti-coat. Is therea specific version of the product I should ask for? I see alot of version 2.0 on the web.

In the first link that Evan J provided it has this list:
  1. Wash and dry.
  2. Inspect the paint with your sense of touch and visually in bright, overhead sunlight.
  3. Iron X paint and wheels - Then re-wash to remove the Iron X residues off the paint and wheels.
  4. Clay - If needed. Your inspection will tell you.
  5. Polish - If needed. Your inspection will tell you.
  6. Apply either a Car Wax or a Paint Sealant
Would #6 be the application of the opti-coat? Can I ask the shop to do #1-5 or is that something that they do before all opti-coat applications?
Click to expand...

The pro version of Opti-coat 2.0 is Now Opti Coat Pro

Yes in the 6 step you would first do and IPA wipe down of the paint to remove any polishing oils as those oils hinder the Opti coat to bond properly.

Next you would apply the Opti Coat.

Where are you located?

Here is a list of all Authorized Opti-coat Pro installers.
AUTHORIZED OPTIMUM PROFESSIONAL COATING INSTALLERS
 
I gave the shop a call and here is what they told me:

They do all steps #1-6 (except Iron X)

Price is $550

-They use Opti Coat Pro. The shop said this version is only for authorized dealers. Regular consumers are only able to buy Version 2.0
-They use Optimum Hyper Polish
-They offer warranty for new cars. Basically you have an annual inspection. From what I understood if they need to reapply opti coat it would cost an extra $85. But like any warranty you have to do some maintenance on your own. The example the shop gave me is that if I park under a tree everyday, the warranty would be void.
-They do not use any products containing ammonia due to the tinted windows that cars have.

Is that price about right for the job? What do you guys think?

Also, I would have to leave my car at the shop for most of the day. They said they may get it done earlier but it is just to be on the safe side. My question here is, I can't be at the shop all day watching them do the job. Again, they have excellent reviews on Yelp and seem reputable. Would I just drop my car off and get the call to pick it up and the final product will be what I expected? Is there anything I should worry about?

Evan.J said:
Where are you located? Here is a list of all Authorized Opti-coat Pro installers.

AUTHORIZED OPTIMUM PROFESSIONAL COATING INSTALLERS
Click to expand...

I am in Cali. I was able to find the shop I called in that list.


Thanks!
 
Last edited:
You are new to all the abbreviations and wording.

I'll just ask questions:

Do you want to do it yourself or do you want to have it done by a professional Detailer and just maintain it from there?

I have read stories of a new comer coming asking for advice then meeting up with a helpful member of this forum and was well taken care of.

Just my 0.02 cents

Art

Edit: after I pressed send your new post popped up, I live in Cali as well, i'd like to find a reputable detailer also, i'll just subscribe from here on out
 
hernandez.art13 said:
You are new to all the abbreviations and wording.

I'll just ask questions:

Do you want to do it yourself or do you want to have it done by a professional Detailer and just maintain it from there?

I have read stories of a new comer coming asking for advice then meeting up with a helpful member of this forum and was well taken care of.

Just my 0.02 cents

Art
Click to expand...

I plan on doing the detailing through shops at first. I may get into doing it myself later on as I asumme it is much cheaper? Any other benefits?
 
I'm sure there are many here, if you find one they can Detail your car and you just have to give it proper maintenance.

And not worry about restoring it but just maintaining it.

I am just a hobbyist right now, i'll let the pros chime in

(Pictures) :D
 
Could you share with us who the Opti-Coat installer is that you are considering?

Also, no matter what he does for you, your maintenance regimen is going to determine the fate of your paint. The dealer advised hand wash only because theoretically a hand wash will cause less damage than an automated wash. In practice, a bad hand wash can do plenty of damage.

A lot of people get a new car and initially are very interested in "washing and waxing" because they just spent a ton of money. For many people this burst of car washing enthusiasm is short lived. If you really think that in the long term you are willing to put in the effort required to maintain the appearance of your car, by all means get it Opti-Coated and adopt a regimen that will maintain the appearance.

If you are looking for a magic quick-fix that with a one-time expenditure that will wrap your car in a magic blanket of protection, there isn't one (except going back to your Opti-Coat installer every couple of weeks for a maintenance wash).
 
fastfurious23 said:
The dealer did offer some kind of paint protection and claimed I would never have to wax my car. I turned it down. Wise move.

My car will be parked on the street at all times for now. If I ever got the opportunity to park it in a garage, what does the AC do for the paint? I was really just kidding you to preserve it by not driving it and to buy a daily driver for use. What is a DD driver? Daily driver, a car you use all the time.

What about if you parked in a garage but had no AC? Better than outside. For a car parked outside I think opti-coating it is a good move


All, a quick local search on Yelp and I found a local shop with good reviews and they claim they are certified to install Opti-coat. Is therea specific version of the product I should ask for? I see alot of version 2.0 on the web.

In the first link that Evan J provided it has this list:
  1. Wash and dry.
  2. Inspect the paint with your sense of touch and visually in bright, overhead sunlight.
  3. Iron X paint and wheels - Then re-wash to remove the Iron X residues off the paint and wheels.
  4. Clay - If needed. Your inspection will tell you.
  5. Polish - If needed. Your inspection will tell you.
  6. Apply either a Car Wax or a Paint Sealant
Would #6 be the application of the opti-coat? Can I ask the shop to do #1-5 or is that something that they do before all opti-coat applications?
Click to expand...

Getting it polished up and sealed is only the first step. How you take care of it will be more important. Pay attention to the valuable posts and links Evan.J posted. Washing and drying the car can do considerable harm to your cars finish if not done correctly.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
Could you share with us who the Opti-Coat installer is that you are considering?

Also, no matter what he does for you, your maintenance regimen is going to determine the fate of your paint. The dealer advised hand wash only because theoretically a hand wash will cause less damage than an automated wash. In practice, a bad hand wash can do plenty of damage.

A lot of people get a new car and initially are very interested in "washing and waxing" because they just spent a ton of money. For many people this burst of car washing enthusiasm is short lived. If you really think that in the long term you are willing to put in the effort required to maintain the appearance of your car, by all means get it Opti-Coated and adopt a regimen that will maintain the appearance.

If you are looking for a magic quick-fix that with a one-time expenditure that will wrap your car in a magic blanket of protection, there isn't one (except going back to your Opti-Coat installer every couple of weeks for a maintenance wash).
Click to expand...

rmagnus said:
Getting it polished up and sealed is only the first step. How you take care of it will be more important. Pay attention to the valuable posts and links Evan.J posted. Washing and drying the car can do considerable harm to your cars finish if not done correctly.
Click to expand...

I look forward to maintaining the paint on my car and learning as I go along to possibly doing it myself one day. I'm already seeing how invaluable this forum will be.

I will have the Opti Coat installed next week. I'm sure the shop gives advice after the service is done on how to preserve the paint and how often I need to bring it back to their shop. I will keep you guys posted.
 
All,

I will be dropping of my car at the shop. What should I look for in the car's paint surface to know that they actually applied the opti coat and did a good job on it? I won't be there to witness anything and I'm sure it will be a fine job, but it would give me peace of mind to know these things before I pay and drive off with the car.
 
fastfurious23 said:
All,

I will be dropping of my car at the shop. What should I look for in the car's paint surface to know that they actually applied the opti coat and did a good job on it? I won't be there to witness anything and I'm sure it will be a fine job, but it would give me peace of mind to know these things before I pay and drive off with the car.
Click to expand...

If they are doing the pro grade then I would hope that your vehicle should look like this :

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ti-coat-glass-pro-rasky-s-auto-detailing.html

Chad aka Rasky does a great job all the time and yields top notch results!
 
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