How often should I wax my car?

Texarkana

Texarkana

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Hey Mike, I purchased my first vehicle on Jan 30th. Ever since I've had it I treat it like its my firstborn child. I wash once a week with turtle wax ice. I just waxed it for the first time 2 weeks ago yesterday. I used the quick method, turtle wax ice synthetic wax. I live in a suburban area, lots of trees and pollen. Its also a very populated area. I live 30 miles from the closest industrial area, and I don't drive on dirt roads or anything like that.

Whatever additional info you need to make an informed suggestion, please let me know!

Thanks in advance.
 
colour, make and model pls?

are you using 2 buckets? What kind of microfibres are you using? It's commendable that you are taking care of your new ride (congrats btw) but if you are not careful, you can do more harm than good.

I'd estimate that more than 80% of swirls come from improper washing and drying of the finish.
 
:welcome: To Autogeek Online! :props:

Congratulations on your new purchase!

To keep your new car looking great, you should develop a regiment that includes taking care of the interior and exterior.

Autogeek is "the" place to learn some of the finest ways to detail your car. There is a wealth of knowledge here for the beginner to the most advanced. A simple question is all that's needed to initiate helpful responses from members here and also Autogeek Professional Staff.

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.

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
 
2009 Buick Lacrosse CX. Dark Metallic Grey. I rinse the car before washing, I use 1 microfiber cloth to wash, 1 bucket. I have noticed swirl marks but only in direct artificial lighting. I use a beach towel to dry most of it, when it no longer retains water I move on to a second, then I go over it one last time with a microfiber towel.
 
I will add I find scratches on my car everyday, but when I do get rid of it I plan on having it repainted to maximize trade in value.
 
Texarkana said:
I will add I find scratches on my car everyday, but when I do get rid of it I plan on having it repainted to maximize trade in value.
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A proper repaint costs thousands. A cheap Maaco job is just setting the stage for paint problems for the next person who buys the car.

Better to take care of the factory paint so the next person can enjoy the car when you do sell it.
 
I'll be ordering those 3 pack microfiber towels next week.

Any ideas on how to get rid of my scratches? I was going to use touch up paint but its a not a perfect match, I attempted Nu Finish scratch remover to no avail. I pretty much gave up after that and accepted the scratches due to living in a populated area. I just continued my practice of parking in the very back of the parking lot, FAR AWAY from everyone else.
 
lots of detailed process info here if you search but basically if you can catch it with your fingernail it's too deep to buff out safely and will need paint.

Your dealer should have touchup paint but if it's metallic, then it's tough to get it to look right.
 
Yeah, alot of the scratches have white underneath the of them, which I'm guessing is the primer.
 
Texarkana said:
Yeah, alot of the scratches have white underneath the of them, which I'm guessing is the primer.
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Some scratches can pick up dried polish and not be primer. Post some pictures.

You could try something like Meg's Ultimate Compound in a small test area used similar as a scratch remover. This will give you a clue about the type. Given that you do not really know, it means giving good advice more difficult.
 
Raining like mad. I'll post as soon as the weather permits. But back to the question, how often should I wax?
 
Texarkana said:
how often should I wax?
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The tell tale signs of declining protection is a change in slickness of paint and beading and sheeting of water. There will be protection but just not as much as before.

You can approach it two ways: use a spray wax as a booster every other wash or so and just redo the process at when you see a marked reduction in the above properties.

It really depends on your preferences. If you get addicted to detailing, you will do it often if anything to use different waxes, etc.
 
on clear-coat finishes light scratches turn white, most polishes will fix those right up, and i would not repaint the car, it will lower value unless the paint is that messed up, most think a car needs a repaint when it just needs a polish sometimes....tons of scratches and swirls = hazy dull finish that looks close to failed clear coat sometimes. do a ton of reading here on AG and you will be amazed at how well you can get a light colored car to look and quality products cost money but most quality products you use less of so the cost evens out in most cases.
 
opie_7afe said:
on clear-coat finishes light scratches turn white, most polishes will fix those right up, and i would not repaint the car, it will lower value unless the paint is that messed up, most think a car needs a repaint when it just needs a polish sometimes....tons of scratches and swirls = hazy dull finish that looks close to failed clear coat sometimes. do a ton of reading here on AG and you will be amazed at how well you can get a light colored car to look and quality products cost money but most quality products you use less of so the cost evens out in most cases.
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:iagree:
As others have stated, when the beading begins to lessen, then it is time for another coat. Because I am addicted to detailing and find it very relaxing, I give both my cars a coat of sealant/wax every time I wash.
 
I use colinite paste wax and i can get 6 months or more from that application. Then just spray wax when needed.

Normand poulin
 
Yeah, Its been raining like crazy the past few days and I noticed water spots on he lower body of the vehicle. I wash every thursday and I'll put another application of the synthetic wax. I'll be looking into mothers caranuba wax when my Ice is all used up.

EDIT, sorry norm didn't see your post. I prefer the spray on method of waxing so I'll be sure to check your recommended product out.
 
oh my.. dont use beach towels. i have been scratching hertz cars for years using them. (because we need to get the cars in and out, bosses dont care lol)

you really need to invest in a good lambswool wash mitt and use the two bucket method (one bucket for rinsing out ur nasty mitt, and one for clean, soapy water).

that gm grey will spiderweb scratch almost instantly with those kinds of towels and it will show like CRAZY.

the towel you want to use on a vehicle is a microfiber.
 
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