Bradn new WR blue Subaru '12 advice

jojo69

New member
I live in VT, and just ordered a brand new WR Blue (2012 model) coming within the next few weeks. This is my first ever new car.

I saw several threads in the past about new car owners asking for advice on car care after picking the car from the dealer, but I can't find them right now.



So i figured I'd post a quick one:



Supplies I have available:

845 Collinite

M#16

M's deep crystal system #1,2 & 3

NXT

Megs Ultimate compound

Megs QD

Meg's Ultimate Quick Wax

Megs Ultimate Wash&Wax

No Rinse Wash&Shine

Mothers' Instant Detailer



That's about it. I have never own a Subaru before or had a 'blue' car. So curious if anyone has suggestions on what to do once I pick it up in terms of prepping if for the "salted & soon to be muddy roads of the spring". The car will sit in non-heated garage.



Also, what LSP or other product may be a good compliment the car/color.



I know this is a rather broad question, so any feedback is appreciated.



Thanks for viewing!
 
Congrats on your first new car! First of all tell the dealership not to let their detailers touch it! And be firm about it, most of the time they don't listen.

As long as nobody instills swirls in it before you get it, you should be good with a thorough wash and a coat or two of 845 will keep you protected for the rest of the winter and look great as well. Put a coat on the wheels as well.

I'm not really sure what LSP would compliment the blue the best, as I only use a few different LSP's and this is more of a personal taste kind of thing. The 845 should look really good though and will give you very good protection from the salt.

If their detailers get to it first, you may have some swirls to deal with. But I would see what the car looks like when you pick it up to worry about that. (Or a couple weeks after the dealer glaze washes off :P)
 
Blue in general gets messed up very easily, so I' put opti coat over it. Do not let the dealership prep the outside.



Subaru paint is not very good. Invest in a clear bra kit.



Enjoy the ride!!!!



Where in Vermont?
 
thomasdekany said:
Where in Vermont?





Thanks to you both!

I will make sure I tell (and emphasis) the dealership to NOT TOUCH THE CAR. I was thinking of doing (if the temperature permits) a gentle wash, clay, wash and some collinite (if I have the courage & time, more than 2 coats).



Living near Woodstock, (Quechee) :)
 
You sure do live in a "Snow Belt" When I lived in NH I called on the VA Hospital in White River--always stayed in Woodstock when I had to do an overnight. Can't tell you how many times I'd come out after an hour or so to 12" of new snow. I was driving a black Audi A6 with hard clear and it was a constant battle to keep it swirl free. With your Subaru soft clear it's going to be a real struggle so why not approach it this way--Don't let the dealer touch it on the outside as others have mentioned--wash it, clay it and put on a couple of coats of the Collinite or anything with good protection (DG105 would be my choice) to get you through until spring. In the meantime read up on Opticoat 2.0 and watch all the videos on it's application you can find on detailing sites (Optimum's website has a few and Chris is very responsive to questions) and youtube. In the spring either polish it yourself or have it polished by a reputable detailer and apply the Opticoat. OC 2.0 may not be the best look for dark blue, but you can always top it with Optimum Spray Car Wax after a wash to warm the look up a bit. Sure would save you allot of work in the future and keep the car looking it's best. On another note--if you use ONR as your clay lube I've never found a need to do another wash after claying.
 
pwaug said:
You sure do live in a "Snow Belt" [...] Can't tell you how many times I'd come out after an hour or so to 12" of new snow.



Sure would like that kind of experience. This year feels like spring already! 40+ degrees and barely any snow left ont he ground!





pwaug said:
On another note--if you use ONR as your clay lube I've never found a need to do another wash after claying.

Yes I do do that, thanks for pointing it out :) As meticulous as I want to be, it's good to be reminded of unnecessary steps :)

I'll look into the OC 2.0... thx
 
Is there any point in washing car with Dawn first? then car wash, then clay, collinite and lsp?



I'm going to go pick up the car and drive it home and i have the weekend to 'detail' it.



Alsom with collinite, is there any 'curing time' recommended? i was thinking of doing 2 thin layers and maybe waiting an hr before each.

This will be done by hand (50-ish degree in garage)



thoughts anyone?
 
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