Product suggestions for an amateur to easily maintain their vehicle...

[Bigdaddybama]

I just purchased a new vehicle and I am wanting to apply the best products to protect the paint and help keep the car clean. I will probably only have time to wash it once a month and drive on a couple dirt roads daily so on my previous vehicle I would get some dirt build up on the sides/undercarriage.



What products and/or techniques would you recommend for me to easily maintain my vehicle and offer the best protection?



Still reading through the threads, and it seems everyone has their own personal recommendations, but I am unsure how easily the various products are to apply/use.



Any recommendations would be appreciated.



Thanks!

 

[pwaug]

You will get a hundred different recommendations as everyone has their own favorite products, but from a "keep it simple" stand point:

Read up on proper wash techniques. There are allot of write ups on this website and also here: Articles by Mike Phillips - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum Get a quality wash mitt and some high quality Microfiber towels for drying and removing wax/sealant. Also, pick up some automotive clay with clay lubricant.

Wash and clay the car. Apply a sealant or Wax and then each time you wash you car apply a coat of spray wax. Then in 4-6 months repeat the process. From a products stand point you can't beat Duragloss for simplicity, quality and durability at a reasonable price --car wash, 105 Sealant and AquaWax spray wax. If you order them from DG shipping is a flat rate $4.95. You might also be able to find them at NAPA or Carquest parts stores. If you would like to use a wax over the DG 105 sealant Collinite 845 is highly regarded. With both the sealant and wax apply thin coats for easy removal.

 

[Glossequation]

Meguiar's Ultimate line is a very good solution. It's come quite a ways since the standard maroon bottles (which were ok in their own right).

 

[Dan]

Best protection+least work is the Opticoat/ONR combo. Nothing comes close to keeping your car clean with the least amount of time involved while protecting your paint from everyday life.