dnowyvm

First time car owner here so I've never washed a car before. I've been reading a lot about car washes and what to do and use but I'm still confused. It seems like a lot of the step by step threads are for older cars. I wanted to know what exactly I should do for a brand new brillant black car. I don't want to be a hardcore detailer but being an owner of a black car I want it to look at least close to those professionally detailed cars.

I was thinking of buying mostly Meguiar products since I can get it at Walmart. Too lazy to order stuff online and wait since I'm not clear braing it so I want my car to be clean and protected from the very first day (picking it up tomorrow or tuesday).

So I'm thinking of getting the following:

-Ultimate wash and wax or deep crystal car wash (don't know the difference)

-Ultimate polish prewaxing glaze

-Smooth surface clay kit

-Quik detailer mist and wipe (for use after weekly/biweekly wash?)

-Quik wax (same as above?)

-Ultimate liquid wax (or maybe Turtle wax black box, which ever you guys think is better)

Any thoughts on what else I should get? I also need a step by step on how to use all those like how long to leave stuff on, how to apply everything and wipe it off, when to dry, etc... I also need to know what kind of mits, drying towels, cleaning things I would need etc... I might be forgetting a few things but I think that covers everything on what I need to learn... Sorry if all this was covered in another thread.

Thanks guys!

3PedalMINI

There is alot you need to know, especially to keep your paint in top knotch condition. I am a detailing enthusiast on the verge of insanity. Its my hobby and I take pride in driving an OCD special

I started out like you confused, spending fortunes on different products to yield the results I was after. I have a cabinet full of megs,prima,autoglyn, turtle wax you name it I've got it/ tried it. First off, what you can order online ans what you can buy in stores is a night and day difference. Take patience and spend a bit more for quality towels, shampoo and products. You need a shampoo that is PH balanced as not to strip your wax. Your already on the right track by not coming here and asking about using dish soap

Watch these videos, even if you don't try Adams polishes there are some very very good tips and procedures to follow. Although I HIGHLY recommend trying Adams out, at least there shampoo, wash mits, two bucket wash and grit guards. Also join over at the forums, we can get you squared away. Starting out knowledgeable is far better then learning the hard way and then trying to break those bad habits.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-videos.aspx

www.adamsforums.com

Here is my initial post here with a how to guide thrown in. I don't let the dealers touch my car because they induce swirls. This process outlines a proper wash, sealant then wax.

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho....php?t=2813752

Good luck! What Audi are you getting?

brocken

Here's a good starter link: http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...technique.html
You don't need to go to the extreme of using the foam gun.

I'd read some more threads on autopia too. Lots of good info there. Can be overwhelming at first but will help equip you with knowledge to take care of your new car.

The Meguiars products are nothing to sneeze at. I used their products for years. I still use their quick detailers and pro line of interior cleaners.

You shouldn't need all the products you listed right away.
I'd start with the car wash, clay kit (which should come with quick detailer), and a good wax. I'd skip the glaze for now. It doesn't add any sort of lasting shine - more for show cars.
When you're a little more familiar with washing and drying you could look into polishing out swirls. You want to make sure you're not adding new ones before you take the time to buff out current marks.

The other big tip I'll give is find a really nice wash mitt and never drop it. If you do, throw it away. Use the two bucket method and blast your mitt clean after every panel or half panel to get rid of surface grit.

Huey52

Although I too am detailing-**** and use more "specialty" products, you really can't go wrong with "off the shelf" Meguiars products, especially their NXTech 2.0 synthetic wax.

The most critical detailing is a proper wash - in the shade (minimize water spotting), by hand, a quality soap that won't strip wax (e.g. never use Dawn dishwashing detergent unless you're actually trying to strip old wax) and ensure the mitt or soft brush is kept clean as you progress. A bucket with a shelf is a good way to keep dirt off your mitt/brush.

Next most critical is the proper drying. High quality micro-fiber "waffle" towel so as not to impart scratches. Most swirls and scratches are self-induced by dirty and/or low quality drying media. Again, wash/dry in the shade, especially if you have hard (mineral laden) water.

Plenty more tips but the above are key.

dnowyvm

Picking the A4 up in a few hours!

But yea since it's a new car is shouldn't have any swirls are stuff right? Did the dealership already wash and wax it? Should I strip that off before doing just a car wash, clay, and a good wax? If so with what? What exactly is the two bucket method? I'll probably pick up the car, go and buy the three products, come home and get started on cleaning it. Along with the 3 things I plan to buy 1 mitt, and a pack of like 10 microfiber drying towels. Can I use the towel for both drying and applying the wax? Thank you guys so much for all your help!

brocken

The dealer has most likely done their wash and 'wax'. And installed swirls free of charge.

Two bucket method means you have one bucket full of soap and a separate rinse bucket. Rinse the pad out after each panel and then dip in the soap bucket to load up on suds again. Helps keep the grit out of your mit.

I would use separate towels for drying vs buffing. The towels have different qualities depending on usage. Most drying towels are a waffle weave and most buffing towels are super fluffy.

You might want to hold off on just stopping at the store. Do some more research, read up on autopia.org if you have the time.

You'd get some good info for a 'starter' kit.

You'll be really glad later if you take the time now to learn proper car care technique and which products will help.

3PedalMINI

No, DO NOT GET THE 10 pack of MF's. those are guaranteed to induce swirls. Infact you can test towels by flipping a new clean CD rom and rubbing. A quality towel will not incuce swirls. A cheaper or even a more expensive "off the shelf towel" will infact induce swirls in your paint.



http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/mi...ducts/7331.htm

Your dealer most defiantly gave you a nice gift of swirls, free of charge Seriously, did you check those videos out i linked you to? like i said if you dont want to try adams (you really should) they show really good techniques that can be followed through all brands of products.

At the very least, purchase this kit.
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-384-a...wash-trio.aspx

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3PedalMINI

Arghh, Why isnt there an edit function.

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3PedalMINI

Gees, finally lol.