Hi there everyone, so I am a person who used to trust car washes and loved what they did to clean my car (until I found the swirlies). So before I get my G37 (in a couple months), I wanted to truly learn how to do my own car. I have done some reading and apparently I need to do the following

Wash (using two bucket system)
Clay bar
Wash again (i know its not necessary but I have time)
Wax
Seal
Polish

I also am using microfiber towels.

Is that the right order? If so, I was wondering what type of products do you use (not looking to spend too much since I will be practicing on my 02 highlander) and how do you use them correctly (i am especially wondering about the waxing, sealing, and polishing since I have never done anything like that before or even watched someone do it). Also, i will be doing the wax, seal and polish by hand. Any info on products and proper use would be extremely appreciated.

I also want to get my interior cleaned up so I was wondering what products (if there is one product I can safely use on everything that would be great) would be good for the plastics on the dash, the leather (is there a product that cleans and conditions?) the fake leather on the doors (i think its fake, I hope you know what I am talking about) and something that will make the glass really shine and be streak free.

So to sum up, for the interior I need info on products for...

Leather cleaning and conditioning
Glass cleaning
Plastic cleaning

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to answer my questions

 

You've got the order a little mixed up.

You'll want to

Wash
Clay
Polish
Seal
Wax

I am just one my way out at the moment, but in short, you'll want to clay first (after the hand wash) to remove all surface contamination from the paint. You'll then want to polish your G to remove all light scratches, swirl marks, and marring. After that, a sealant is next to protect the paint surface. Let your sealant cure for at least 24 hours and then apply a carnuba wax (optional) if you wish to add a deep wet look. I can post in more detail later, but this should give you an idea of the correct order.

 

Thanks Garnet, waiting for your next post (or anyone else) on specific details on use and products.

Also, in the process of washing, claying, washing, after the first wash do i wash and dry then clay or is it wash, leave wet, clay, wash again then dry? Any help would be appreciated with exact steps for each area. thanks again.

 

Who uses buckets? Mr. Clean auto wash all the way!

 

meguiars gold class is great stuff as is their nxt generation. nxt generation is esy to use.

 

bump, any other suggestions, especially direct answers to my questions please?

 

You may also consider Poorboys, Zaino, and Menzerna products. All are very good.

 

Sorry for the late reply.

Before you clay your car you will need to hand wash and dry it first to remove all of the loose dirt. Also, make sure you don't clay your car in direct sunlight as it will prematurely dry your lubricant. I would read up on how to properly clay a car if you haven't done it before. www.autopia.org is a great place look. When you are finished claying, you should wash and dry your car once again to remove any film caused by the lubricant.

As for details on what products to use, it is all personal preference. It's like asking what your favorite car is..........everyone has their own tastes. As for me, I am a big fan of Zaino, Poorboys, and Menzerna. Zaino Z2/Z5 is one of my favorite sealants, while Poorboys' Nattys Blue Paste Wax is my favorite carnuba, and Menzerna 0106FF is by far the best polish I've used. I am anxious to try Menzerna's FMJ sealant next. I just try different products to see which ones I like.

I would highly recommend reading Kevin's thread here as it will give you an idea the difference between sealants/waxes/glazes.

 

I found a good write up here that explains how to clay your vehicle. The girl in the pics has some nice too!

 

Thanks alot Garnet, that helps alot!

 

what helps alot?!!! the girl with nice !!!!???

Thanks Garnet for the write up!

 

Whenever do girls with nice boobies never help? I cant think of one situation in which a girl with nice boobies cant be made better

 

Well I used the Mother's clay system on my 350Z a little while ago, and the car looked pretty good. It's a 3 step system and is pretty easy to follow. I'm actually about to go to auto zone and pick it up again. I havn't done anything except regular washes on my new G yet so this would be the first time. Got the car end of Oct. so I think it's time. Mother's has the cleaner called Showtime which comes with the system that I still had left over from last time that I was using in between washes and cleans the car pretty good when you can't get it to a wash. So you should try that out especially it being your first time.