I am having my new car since Early Dec 2009. Since winter is leaving, I decided to give it a full wash anytime in April. After reading couple information from you guys. Could you please tell me if I am doing right w/ the following procedures?

1st)wash my car with "Optimum Car wash"
eShine Canada: Optimum Car Wash (128oz)

2nd)Use clay bar to remove contaminants
Mothers® Clay Bar System | Canadian Tire

3rd)Apply Sealant using "Optimum Opti-seal"
Optimum (OPT) Opti-Seal - 8 oz | Detailed Image

Are these procedures enough to keep my car shine and protected?

Thanks very much

 

From what I've heard/read the timeline should go like this:
Wash every 2 weeks
Wax once a month
Clay twice a year
Polish twice a year
Interior once a month
condition leather 2-4x a year.

From what I read alot of detailers don't use sealant...not sure why.

This is a perfect thread to ask any questions though, Detailed Image is very knowledgable and helpful:


https://www.myg37.com/forums/car-car...tailer-67.html

 

That's a good way to refresh your vehicle.

If you have a dark colour paint you may want to also have a light polish done as well inbetween claying and sealing your car. When claying depending on the colour and type of clear coat it can very lightly mar the paint however can be easily remedied with a light polish.

Sealants look fantastic on metal flakes and I for one use both sealants and waxes on client vehicles.. It really depends what the user is going for. If you want to go the extra mile I found that Optimum Car Wax on top of Opti-seal is a killer combo on darker coloured cars.

If you have more questions just PM me. Always glad to fellow Torontonian.

good luck and have fun !

Cheers,
Nick

 

Actually, the vast majority of detailers do use sealants due to their durability. Most often than not, they'll apply a carnuba over the sealant to give it added depth and gloss. It provides you with the best of both worlds.

 

I think sealants are a must, It just makes life a lot easier. You don't need to do a clay every time... probably once every 3-4 washes (if you're doing it every 2 weeks) will be sufficient.

My process doesn't involve much polishing, just OCD... If you do it right, you should only need a polish once every couple years... twice a year is too much IMHO.

every 3 months I do the following, takes about 4 hours,
wash, followed by a no rinse, clay, then buff in Z-2 (wax), followed by Z-CS(sealant) followed by Wolfgang Fuzion (carnauba). I have been able to push out the claying to the 6 months cause of this process. it's glass smooth for quite a while.

every 2 weeks I do a foam wash (pH neutral) followed by a no rinse/combo spray detailer and dry (takes about 30 minutes); then vacuum the interior and treat the leather (another 40 minutes)

but at the foundation of everything is my cloth selection.
1 (previously used) microfiber cloth for the underside and fender well,
1 nylon brush for the rims
1 foam scrub for the tires
1 white meguiar mit for the wash
2 plush microfiber for the surface panels (buffing)
1 lake country pad applicators (red)
1 microfiber plush waffle weave drying towel.
and a foam gun to remove heavy dirt before I even touch the car.

cleaning everything isn't that bad, DP has a really cool detergent so does pinnacle.

It's kind of overkill but I can't stand micro-marring. barring any extended rain periods, my car look clean from march through December.

but yeah you live in canada which has interesting challenges. During the winter here, norinse is my best friend... ha ha

 

Thank you VERY MUCH for all of your inputs Apprciated!!!

 

Everybody realizes that all water is never ph7 (neutral) and any soap or additive is going to make it go either up or down. In fact, that's why water works as a wash because it does break down soap because it is usually slightly acidic.

 

What is a "no rinse"? Is that a product or a process?

 

^ He's speaking about Optimum No Rinse, which is a product.