Hey G nation,

I would like you guys to advice on how I should wash my G37S Coupe Moonlight White. I've read that all these car washing places used washing methods that might harm your paint. So I have come to the conclusion to hand wash my car myself or take to self service car wash. I think there's no better feeling than enjoying and taking proper care of your very own car.

So, I'm here asking for suggestions on
What products, chemicals, soaps, washers, cloths ect. I need to properly wash my car.
Would I need a polisher as well?
How often should I wash it, without harming my paint?

Note: This G is my first car and I'm a complete car noob so please be specific.Before I was driving my parents Honda CRV, but when it came to washing I would just take to the car wash. Now with my G, I want to do my best to protect and maintain my paint as fresh as possible.

Thank You G Nation !

 

Here's an entire thread about this subject.

I'd start out with weekly or bi-weekly car washes, using only microfiber mitts/towels to wash and dry. Once you have this down, start reading detailer blogs and the various techniques for paint correction. There's a lot of demo videos on youtube if you're a visual learner. Of course, different people will suggest different products based on past experience, so there's never 1 right answer for every situation. Learn as much as you can from the experts and you're golden. Good luck and feel free to share your progress!

 

here's a quick and dirty ...

i use Meguiar's car wash soap then Hydr02 spray sealant (this stuff is GREAT!) every 3-4 months.

for in-between washings, i use a "Wash n' Wax" - currently Turtlewax Zipwax because i got a big jug of it for Xmas and i'm trying to use it up Meguiar's also makes a similar product.

with the Hydr02, you can use a blower to quickly get 95% of the water off. i really like my 56V cordless blower, both for the yard and the car:


for the rest of the drying, i use Absorber synthetic shammies - 1 for car, 1 for wheels:



that's the basics. for other stuff, i like 3M plastic polish (headlights, plastic bits), Mother's Mag & Aluminum cleaner (tailpipes, metal bits), Stoner Invisible Glass (windows), and Leatherique Rejuventor and Prestine Clean (leather).

 

Here are some of my favorite products:

-Turtle bug and tar remover: This **** will get nearly anything off of your paint and it's not expensive
-Scratch X 2.0: It's not real paint correction, but for itty bitty scratches it's a nice way to improve their appearance
-Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
-McGuire's Tire shine: Gives your tires a deep black look. It really ties the whole look together
-McGuire's Clay Bar Kit and wax: When you really want to treat your car right give her a clay bar and wax treatment. Clay bar is exactly what it sounds like, a bar of clay that you rub on your car to lift up surface contaminants that won't come off with scrubbing and other products alone. The trick is to keep the surface lubricated with the included detailing spray so the clay doesn't "Catch" or stick. Your paint will feel smooth as silk as if you just brought it home from the dealer. I like to think of it as a magic eraser for your car. After a wash and clay bar you can throw a (or multiple) coats of wax (avoiding trim pieces as it can stain plastic) and your car will look amazing. I typically wax at least twice a year. Once to get ready for winter and one to get looking good for summer. I'll be increasing that amount this year though.

Other than that, you'll quickly find your favorite products and you can decide how **** you want to be. Some people won't wash their car without at least three buckets for progressive rinsing of their wash mits. Others swear by one product over another. Just do some googling and you'll catch on.

Some general tips I ascribe to
1. Wash top to bottom
2. Work in sections from least exposed (roof, rear, doors) to most exposed (hood, bumpers, side skirts) to avoid scratches/swirls
3.Scrub with the flow of water to prevent swirls
4. NEVER use something on both your paint and wheels.
5. If you drop something on the ground do not use it. You'll never get all the rocks out
6. If you can, wash your car on a cloudy day or in the shade to prevent the soap and water from drying on your car

 

Funny, I use my eGo too for the bulk water removal.

 

If you're washing by hand, once a week is really all you'll need.
If you go to a DIY car wash place, please do NOT use the sqeegie/brush thing...only the hose.
I like Menzerna products, from polishes to sealants...most of which can't be used by hand so get a porter cable or like item...ask me how I know.
If you have a nice set of wheels, I recommend doing a polish and then seal with Poorboy's Wheel sealant...solid product and smells good while applying.

 

I use two buckets, two microfiber sponge. And a ton of microfiber towels.

one sponge to clean the top and side of car. one to clean the bottom of the side skirt, rear bumper and wheels. Rinsing the sponge with a hose to clear off debris each time.

I use a large microfiber weave towel to get rid of 95% of the water. Finish off with the smaller microfiber towels.

I get all my towel at aliexpres. Own a black car and the only swirls I have are the ones left by the dealership when they washed my car after I bought it.

 

I did research and figured out what works best for me. Good Luck!

Shine looks awesome & feels incredibly smooth. The minor swirl it had on hood when I got the car in December I corrected with the (nanoskin sponge -- instead of clay.) I used the nanoskin twice since purchased and I’m hooked. Purchased these on Amazon but you might want to shop it.

I will only do 2 & 3 as needed since my G is garaged

1) Meguiar's G17748 Ultimate Wash and Wax

2)
Nanoskin (NA-GLI16) Glide Instant Detail Spray Lubricant -
Nanoskin (AS-019) AutoScrub Fine Grade Sponge

3) Meguiar's G18211 Ultimate Paste Wax

&

4) **Between washes I use Griot's Garage Spray-On Car Wash

 

I use only Chemical Guys products and they seems to work great. There are a ton of there products out there. I find that doing the waterless wax and washes between washes do wonders for mine. Get on Amazon for the best prices and fast shipping.

I have a black G37 convertible and always get tons of compliments when I use these products. On a sunny day the shine will almost hurt your eyes. I buy the microfiber cloths from them as well. They have some great videos on each product on exactly how to use it.

The leather cleaner will make the inside your car smell awesome. I don't take mine through car washes since the black paint is so susceptible to swirls and marks.

 

Avoid shammies for drying, these do a good job of picking up any containment in paint and marring your surface, Stick to waffle weave towels for drying, or a blow dryer if possible and a waffle weave to pick up everything else.

 

My 2 cents:

ZAINO Products:Real show car polish this is not sold at walmart nor auto parts do the research its the best......
Link: Zaino Store

Air Force Master Blaster - specifically made to dry your car (not a leaf blower)

Its just washing a car, plus no matter what you do ...after you wash it the next day it will rain so don't stress it nor overdo it...

 

How To Properly Wash and Dry a Car | Ask a Pro Blog

The right way to wash any car. Also make sure it's not done under direct sunlight.

 

i hit it with the blower first. the Absorber is for the little bit that is left over ... mostly for getting the glass completely dry and the wheels.

 

This is good to know. I've always used The Absorber on my car as well. After a little research it looks like people love the Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy towel. Price is a little steep but it looks like a quality product.

 

Hum, been using The Abosrber for over three decades. My original one, yes three decades, is now just used on door and trunk jams. My newest, two year old one, is for the outer surfaces. Every wash, car gets hand dried with them. I have never damaged a finish with them.