Car care tips?

[BoneDoc]

now that many of the GT500's are arriving.... maybe it would be a good thing to start a thread (maybe one of the perma-threads at the top of the forum) on car-care tips. we have touched on this from time to time in other threads. i think we'd benefit from a dedicated thread, though.

 

Keeping the car in the garage permanently is NOT an option. this is would be a thread for those of us who actually DRIVE the car!

 

to start....a few questions:

 

-what is your wash product of choice?

 

-is there an easy way to either keep brake dust off of the rims, or an easy way to wash it off?

 

-wax of choice? how often? is there damage to clearcoat if you wax too often?

 

-tire black? what is the longest lasting, best looking, with least overspray, etc?

 

-any tips for those of us with hard water? the mineral causes water spots.

 

-best interior shine formula (for leather surfaces)?

 

-glass cleaner?

 

-tar and bug removal tips?

 

-any good clear-bra options out there?

 

-touch up paint (brand and method of application)?

 

-can the hood vents easily be removed for waxing? how?

 

-should the stripes be waxed?

 

-has anyone experienced the stripes lifting off when washing? I have not, but am worried as i wash the car that I will catch the seam and lift the stripe.

 

-a neighbor of mine recommends that i should coat the car with "teflon"? anyone know about that?

 

-best way to keep the engine looking sharp!

 

etcetera.

 

this thread will benefit all on the forum if we all chime in with our pearls of wisdom!

 

Please indicate when responding if you work for or sell the product(s) you endorse.

[svtkeith]

Easiest way to handle all of the above...store in a vacuum. Okay if that's not an option...

1) If you use a high quality wax it shouldn't white'n any black trim.

2) Yes the stripes can be waxed and even polished down the road if need be. I have done it for many years, even bright colors (ie. yellow, magenta, etc.) that fade very easily in the summer.

3) I believe once the stripes have been on in the warm weather for a couple months it will be very unlikely to have a problem with lifting. I have found with brighter colors (they don't last as long as white, gray and dark colors) that they start to have light lifting problems after about 7 years when they start to become a little brittle. The vinyl on these cars with little cleaning / waxing in a hot sunny climate will last about 10 years. With proper cleaning / waxing in a not so brutal climate 12-15 years. With regular garage storing even longer.

4) For the hard water proplem I have seen people use an inline filter such as is available at an RV store.

I would also like to know the best way to combat the brake dust problem. Some have mentioned a different compound of brake pad, but I don't know how that may effect braking.

I am not an authority on any of this, just speaking from experience. Usually learning the hard way!

[/quote

 

On the brake dust problem, you can't stop it from building up on the wheel. So what I do is wax the wheels as often as possible, then I just carry some terry cloth towels in my trunk. When I'm cruising around, just stop occationaly and just wipe the dust off with terry cloth towel, it takes less then 5 minutes no chemicals or spray crap of any kind. Works for me, good luck.

 

svtkeith

[Speedo24]

I use Turtle Wax Zip Wax Car Wash.

 

I found some Michelin Brake Dust repellant, and I'm not impressed and will not buy it again.

 

I need to chose a wax, need help here!

 

I use Black Magic, havent found anything that lasts longer yet.

 

I'm No help on the hard water? the mineral causes water spots.

 

THIS IS THE FIRST CAR I HAVE HAD WITH LEATHER, I need help in this area bad, WHAT IS THE BEST STUFF TO USE, APPLY HOW OFTEN, OTHER LEATHER CARE TIPS?

 

 

 

Brian

[carnut]

I use Turtle Wax Zip Wax Car Wash.

 

I found some Michelin Brake Dust repellant, and I'm not impressed and will not buy it again.

 

I need to chose a wax, need help here!

 

I use Black Magic, havent found anything that lasts longer yet.

 

I'm No help on the hard water? the mineral causes water spots.

 

THIS IS THE FIRST CAR I HAVE HAD WITH LEATHER, I need help in this area bad, WHAT IS THE BEST STUFF TO USE, APPLY HOW OFTEN, OTHER LEATHER CARE TIPS?

Brian

 

I'm done with the cheap route on car washing. Go the California Car Cover Company and get the Zymol water filter. I am going to use Zaino wax upon recommendation most of the guys on here. Also, those cheap towels scratch. Use good cotton towel. Wash before using and cut them hems and labels off of them. Buy a power washer.

 

That ought to do it.

[mastersmech1]

I'm done with the cheap route on car washing. Go the California Car Cover Company and get the Zymol water filter. I am going to use Zaino wax upon recommendation most of the guys on here. Also, those cheap towels scratch. Use good cotton towel. Wash before using and cut them hems and labels off of them. Buy a power washer.

 

That ought to do it.

 

You won' t be dissapointed with the Zaino products. The also carry great leather care products. The customer support is good as well.

[GT500SC07]

I noticed on my paint that I have little tar specks, what is the best method to get them off? I really don't want to wax the car every time I Clean it. Can anyone make a suggestion on a product or method.

[Alloy Dave]

now that many of the GT500's are arriving.... maybe it would be a good thing to start a thread (maybe one of the perma-threads at the top of the forum) on car-care tips. we have touched on this from time to time in other threads. i think we'd benefit from a dedicated thread, though.

 

-any tips for those of us with hard water? the mineral causes water spots.

If you wash in the shade, and use a chamois, you won't have water spots. The spots are caused by the water evaporating and the minerals being left behind...so use the chamois before it dries. As I'm washing, I keep the car wet by "re-spraying" areas I've previously washed. Then, when done washing and the whole car is still wet, use the chamois quickly before the water evaporates.

 

-glass cleaner?

I take regular water and add a small amount of vinegar to it. This prevents streaking.

 

-touch up paint (brand and method of application)?

The only touch-up paint I'd use is from Ford...buy some when you pick up the car. They sell small bottles for about $5.

 

I'll use Zaino system for the finish.

 

My responses in bold.

 

Also, here is a link. http://www.autogeek.net/

 

Also recommend a clay bar...you can get them from many sources on the internet.

[Dropping__Chronic]

I'm done with the cheap route on car washing. Go the California Car Cover Company and get the Zymol water filter. I am going to use Zaino wax upon recommendation most of the guys on here. Also, those cheap towels scratch. Use good cotton towel. Wash before using and cut them hems and labels off of them. Buy a power washer.

 

That ought to do it.

 

 

I used Zaino religiously, but drive my Cobra every day.

 

I had 7 coats of Zaino on the car, and it developed water spots that were just BRUTAL.

 

Zaino is great for cars that are not going to get rained on, nothing looks better. But for every day use like this guy it's not the best.

 

I love the product, but it's definitely NOT all weather.

 

Regards,

 

DC

[mastersmech1]

I used Zaino religiously, but drive my Cobra every day.

 

I had 7 coats of Zaino on the car, and it developed water spots that were just BRUTAL.

 

Zaino is great for cars that are not going to get rained on, nothing looks better. But for every day use like this guy it's not the best.

 

I love the product, but it's definitely NOT all weather.

 

Regards,

 

DC

 

That's good to know. My car never sees the rain. I was planning on using it on my daily drivers too, but maybe not.

[Dropping__Chronic]

That's good to know. My car never sees the rain. I was planning on using it on my daily drivers too, but maybe not.

 

 

Yeah I spent probably $150 to armor my car with the stuff, flew out on business one weekend and the car was rained on early on in the weekend. Got home figured I'd spray those watermarks off - NOT HAPPENING.

 

They wouldn't come off for money, had to actually get the car wet sanded. I think it locked the watermarks into the car.

 

Nothing looks better when applied, but make sure it's garage queen, or at the very least if you insist on using it, wipe it off when it gets rained on and use the Zaino between waxes spray to remove any standing water.

[b17drvr]

I use the PPC line of care car. Great stuff.

 

http://www.ppcbest.com/

[mastersmech1]

Anyone ever deal with a fabric convertible top. I have the Ragg Top product and have cleaned and applied the protectant. My question is, what in between maintenance should be done? How do you address the top during regular vehicle washes? If you use the car wash soap, does it destrop the protective properties?

[mytoy500]

My expedition is 3 yrs old and has always had major brake dust problems. Waxing the rims will help when wiping with a cloth or when using a hose. We also have hard water and I try to keep the car wet until I am ready to dry. I have had problems with lint and some streaking with a chamois so I use 2 soft bathtowels. One to get the bulk of the water off, then I come behind that with the dry towel. I do one area at a time, ie roof and windows, deck and rear fenders, etc.

Larry

[SVTpower]

 

My opinion and I'm a detail freak, and my coworkers call me "Mr. Waxpad"..........Maguires or Mothers only

[ColdwaterHotrod]

 

My opinion and I'm a detail freak, and my coworkers call me "Mr. Waxpad"..........Maguires or Mothers only

 

That's better than being called Anel

[5.4 Shelby]

Be nice to Mr. maxipad...I mean waxpad.

 

[68fastback]

 

 

I do a good waxing once or twice a year and just wipe it down (if only dusty) with Eagle-one red-label or, if dirty, wash with clear warm water and re apply eagle-one red.

 

Somewhat related: if you get water spots from your water when washing the car (hard water) use only steam-distilled water (available at any chain drug store like CVS/Waldgreens/Rite-Aid/Eckerd) when you need to top up the cooling system(s) or replace the coolant. I just make a 50/50 mix of distilled water and antifreeze. A mechanic at Ford gave me this tip over 30 years ago to prevent mineral/calcium buildup in the radiator because flushing never gets it all -- better to prevent it -- especially if you'll be keeping the car a looooong time.

 

Bug removal: use a really wet a paper towel (folded over) when hood/window is still warm and lay it on stubborn dry bug guts -- in 10 minutes they'll wipe right off.

 

Actually I wax and touch-up all my windows just like the paint -- I like that the water beads up on the glass and gets blown off clean when driving -- better visibility in heavy rain too.

[90GT]

now that many of the GT500's are arriving.... maybe it would be a good thing to start a thread (maybe one of the perma-threads at the top of the forum) on car-care tips. we have touched on this from time to time in other threads. i think we'd benefit from a dedicated thread, though.

 

Keeping the car in the garage permanently is NOT an option. this is would be a thread for those of us who actually DRIVE the car!

 

to start....a few questions:

 

-what is your wash product of choice?

 

-is there an easy way to either keep brake dust off of the rims, or an easy way to wash it off?

 

-wax of choice? how often? is there damage to clearcoat if you wax too often?

 

-tire black? what is the longest lasting, best looking, with least overspray, etc?

 

-any tips for those of us with hard water? the mineral causes water spots.

 

-best interior shine formula (for leather surfaces)?

 

-glass cleaner?

 

-tar and bug removal tips?

 

-any good clear-bra options out there?

 

-touch up paint (brand and method of application)?

 

-can the hood vents easily be removed for waxing? how?

 

-should the stripes be waxed?

 

-has anyone experienced the stripes lifting off when washing? I have not, but am worried as i wash the car that I will catch the seam and lift the stripe.

 

-a neighbor of mine recommends that i should coat the car with "teflon"? anyone know about that?

 

-best way to keep the engine looking sharp!

 

etcetera.

 

this thread will benefit all on the forum if we all chime in with our pearls of wisdom!

 

Please indicate when responding if you work for or sell the product(s) you endorse.

 

 

-what is your wash product of choice? Mr. Clean car wash system. Works awesome and the water is filtered so if you have hard water this will help. The system is designed so you don't have to dry the car but I do any way with a clean dry chamois.

 

-is there an easy way to either keep brake dust off of the rims, or an easy way to wash it off? Unfortunately there is no easy way to keep brake dust off the wheels. What I do is once you wash the wheels, dry them and then apply some McGuires Quick detail spray. Then go over the wheels with a dry towel to shine them. The detail spray coats the wheels so the next time you wash them the brake dust comes off easier.

 

-wax of choice? how often? is there damage to clearcoat if you wax too often? Wax of choice is McGuires Hi Tech wax. Stuff is awesome and unlike others, is very easy to remove even if used in direct sun light. How often I do it depends on how the paint looks. If the paint looks dull and isn't beading any more then I'll wax the car again. Listen to your paint. :wacko:

 

-tire black? what is the longest lasting, best looking, with least overspray, etc? Don't use it. I've found no matter how carefull you are in applying the stuff it always gets splattered on the side of your car. Especially anoying after spending an afternoon detailing your car.

 

-any tips for those of us with hard water? the mineral causes water spots. See washing post above.

 

 

-best interior shine formula (for leather surfaces)? Lexol (I think I spelled that right) leather care products. They have a cleaner and a conditioner. Also comes in the handy baby wipe type package.

 

-glass cleaner? Windex, then buff with a clean dry towel.

 

-tar and bug removal tips? Yes one, clean it off before it drys!!! You guys will think I'm crazy with this one but I carry around a clean towel and a bottle of McGuires Quick Detail spray. Every time I park my car I get out and check the front. If there are bugs and crap on it I wipe it off with the detail spray. :wacko:

 

-any good clear-bra options out there? Not that I know of.

 

-should the stripes be waxed? Read the cautions on the wax that you are using. Some of them may be harmful to the stripe material. There are products out there that are specially made for vinyl materials. I'd stick with one of them just to be safe.

 

-has anyone experienced the stripes lifting off when washing? I have not, but am worried as i wash the car that I will catch the seam and lift the stripe. Use cold water and don't use a high pressure hose and you should be okay.

 

-a neighbor of mine recommends that i should coat the car with "teflon"? anyone know about that? Junk and a waste of money. Teflon is for pots and pans, not cars. There are much better waxes specially made to protect paint from UV rays and acid rain which work better and cost less.

 

-best way to keep the engine looking sharp! I clean mine every time I change the oil. Now this might sound insane but because I'm doing it so frequently it only takes a min and is very easy to do. Believe me it's a lot easier to clean it this way then to wait 6 months or more when you have a ton of grease and grime to remove. I use basic cleaners to do it, nothing fancy.

 

 

My experience comes from working in a car detail shop for 5 years and from just being anal about my cars. :happy feet:

[ratnacage]

 

1 - any tips for those of us with hard water? the mineral causes water spots.

 

2 - any good clear-bra options out there?

 

3 - should the stripes be waxed?

 

 

1. Mr. Clean. You don't have to use the soap part, but using the spot-free rinse function really works. I was skeptical, but it made me a believer.

 

2. clear bra ("Invisishield" etc) may be a problem over tape stripes. The invisishield tech we use is one of the best I've seen, and he will not clear over tape stripes. Says air bubbles are inevitable.

 

3. I had tape stripes on my 89 GT. A friend of mine did me a "favor" by washing my car and waxing it including the stripes while I was on deployment (he meant well). What it did is ruin the gloss coat and the stripes were trashed within a few months after that. I wound up having to go to painted stripes (blessing in disguise I suppose). As mentioned in this thread, make sure your wax won't ruin stripes - I'd never do it, but sounds like some have had success.

[ColdwaterHotrod]

Be nice to Mr. maxipad...I mean waxpad.

Now that's

[BoneDoc]

GREAT COMMENTS, GUYS!

 

there is lots of experience on this board!... thanks for sharing your tips...

 

keep 'em coming!

[5.4 Shelby]

GREAT COMMENTS, GUYS!

 

there is lots of experience on this board!... thanks for sharing your tips...

 

keep 'em coming!

 

I'm a huge fan of Griot's Garage Link

 

They are a little expensive, but, I get the impression that they really care about the products, the customers and their cars. Everything seems to be friendly to the car.

 

I bought their random orbital polisher/buffer. It works great. I'll never go back to hand waxing again. IT is so much easier and gives superior results.

 

I have an extensive collection of their products (chemicals and brushes and others). Some of my favorites are the polisher, rubber cleaner (tires, not condoms), glass cleaner, speed shine (quick detailer), paint clay, vinyl and rubber dressing, best of show wax, boar's hair wash brush, microfiber cloths and drying towels. I could go on and on.

 

 

I have not been unhappy with anything. They have a satisfaction guarantee. I had a sitting stool get rusty over the winter. They replaced it no questions asked.

[90GT]

I'm a huge fan of Griot's Garage Link

 

They are a little expensive, but, I get the impression that they really care about the products, the customers and their cars. Everything seems to be friendly to the car.

 

I bought their random orbital polisher/buffer. It works great. I'll never go back to hand waxing again. IT is so much easier and gives superior results.

 

I have an extensive collection of their products (chemicals and brushes and others). Some of my favorites are the polisher, rubber cleaner (tires, not condoms), glass cleaner, speed shine (quick detailer), paint clay, vinyl and rubber dressing, best of show wax, boar's hair wash brush, microfiber cloths and drying towels. I could go on and on.

I have not been unhappy with anything. They have a satisfaction guarantee. I had a sitting stool get rusty over the winter. They replaced it no questions asked.

 

 

 

Griot's rocks!!!

 

Bought my buffer from them and all kinds of bonnets. Found this neat way of using a clay bar.

 

 

Griot's Clay Bar Bonnet

[68fastback]

Has anyone tried the new Turtle Wax "ICE?" Clear and can be used on rubber, etc -- leaves no white on anything from what I've read.

 

I figure it must be fairly good because no matter how many times I've looked for it locally it's been sold out.

 

Just wondering if anyone's tried it and how well it really works.

 

-Dan

[90GT]

Has anyone tried the new Turtle Wax "ICE?" Clear and can be used on rubber, etc -- leaves no white on anything from what I've read.

 

I figure it must be fairly good because no matter how many times I've looked for it locally it's been sold out.

 

Just wondering if anyone's tried it and how well it really works.

 

-Dan

 

 

 

Nope, never actually heard of it until your post. I'll have to check out my local Pep Boys.

[mastersmech1]

Griot's rocks!!!

 

Bought my buffer from them and all kinds of bonnets. Found this neat way of using a clay bar.

 

 

Griot's Clay Bar Bonnet

 

 

I never had much luck with a buffer. I always seem to get swirls. Got any tips?

[68fastback]

Griot's rocks!!!

 

Bought my buffer from them and all kinds of bonnets. Found this neat way of using a clay bar.

 

 

Griot's Clay Bar Bonnet

 

 

Griot's has great stuff (if a bit pricey). That thing lokks like a "sunny-side up" egg <lol> I'd be scared that i can;t 'feel' how the clay is working the surface. Maybe they just use a a superfine clay and don;t worry about about paint wear? It scares me though since feeling the working liquid glide under the clay bar let's you know you're not abrading the paint and just getting the 'bumps.' Does look like a lot less effort though and maybe doesn't matter if you only use it once or twice a year? Dunno.

[JETSOLVER]

I have a method I use, and it must be working. I drive the car year round(we get some snow in North Alberta), I show it several times a year, and won another people's choice this spring. And its going to be ten years old in a week. If your interested,PM me and I'll type it out. I did have a nice older lady two weeks ago compliment me on the car, and when I told her its age, she got a funny look and asked her son to talk to me about her new Jag's car care.

I don't waste a lot of money or time on the car, wash it twice a week at least, about 20 minutes of my time each wash, and another 20 to do the interior about every 2 or 3 weeks, and the best advice is LOTS and LOTS of fresh water, top to bottom. Still smells new, and a dealer thought I put new carpets in. :D

[5.4 Shelby]

I never had much luck with a buffer. I always seem to get swirls. Got any tips?

 

If you are getting swirls it is prob a direct drive orbital. They are much more aggressive. The random orbitals like Griots or the Porter Cable (i think it is the 7424, IIRC) are pretty much swirl proof. I have been using it on my 1998, 90,000 mile daily driver pickup for about 3 years. There are very few swirls in the paint. I think they come from the occasional winter trip through the car wash. I wouldn't run a car like a Mustang through, but, it is just a daily driver pickup. Otherwise the paint on my truck looks as good or better than showroom. I have been using the Griots stuff on the truck to learn how to use it so that I will have a better feel for the products and machine orbital when my Shelby gets here.

 

Also, You must clay the paint prior to orbital use. The orbital pushes the grit around on the paint and scratches it. I tried the clay holder for the orbital. I did not like it. It kept dragging from the speedshine drying. It is really easy to clay bar by hand. I just hand clay it in about 20 minutes.

[mastersmech1]

If you are getting swirls it is prob a direct drive orbital. They are much more aggressive. The random orbitals like Griots or the Porter Cable (i think it is the 7424, IIRC) are pretty much swirl proof. I have been using it on my 1998, 90,000 mile daily driver pickup for about 3 years. There are very few swirls in the paint. I think they come from the occasional winter trip through the car wash. I wouldn't run a car like a Mustang through, but, it is just a daily driver pickup. Otherwise the paint on my truck looks as good or better than showroom. I have been using the Griots stuff on the truck to learn how to use it so that I will have a better feel for the products and machine orbital when my Shelby gets here.

 

Also, You must clay the paint prior to orbital use. The orbital pushes the grit around on the paint and scratches it. I tried the clay holder for the orbital. I did not like it. It kept dragging from the speedshine drying. It is really easy to clay bar by hand. I just hand clay it in about 20 minutes.

 

 

Thanks for the info 5.4