We purchased a new RC back in September and did not do the PPF from 3M that dealer installs. May do it at later time with different brand. BUT in the meantime, I want to wash/polish and keep it nice looking on my own, sort of my own therapy. So, here are some general questions, and I don't plan on buying any power tools to do jobs. Here goes and thanks in advance!

1. First, at what point should I use either wax (I'm showing my age here!) or ceramic products? Since the car is still new, didn't want to mess anything up. And, which products do you like or more importantly DONT like?
2. I saw some stuff online (Exoforma and a couple others) about using a foam cannon or something that will at least take the concentrated soap and make it foam. Again, anything you like or don't like?
3. When drying the car, I'm an old traditionalist, I used to dry my parent's mercedes, their Acura's and my old Acura Integra with a chamois. Nowadays, there's microfiber? Any difference or are we splitting hairs here?
4. I tried a certain brand for tire dressing, (Chem guys) and it was horrible, didn't last more than 3 hours. I tried 2 different products, same horrible result. I also tried their car wash concentrate which smelled good, but i don't think cleaned that well. Also, is there a reason for not using a silicone based dressing?
5. McGuiar's Professional products.....I've never had a problem with the normal McGuiars products that you can get at AutoZone, OReillys, etc. what about their professional products?
6. Is Chemical Guys, Exoforma and Adams all made by same company? I saw Exoforma and their stuff looks exactly like Chem Guys and someone on Redit asked same quesiton, they didn't confirm it, but more importantly they didn't deny it either...so made me wonder.

I know lots of questions here, but there are SOOOO many stinking products at the auto parts stores it's impossible to know where to start. When I was growing up, we had 3 choices of car wash, tires - we only had Armor All! and Tar and bug remover, and maybe Turtle Wax or NuFinish and that was IT....nothing else. Thanks again everyone....

 

Hi rbraitz you should post this in the Automotive Care and Detailing forum. There is a lot of good information and discussion on this subject over there.

 

Ohhhh, thank you......appreciate the tip!

 

Rinseless wash all the way. I wrote some stuff to help people get started. The initial investment up front (pretty small) is worth it. After that, washes cost you pennies. And not only that, it's the best and safest way to wash. Blog in link or below.

Detailing stuff

 

In terms of tire dressing, make sure tires are well prepped first. Tire dressing is a double edged sword. The shinier and more durable, the more dirt it attracts. Really I haven't found any alternative than regular tire dressing to keep it looking optimal.

The best thing is don't overthink anything, don't get too hung up on brands. Prep is 45% of it. Technique is 45% of it. Brand/product is the remaining 10% so long as you stick to reputable names which most these days kick out some great stuff. I have stuff in my arsenal from cheap brands and stuff from expensive brands. i can make either one work.

 

There is too much to teach you in one thread.

I would recommend watching some YouTube videos. Search out Pan the Organizer and others like him. The detailing world is dramatically different than what it was even 10-12 years ago. I personally have not used wax in years, I use ceramic coatings and spray ceramic booster products. The good products you will have to order online, you won't be able to buy them in car part stores.