CTbean

Hi!
I was wondering...what would you do if you didn't have a garage for your CT?
(Probably some of you are without garage or choosing to park outside?)
I want to protect it as much as I can...(maybe if and when I ding it, I might not care
but either way...until such day comes...)
If you guys could share your knowledge such as few things to watch out for or what/how
I should do to prolong the life of the CT, I'd be appreciative!
(I wonder if there's an effective way to deter stray kittens from walking up and down your
car...)

r81984

The best thing is keep it properly waxed so the clear coat does not get damaged.

RonSwanson

I park my car outside for work, so I can understand wanting to protect your investment from the weather as well as the inconsiderate people out there. Def keep it waxed like r3214834 said, I try to do my car twice a year.

I was considering picking up some painted side bumpers, but decided to go with a padded vinyl sticker. It actually helps a lot when I park in my garage since the spot is tight and I hit the wall on my fat days. Also, the back of the door handle gets worn/scratched pretty easily, so I put something to protect that. Here's a pic of my car with the door and handle protection.


I also got a custom cut sunshade to help protect the dash from Cali summers. I went pretty heavy on the window tinting to protect the interior as well as for aesthetics. If parking is really terrible, you could consider those "bumper buddies". They make a front license plate one and also a rear padded thing that you take out of your trunk after you park.

HTH.

RonSwanson

By "painted side bumpers" I meant this:

lexusk8

For the last 4 years I've been putting a car cover over my CT. Since it is a black exterior, it's especially vulnerable to all elements from mother nature, so the car cover has saved me lots of $$ from any major damage to the paint esp. with the constant FL sun. You can purchase an economical car cover from Walmart for around $30. Well worth it IMO

CTbean

Thank you everyone for your reply~!
Got it. Wash often and wax it really well!
Any recommended products for washing and waxing maybe?
I had tried Griots Garage products before...(but since I only used them
once or twice, couldn't tell how great they were...) If there's anything else
that might be more suited for what I need, please let me know.
Also, I am wondering if there's any worthwhile products...think its one of
those car washing soap without using water type...does it really work??
If I am having to wash often, I want to put minimal effort...especially in
the middle of winter...
Any advise is appreciated, thanks!

KKM

I've used a glass based sealant, 22PLE, and it does a fantastic job with glossy finish and suppose to seal and protect the paint for 2 years. It does make washing a drying the car a lot easier. Lots of positive experience from those who've used it. The product is somewhat pricey.

NTH

If you like Griots products, try their One Step Sealant. I really like it and not too expensive.

AORC11

I bought a car cover on amazon that does not scratch my car and is made out of a material that does not teae and protects against all weathers. What kind of wax would people would recommended and is placed onto the car by hand?

SteveMason

Hmmmm, my girlfriend always parks her Mazda 2 in the garage while I park my Lexus on the street... Maybe I should say something hahaha

Greenspoon

I use Zaino Products. Here in New England - The land of salt and yuck-, with excellent results on Obsidian.

CT420h

i dont have a garage so im forced to park outside in san francisco. my paint could really use some work with all the scratches and dryness but i just waxed the other day and its lookin good!

Wildeman

Just got my CT and I have to park it outside in the Canadian winter. -18 degrees C (0 F). I hope the extreme temperatures don't effect the battery.

I really want a Remote starter! It would be nice to get into a toasty warm car on a cold day! Dealer quoted me $899 (Canadian) for the remote starter. I'm still considering it...