I personally don't like automated car washes.

I have found a two bucket system: one clear water with a bottom dirt trap (e.g. ProElite Bucket Dirt Trap), Optimum No Rinse Wash & Wax,
, two microfiber towels gets are car very clean in 20-30 minutes.

Then for the tires, you use Opti Bond Tire Gel with an applicator ( have a place cup to store the applicator (I like Adam's Hex-Grip Pro Tire Dressing Applicator best
)) - about 10 minutes to do 4 tires
.

What do others use to keep their NX's looking good.?


YMMV,
MidCow3

 

I use Meguiars ultimate wash & wax. Great wash and if you don’t feel like a separate wax, there’s some in the wash. I also use their hybrid ceramic wax spray or Adam’s graphene CS3 spray wax. I use a chamois synthetic cloth for drying. Never tried a microfiber drying cloth, but they seem all the rage, so I should probably give that a try.

Adam’s total interior cleaner.
Adam’s leather and interior dressing.
Adam’s VRT for exterior trim.
Nextzett gummi pflege stift for weatherstripping.
Griot’s heavy duty wheel cleaner.

I don’t shine my tires.

To wipe down the engine compartment tub o towels.

 

Griots products exclusively. I’ve used them for decades - never dissatisfied.

 

Absolutely never use automated, "hand wash", or dealership courtesy washes. Guaranteed scratches with who knows what products. Labor of love to DIY.

1) ceramic coat is key so that it washes easier . Preventive coating so it helps keep certain stains from etching into the Clearcoat. Still need to wash it to keep it clean. Get the ceramic coating done by a professional if possible.

2) 2 bucket method with grit guard at the bottom in each. Dedicated car wash soap (I like adams car wash ph neutral formula). ***Do not use Dawn!!***

https://www.amazon.com/Adams-Shampoo-Neutral-Formula-Cleaning/dp/B0058JJS0Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2PSQPG3FUY1XJ&keywords=adams%2Bph%2Bneutral%2Bcar%2Bshampoo&qid=1658130213&sprefix=adams%2Bph%2B%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1


2) Drying. I actually like to blow off the water using the dryer especially in the door jams, front grill, rear hatch, windshield cowl, and small crevice areas throughout the car/suv.


3) Adams MF towel is amazing. I use 2 for each drying event and it works well given the NX450 size. Link below.


4) Wheels: use either Mf towel (different from the towels for the body wash) and/or dedicated wheel brush. Ph neutral formula works here as well (I use the same adams ph neutral).

At the beginning it takes awhile but you figure out what your needs and quirks are to wash and dry efficiently and could probably do all this under an hour.

Please keep us posted and what works and what doesn't work for you!.

 

One trick to help vehicle dry faster is run the hose without any nozzle over the car. A nice steady stream helps sheet the water off. Go top to bottom, back of hood to front.

If you are like me and do the barrels of the wheels, I use a full plastic toilet brush (not the kind with any metal) with a Costco micro fibre towel wrapped around it. This helps get the barrels sparkling clean. I have the F Sport wheels and it is a snug fit, but works.

I do not use Costco micro fibre for wax or polish removal/application. Eagle Edgeless 500 are the best for that.

I carved a taper onto a piece of wood, slightly larger than a carpenters pencil, and longer , wrap a micro fibre towel over it and do the hundreds of triangles in the grill. Doing it while the grill is damp works well.

 

I don't have my NX yet, but it will go through automated car wash.
But I'm also getting Paint protection film. At some point in the future the PPF can be removed and much of the past years damage along with it.

I very much respect those that have the passion and discipline to maintain their car to impecable standards.
I had an RC for 4 years. After reading a lot of threads like this I was convinced the only responsible thing to do was DIY.
I tried and failed. It's just not for me personally.
My post is for those that are on the fence about whether they should dive into 2 bucket or similar. I expect it is very much better. If you enjoy it and have room for it fantastic. I think it can be a good experience for many.
Just be honest with yourself about where you want to invest your time and passions. I'm re-learning how to do that these days...
Cheers.

 

Did my first wash after getting professionally applied ceramic coating . Used the 2-bucket method with Chemical Guys Suds car wash, dried with Rag Company micro fiber cloth.
Despite the car being way bigger than my IS200t, it took half the time to wash because any dirt, dust & any other contaminants rinsed off super easily because of the coating. I can already tell the coating was worth the investment

 

All great products and the 2 bucket system is the business. I've become fan of Dr. Beasley's. My neighbour brought his brand new SUV through one of the automated car washes and it ripped off his front bumper amongst other damage. When he brought it in for repairs the body shop said it's a regular occurrence.

 

So… I religiously hand wash all my cars. It allows me to be up close and personal with every curve and nuance of the car.

I do, however, find washing the spindle grille quite the experience. The nooks, crannies… quite the time killer given the size and complexity. Has anyone found a time saving method of tackling this grille?

Drying it is another challenge but I use a BLO auto air dryer that makes fast work of getting the water out of the grille.

 

I know exactly what you mean. I find washing my NX very therapeutic. I actually look forward to doing it. I realise that there are other people (maybe on this forum even) that would think I'm mad.

 

yes! I actually call it ‘garage therapy’