Washing my truck - quick question

[hulk311]

Washing my truck - quick question
So I've decided to start washing my truck after using the automated car washes. I decided to do this after I came back from the Totoya Stealership after getting an oil change and "free" car wash. The "free" car wash looked like they used a broken hose and just let the water drip on my truck.

Anyways, I just read that this is the proper way to wash your truck:

1) Wash
2) Clay
3) Wash
4) Polish
5) Wax

My question is:

How often are you supposed to wax? And how often do you wash and polish? Is claying only necessary when waxing?

Here are the products I bought:

Ice Car Wash
Ice Spray Detailer
Ice Total interior care

I'm also thinking about picking up the Ice clay bar and wax. What do you suggest for windows? Can the spray detailer be used on the outside windows? What do you suggest I use on the rims? There's a lot of black **** on there that won't come off.

 

[lupin]

THis is my routine:

1) Wash (I use any dish soap to remove old wax)
2) Claybar (I use Meguiars)
3) Paint Cleaner (I use scratch X, sometimes not needed)
4) Polish (I use Megs)
5) Wax (I use NXT or Black Magic)

Then wash the car atleast every 2 weeks with detailer every 2-3 days.

I use stoners for windows/glass

Edit:First post!

 

[Uneek]

I base waxing on how if there's any left on the finish. If water doesn't bead or it's bigger than a quarter, it's time. Using detailers could extend the life of the wax and allow you to go longer in between applications.

I prefer to clay every time before waxing to strip any contaminants on the paint. Polish is good if you want to add depth to the paint and acheive the "wet" look. But check your wax, if it contains cleaners, it'll remove the polish and wasting all your hard work.

I use Wheel Wax for my rims. It holds up much better than using regular wax due to the higher temperatures of the wheels.

 

[leftyguns21]

i wax about twice a year and wash at least once a week. i use a liquid car wash from Meguiar's and when waxing i use a cleaner wax [clay bar the areas that may need it] a polish and then a glaze.

 

[santana]

THis is my routine:

1) Wash (I use any dish soap to remove old wax)
2) Claybar (I use Meguiars)
3) Paint Cleaner (I use scratch X, sometimes not needed)
4) Polish (I use Megs)
5) Wax (I use NXT or Black Magic)

Then wash the car atleast every 2 weeks with detailer every 2-3 days.

I use stoners for windows/glass

Edit:First post!

whoa dude

dont use dish soap.. some dish soaps are so strong they will eat your paint or finish. not recommended

 

[MikesToy]

I wash every Friday. I use Meguiars Shampoo and Conditioner.
I clay & wax every 3 months. ( every first Friday of Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct).
I use Meguiars Clay bar and NXT wax.
Every last Friday of the month since i wash every Friday, i use Meguiars NXT Detailer. On my windows, i use Safelite/Elite window spray cleaner. I already had all my vehicles' windshield (normal for Colorado) replaced by them so i always ask for a can for free. Either that, i use Stoner's Invisible Glass cleaner.

 

[JeremyH]

I wash mine at least once per year...no matter what people are writing on it...

 

[004Gunner]

Anyways, I just read that this is the proper way to wash your truck:

1) Wash
2) Clay
3) Wash
4) Polish
5) Wax

My question is:

How often are you supposed to wax? And how often do you wash and polish? Is claying only necessary when waxing?.

You should revise the list to:
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Polish or wax (it's the same thing)

Waxing, or polishing, is generally recommended twice per year. After winter and after summer would be good routines.
Washing at least once a month would be fine.
Clay bar should be used once a year, maybe once every other year. If you park under trees then you should increase all of the above especially if the tree has broad leaves or leaves sap residue.

 

[Uneek]

3. Polish or wax (it's the same thing)

I disagree, unless it's a product that specifically does both and not a pure polish or pure wax.

Polish will add depth to the paint (mirror like shine) and give it the wet look. A pure polish offers zero protection against the elements.

Wax is the protective barrier that will keep the elements from attacking your finish. Wax can be either carnuba or synthetic. Carnuba gives a bit more shine and depth, but attracts dust more easily. Synthetic tends to last longer. However with some of today's modern synthetic waxes, some of the carnuba advantages are acheived.

 

[kimboy]

Not sure why nobody glazes anymore.

Anyhow, here's what I've done...

1. Wash 4 times a year, if I'm lucky
2a. Clay (every 3 years), Oh my arm!
2b. Wash after a clay bar session.
3. Glaze.. to be done, as this is the only product I have lying around.

I used to:
wash, clay, wash, cleaner wax, scratch x, wash, wax, glaze, and use detail spray. All performed by hand too.

gone are those days of 9 hr. details.

 

[djchris713]

Since i work at a car wash, this is how i do my T4R

1. Wash with Undercarriage Rinse & Triple Foam Polish w/ Sealer Wax
2. Clean rims with Lustra Window Cleaner
3. Condition Panels with Lustra Creme Protectant
4. Clean windows with Lustra Window Cleaner
5. Blow out cracks and crevaces with compressed air to lessen drive off dripping of water
6. Dress tires with Lustra All-Purpose Tire Shine

Wash Schedule

1. Wash every Weekend
2. Wax every 2 weeks with Blue Coral Revive Wax
3. Wax every month with Blue Coral SealTek ACR Super Polymer Wax