I stopped using actual clay bars 3 years ago. Right after I dropped the 2nd wad of the day.

I took a chance and bought these. I'll never go back-I can "clay" my xfire in about 30 minutes-top AND sides and I'll take the barrage of crap from the purists here. This thing works. And works quite well. I'll let Mike-in-Orange step in here. And I'll argue with him. I've never been dissed on the appearance of my car, this is just one of "my ways".

And I've dropped it a few times. I walk inside and wash it off-back to work.

https://www.amazon.com/Nanoskin-AS-0...skin+autoscrub

https://www.amazon.com/Nanoskin-AS-0...skin+autoscrub

And as to the frequency of "claying" your car: if it's showing signs of bonded contaminants, clay it. Unlike compounding/polishing, it doesn't remove clearcoat. Then wax. I park outside during the day and garage at night. I "clay" 2-3 times a year, depending.

Let the first barrage begin!