I just drove my new AeroBlue SRT6 home from the dealership last night. It currently has ~ 340 miles on it and is sitting in my garage.

What can I do right now -- while it's still new and fresh from the dealer -- to prevent paint and rim problems in the future?

 

Forum member Andrew is the man. When he sees this post, hopefully he will impart some of his wisdom.

 

I'd also like to know how much time you spend washing, claying, and waxing your cars in a driving season. How long does it take to wash a Crossfire using your recommended techniques? How long does it take to wax? (I'm married and I'd like to stay that way ).

Thanks.

 

I'll give you my run down - but I am not an expert.

I washed mine last week in the garage (which has drains). Washing it was pretty easy - not a whole lot of car to wash. It really wasn't very dirty either.

I use either Meguiar's Gold Class wash or Turtle Wax Platinum/Emerald or something like that.

The wheels take a good bit of time and these Crossfires are notorious for the brake dust. I use a Meguiar's wheel brush (soft) to clean them (I don't use any wheel cleaner, just car wash soap).

For the ragtop, i used a microfiber mitt and rinse well. After you dry your car with a shammie or microfiber towels or the like, if you let the car run with the heat up, the extra moisture in the ragtop will come to the surface and you can get it pretty dry. Also, don't retract the top until it is completely dry.

I polished and waxed mine last week too. I started off with Meguiar's ColorX polish, put a coat of Meguiar's Gold Class wax, and topped it all off with a coat of Meguiar's NXT Tech wax. It is smooth as glass.
I did the polish one day - 1 wax the next, etc. Probably a couple of hours each day.

On the tires I use Meguiar's Endurance or Turtle Wax Extreme Shine tire gel. You use a sponge type thing to put it on. They both work really well, last a long time, and don't spin tire dressing all over your car.

If the car gets dusty (since it doesn't get driven in rain or snow), I use a California Duster and it works really well.

Hope that helps.

 

If I'm reading your post right, washing is pretty quick but waxing can take up to four hours split over two days. Assuming:

1. a wash takes one hour
2. you wash twice a month
3. you wax once a month

...that's six hours per month. Sound reasonable?

 

I would say a wash would take about 2 hours and the wax 4 hours. I only wax my cars about every 6 months though. Especially with the SRT6 since it only gets driven on dry, sunny days, and for limited miles.

 

So if I cut back the washes to once a month, I'm still at six hours. If I cut back the waxing to once every six months, I'm doing even better. My driving habits will be the same as yours.

Perhaps Andrew can provide a suggested maintenance schedule with time estimates.

 

~ some personal suggestions...

once washed & out of the sunlight... i would (at minimum) apply a coat of quality carnauba paste wax... a meguiars wax product preferably.

preferred wax/glaze link: http://www.cleanacar.com/meg159.html

a few tips when waxing... apply a thin coat of wax to a moistened foam applicator pad... one panel at a time... remove the wax immediately while the wax is still wet... using a micro fiber towel to remove and polish surface to a luster.

you can also apply the same wax to your rims for added protection. you may want to switch to "rotex gold" dust-free pads for ease of clean & upkeep... a "search" will provide needed info.

if the paint surface feels rough in any way to the touch of your hand after washing... you may want to "clay" your car with a product called: "clay magic" ...
or like product.

as for a schedule... i would wash my car on a weekly basis if driven regularly... i prefer a quality .25 car wash (diy) for the ability to wash/rinse the underside and wheel wells areas.

i would recommend waxing your car quarterly (every 3 months or so) to keep the cars finish protected.

as for paint/surface touch-ups... i would use a "quick detailer" spray with a micro fiber towel.

hope this helps!

andrew

 

It does. Thanks!

A few more questions:

About how long do you take to wash your car?

How long does it take to wax?

Are you talking about a hand wax or using an orbital? (After reading your warnings about the rotary, I wouldn't even consider it. I'm a total n00b at this. Just so you know, driving my Lumina through the car wash at Jiffy Lube is the extent of my detailing experience).

 

- it takes about an hour to wash my car thoroughly (drying all jambs, wheels, cleaning glass, dressing tires, etc).

- i can wax my car in less than an hour (i have it down to a science)... for most, i would allow 2 hours or so... (free seminar at carlisle).

- i would hand wax your car... an orbital isn't needed for a new car.


~ always willing to answer any questions for ya & others!

 

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it.

One more question: I looked at my car under the garage light tonight and saw lots of swirls. I guess this means the detailers at the dealership didn't use your recommended techniques. Can I remove these swirls with a hand wax?

 

See this thread:

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ht=swirl+marks

 

Here is a thread Golfdude started about detailing and polishing. One of the best threads I have read. It should help a lot!

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ad.php?t=12891

 

Thanks all!