New Car

[Han]

My car has about 11,000 KM on it (that's just under 7000 miles)

I used the 3 step system I had left over from my last car (which had over 200,000 KM on it )..

I am REALLY happy with the shine, but the question is, did I REALLY need to do such take such drastic steps? I know a clay bar is always necessary, but I wonder if it would have been enough just to use a good polish/wax combo like Reflections or Cleaner Wax.. And maybe do a step 1 twice a year...

I know your guys' job is to sell as much Mothers products as possible, but I have noticed you have been pretty honest from what I have seen here, so I am confident I'll get a good answer

[Forrest T.]

On a 11,000 km car, I'd suggest a good wash and clay, and from that point make a decision - how much time are you willing/able to devote to the finish and care?

IF, it's a dark color, and IF you have the time, the 3 phase Ultimate Wax System is the way to go. Keep in mind, you don't need all 3 phases every time. Assuming you wash and use an instant detailer on a regular basis, the next time around you just need the phase 3 wax. The Phase 1 Pre-Wax Cleaner only gets used twice a year.

IF you don't have the time on a regular basis to devote to the finish, a one step cleaner wax would be a good alternative. But, it's still one application and removal, which is the same as your repeat steps above after doing all 3 phases the first time around. So, you're not really saving any time after the first go-around.

If you plan on waxing more than 4 times a year, I think the Ultimate Wax System is the way to go, since you don't really need the polishes in a one step on your paint that often. That's the advantage of the 3 bottles - you can use the specific product you need, when you need it.

On my daily drive, I use Reflections since it's so easy to remove. It's literally a 20 minute job start to finish. And, the cleaners in it are very light.

Honestly, twice a year isn't enough if you live in a harsh environment. That could mean a sunny southern state, or a place with nasty winters. With the cost of cars nowadays, I think it's worth washing at least once a week and waxing once a month. If you keep the paint clean, waxing should only be 30 minutes to an hour's worth of time.

If you were to use a one step product, how often would you be using it? And, what color vehicle are you maintaining?

[Han]

Originally Posted by Forrest T.

On a 11,000 km car, I'd suggest a good wash and clay, and from that point make a decision - how much time are you willing/able to devote to the finish and care?

IF, it's a dark color, and IF you have the time, the 3 phase Ultimate Wax System is the way to go. Keep in mind, you don't need all 3 phases every time. Assuming you wash and use an instant detailer on a regular basis, the next time around you just need the phase 3 wax. The Phase 1 Pre-Wax Cleaner only gets used twice a year.

IF you don't have the time on a regular basis to devote to the finish, a one step cleaner wax would be a good alternative. But, it's still one application and removal, which is the same as your repeat steps above after doing all 3 phases the first time around. So, you're not really saving any time after the first go-around.

If you plan on waxing more than 4 times a year, I think the Ultimate Wax System is the way to go, since you don't really need the polishes in a one step on your paint that often. That's the advantage of the 3 bottles - you can use the specific product you need, when you need it.

On my daily drive, I use Reflections since it's so easy to remove. It's literally a 20 minute job start to finish. And, the cleaners in it are very light.

Honestly, twice a year isn't enough if you live in a harsh environment. That could mean a sunny southern state, or a place with nasty winters. With the cost of cars nowadays, I think it's worth washing at least once a week and waxing once a month. If you keep the paint clean, waxing should only be 30 minutes to an hour's worth of time.

If you were to use a one step product, how often would you be using it? And, what color vehicle are you maintaining?

With a one step product that only takes 20 mins to use, I don't see why I couldn't use it every week when I wash my car, or at least every OTHER time.

My car is a dark silver metallic, so it is not prone to swirling or spidering like a pure black would be, and doesn't show dirt like a lighter colour.. Quite easy to maintain actually.

[Forrest T.]

If you go the frequent route, just make sure to use good quality microfibers to dry after washing and to remove the wax. Wash with a 100% cotton chenille mitt. I'd suggest you apply the product with a foam applicator.

All of these steps will help reduce the eventual marring of the paint surface. I'd still plan on once or twice a year claying and prepping the paint with a light polish to remove the spiderwebbing.

[Han]

Originally Posted by Forrest T.

If you go the frequent route, just make sure to use good quality microfibers to dry after washing and to remove the wax. Wash with a 100% cotton chenille mitt. I'd suggest you apply the product with a foam applicator.

All of these steps will help reduce the eventual marring of the paint surface. I'd still plan on once or twice a year claying and prepping the paint with a light polish to remove the spiderwebbing.

Definitely. Thanks!