I have heard a few things about using clay bars and a few other products to keep that new car look. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated. I dont want to use anything that could end up damaging my car.

 

I love using clay bars. There are lots of links explaining how to do it. Biggest thing to remember is don't be cheap -- if the clay is dirty, switch it. Take your time and make sure you give yourself (and your car) plenty of uninterrupted time to do a proper job, including a wax job afterwards. You probably have issues in Arizona that I don't have in Michigan...like heat and sunshine...so ask a local to help you with those issues!

 

I tried the Simonize clay bar that was locally available at the parts store. While it does a good job, I find it to be excessively sticky and hard to kneed out.


A trick I developed using it is to create a lip on the clay when I flatten it out in my palm. I grasp this lip between fingers so that if the clay catches for some reason, the clay will stay in my hand rather than tumble to the ground while my reactions catch up to what just happened.


As you've probably read, if the clay hits the surface your car is parked on, toss it.

 

I always clay before waxing. I like the stuff sold here: http://www.griotsgarage.com/
but there are many other companies that sell it.

 

i appreciate the feedback. before my mini i had a dodge pos for 11 years that i didnt really care to clean much, but i want to preserve the new car look as long as possible.

 

The Griot's clay bar is included in a kit that also has their quick detailer you spray on to keep the clay lubricated. having the clay 'stick' is often a result on not keeping it lubed.
Here is a good demonstration on using clay bar: Can't say it enough: If you drop the clay, pitch it, it's done.

 

Easiest way:

Wash your car with extra soap in the bucket.

Wash a section, leave the soapy water on the car, proceed with a clay bar on that section.
Then rinse.

You have a clean, and claybar'd car when done.
Don't forget to wx, as you no longer have protection.

 

If you're an Amazon fan, I have had a great degree of success with the Meguiar's clay bars.

Aggressive clay bar


Mild clay bar


Clay bar lube and detailing spray - I use this for touching up nearly the entire car in between washes. Mix 50/50 with water to use as a clay bar lube.

 

I second this list. Very good success over the years. All horizonal surfaces get done every couple of months.. whole car 2x a year (fall and spring). Its amazing to see what gets pulled off of the clear coat.

 

Use Nanoskin. What would normally take hours to get done on the full car, can take minutes. I told a friend to try it out since he never heard of it and it was BLOWN away by how effective it is. For small hard to get areas, yeah I use clay, but panels, nanoskin all the way.

You will s**t your pants when you run your hand on your paint after you've used their pads.

http://www.nanoskinusa.com/products/...ub-system.html

 

I started off claying my car the first time with a clay bar kit. Having no experience with different clays and such, the Meguiars clay kit had everything i need to get started. From then on, i moved onto polishing before my waxing. Then with experience, know whether to use synthetic or carnauba wax for the effect i want. Don't take too big of a bite the first time, get the kit and you'll be in your way.

 

Btw, it's nearly fool proof with messing up when you follow the instructions kn the box.

 

I primarily use Zaino products on my MINI, although I have tried Meguiar's clay. I rate the Zaino clay a bit better.

I wash the car first to get the major stuff off the body. Zaino says to lubricate the surface with a blend of their car wash and water. I mix up a batch and use it with a spray bottle. Usually I clay the whole car. Afterwards I wash the car again to remove the soapy residue. Zaino has a polish for clear coat paint jobs (can't remember the name). It is a 2 part system. If I don't use that I will use their quick detailer.

I don't think the clay removes polish. I don't remember seeing that mentioned in any of the Zaino literature. From what I know, all it's doing is pulling out the grit that is stuck to the surface. The liquid and frequently folding the dirty clay in keeps the imbedded grit from scratching the surface.