I waiting for my new 2006 D/S mcs convertible to come in. I would like to really keep this car looking "****" as the flynhawaiin would say. My car will not be in a garage, and I live in Florida and I'm kinda lazy.

So I want a easy simple way to stay on top of this.

First is Zano or the Serfect Shine the way to go.

Do i need to use a dawn wash to remove wax on a brand new car, if not when.

How often should i clay bar?

I assume the drive thru car wash in abig no-no

I would appreciate any help you can offer

Thanks

 

I've documented my detailing process with answers to several of your questions (and a lot more) here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=37303

I prefer to keep a sealant on the car (Zaino or Klasse - I like Zaino myself, but for no real reason than that's what I've used). I don't know about "Perfect Shine".

You should Dawn-wash your car before any application of sealant. Your car was covered with Parafin wax on its' way across the ocean and your dealer may have waxed it for you before you got it. It also makes sure that any road oils are removed. As long as you don't do it more than 3-4 times a year and you treat your exterior plastic/rubber with a conditioner, you shouldn't have to worry about drying out the exterior rubber bits.

Drive-Thru car washes are an OK alternative as long as you are using a synthetic coating (Zaino or Klasse) and it is a touchless carwash (no brushes, wipers, anything other than water and detergents). The detergents will almost instantly strip away any wax you have on the car, but the sealants will hold tighter (but will still fail more quickly than hand washing with a good auto shampoo).

You should claybar when you need it. To test, put a bit of soapy water on the car (right after you wash would be a good time), put your hand in a plastic bag (a plastic grocery bag works nicely) and run your hand over the paintwork. If you feel grit, it's time to claybar. A car driven regularly, stored outside, near construction, in snow/salt weather will need to be claybared at least 1 time a year (it was every spring for me... maybe once again in the fall for a car I loved). A car stored inside, in a warm climate, driven infrequently, will need it less often.

 

The drive-thru car wash is even more important to me in the northern states. If it came down to a touchless drive-thru or no wash in the winter, I chose the touchless drive-thru every time.