GoLowDrew

Of all the new cars I've owned, my current is the newest.

It's exactly 2 months and one week old today, when it left Lincoln, Alabama. I own it for 3 weeks now.

Ok to wax? Wax without cleaners? Any advice?

CL916

I'd say get a paint cleaner like the one p21s makes and just do a wax once a month or so. Maybe claybar once or twice a year.

smelldaOdaa

you should always wax a new car, preferably do paint correction and then wax

redboost10

wash, clay, paint correction/polish, sealant and/or wax...assuming its like every other new car out there and needs paint correction anyways.

exceldetail

You could pamper it with a PC. You would probably need one down the road for swirl removal or scratch minimization. A light polish and nice sealant are definitely in order for a new car.

OneFire

I would go over the car with a clay bar. You really don't know where it's been sitting and for how long. Lots of contaminants can be found on new paint surfaces.

Other than that if all you want is some protection and extra shine. Wax should be just fine. If you're looking for extra depth and shine then yes, use the polish + glaze + sealants. Whatever you like.

Here's my paint. Clay, 1 layer polish, 2 layers of wax.

GoLowDrew

So the paint is not to "new" to be worked on? I know they bake it at the factory, etc.

exceldetail

No, not too new. Its totally cured. The finish is only as good looking as its prep work (polish). Claying will provide a baby butt smooth surface and remove any industrial fallout, but polishing makes the paint pop, and come alive. Waxes and sealants preserve that appearance.

redboost10

have you seen dealerships wash cars...ive only ever seen them use a mega powerwasher. like mentioned, get a pc and have some fun.

ek_99_SiR

they wax the cars after the are pdi'd. so waxing anytime is fine.

19Accord97

What about a FRESHLY painted car? My car is getting painted and the clear coat is going on today. I am getting it Sunday and planned on installing my 3m clear bra and waxing it.

redboost10

wait 60 days for freshly painted car before you put a layer of wax or polish it

19Accord97

Dang

slapaho_ca

only clay bar a car if its necessary.

builthatch

OP, some of the guys said it. without a doubt, wash with dawn to remove as much of whatever prep glaze bullshit they used, and clay, then do whatever correction it needs. i've yet to deal with a new car that didn't have some sort of fallout all over it, let alone the prep materials they apply.

polish? nah, you can do that as soon as you want once you get the car back. think about what they do when they de-nib, wet sand and buff after the paint work, you know?

you know i've read some interesting stuff about the waxing notion as i just got my mazda back from paint this week.

here is an example of what i've read...

http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...esh-paint.html

personally...i'm still a bit wary of using anything that seals for about a month or so after painting, but i do use optimum instant detailer when drying. as far as applying a clear bra, i think today's bra materials are breatheable so maybe the same info applies as what was discussed about wax in the thread on autopia. i dunno.

redboost10

sorry when i said polish, i was meaning like paint correction polish

katzenjammer84

All new cars have the paint baked on, so it's well beyond cured by the time you get to it. Feel free to do whatever you want to it.