Figured this would be a good thread to make about various information on car care (as far as appearance).

To start it off, these are the only two big no-no's I know of:

1) Don't use vinyl/interior cleaners with petrolium distilates (I know I spelt that wrong), eats at your dash and can cause cracking over time. Armor All is one that does contain petrolium distilates. Forumula 2001 does not. The rest, I have no idea.

2) Don't use house hold soaps (like dish washing soap) to wash your car. From what I've read/heard, it tears all the protective coating off your paint. Ouch.


Some tips on washing your car:

1) For drying, use the california water glaze (or some type of squeege, or however you spell it). Helps a ton.

2) After you're done washing, rinse the car without using a nozzle (straight water). Especially if your car is waxed, almost all the water will just run off your car and there will be hardly any drying to do.


Now I had a few questions... is there any specific type of car wash stuff you want to use if your car has just been painted? I've read/heard you don't want to wax it for 2 months so the paint can fully dry first, is that true? Any advice on good car wash soap and wax (meguires?)?

Thanks!