DAILY DRIVER !! Tips for exterior maintenance

[Slvr-camaro15]

Hey guys , I know there has been a lot of talk and discussions already about personal preferences when it comes to exterior detailing /maintenance , BUT I wanted to gain some more knowledge about the best way to protect that exterior of the car , maintain the shine etc when it comes to having the camaro as a "daily driver ". Any and all input is appreciated in advance ..

[Joe M 2012 2SS]

Shine comes from polishing.

Your paint probably has at least some wash marring, possibly swirls as well.
Swirls are caused by improper washing and drying of the paint.

This is the most proven procedure to minimize marring.

Top Ten Swirl Prevention Tips, on You Tube.

Polishing requires a full wash as shown in this video, add four ounces of an all purpose cleaner to your wash bucket, to remove any old sealants or waxes.

The surface then needs to be clayed to remove bonded contaminates. You can use a traditional clay bar (fine grade), or a clay alternative which come in towels, mitts, sponges, and discs for a machine polisher.

After claying, an iron decontamination, to remove bonded iron (clay doesn't remove this).

Rinse well, dry, and wipe the surface down with Isopropyl Alcohol 10-15% or Carpro Eraser. This removes any residues left on the surface.

If your not polishing the car, perform these same steps, and apply protection. For NY climate, Collinite 845 works well. It's made in NY so you should find it locally.

Here's how you apply it.

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ndary-wax.html

[Slvr-camaro15]

Wowiee thanks a ton ..!!

[Adam's Polishes]

Once you have clayed and paint correction is done and you have applied sealant or wax our H20 Guard & Gloss is a great product to help maintain, it's super easy and fast to apply.

https://youtu.be/yHGG9xBOOFE

[Slvr-camaro15]

[Slvr-camaro15]

I am currently using ADAMS shampoo , quick detailer and the H2oGG as well.. this will be the first Time using colinite 845 . I used LIQUID GLASS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. I guess do the car being silver in nature .it's hard to get that deep wet look .which I'm obsessed after lol ..thanks though guys . Your input is well recvd . (Gracias).

[Joe M 2012 2SS]

Originally Posted by Slvr-camaro15

I am currently using ADAMS shampoo , quick detailer and the H2oGG as well.. this will be the first Time using colinite 845 . I used LIQUID GLASS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. I guess do the car being silver in nature .it's hard to get that deep wet look .which I'm obsessed after lol ..thanks though guys . Your input is well recvd . (Gracias).

Shampoo, Detail Spray, and protection products will not give you a deep wet look.

Collinite 845 will not either, what it will do is protect your paint from road salt.

Machine compounding & polishing always gives the best shine, because your removing defects and creating a high gloss. Sealants, waxes and glazes can somewhat fill light defects, but this is merely cosmetic, as it will wear off over time.

A daily driven car shouldn't be made into a show car though, so you have to be realistic. I have several random isolated deeper clear coat scratches that aren't through the clear coat, but I don't excessively thin the clear coat out to remove them.

If it was a show car that was rarely driven, and not exposed to the elements 24/7, then going for 99-100% defect removal is O.K.
On a daily driver, if you get it 90-95% that is more then good enough to have your car looking great, while keeping most of the clear coat on the car.

[Slvr-camaro15]

Good points . Duely noted . I guess a realistic approach is to figure out ways to protect the paint from the elements that it's being exposed to 24/7 rather than anything else . So I guess colinite 845 was a step in the right direction

[lbls1]

One word: Wax, and more wax.

Ok, you should wash it fairly often, at least weekly. So wash and wax it and you're good.

[Slvr-camaro15]

Thank you for the pointers guys !!

[seanjhon]

check out junkman too on youtube, and also check this link out for some good info-http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275418

But the junkman is where I seriously learned about car exterior up keep. He shows you the equipment to use, and even some good recommendations. I detail mine (being a daily driver and sitting outside) every 6-7 months full on with maybe paint correction and polish, seal. In between those months i have of course washes that are rinse less with spray seal protectant depending on the conditions of weather.

Its a lot but it is WORTH it. My car is a 2013 and people ask me if I either have a new paint job or if the car is new. Its a lot of work but it makes your car look good and keeps it protected and taken care of.

This site has a wealth of info on the matter and also check out other detialing sites and just go with what you feel good going with.

Good luck. Dont hesitate to PM with any questions or anything.

[Jayjellyfish212]

Occasionally use extra soap and water. Helps to get some extra set of hands to help with cleaning now and again.lol

[HAMBO]

All great suggestions above. Another route you might want to consider is applying a ceramic coating right after polishing. It's very hydrophobic so repels water nicely, and does give a bit of glossy look as well (assuming paint underneath is healthy). I have it on my daily driver and am quite happy with it.