Should I use this wax?

I'm washing the truck today. I've got this old bottle of Turtle Wax Express Shine stuff that says carnauba enriched. I never used a drop of it when I bought it many years ago. This would be the first wax I ever put on the truck. I've read a bunch of stuff on this site and elsewhere with arguments about waxing/not waxing. Just curious if I should I avoid the turtle wax or waxing altogether? Once I start waxing, am I in a vicious cycle? I see most recommend waxing in cool shade. Will it be a disaster trying to wax in the midday sun? I don't have any good shade. I could drive to the park maybe and do it there.

 

I would say there might be a shelf life on the wax and I would be Leary to use it, but who knows. I've used many products over the years and many say not use in direct sunlight, but then there are some that say it's ok. I wouldn't either because who wants to work that hard in direct sunlight ha ha ha.

 

I wound up taking it to a spray wash bay which worked great for the car wash. Dried it with a space aged chamois and tried the spray wax on the roof first and it seemed fine. There was plenty of shade in the back of the car wash building so it turned out to be the perfect spot. One thing I noticed after finishing the job, when I returned to direct sunlight it looks like the wax left more residue than I could see in the shade. The finish was imperfect in several areas. I was kind of wondering if this would happen. I'll give it another buffing tomorrow maybe. My lack of experience waxing is obvious here. The thing that has made me leary is I've seen how Pledge waxy dusting spray can ruin furniture. I'm hoping it won't lead to the same waxy, sticky buildup on the vehicle.

 

I use this synthetic wax and it's been great. I put it into a squirt bottle for fast applications and I can wax my truck in about twenty minutes or less.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/g18216-ultimate-wax-liquid/#Bvwl78w4JJvv27H2.97

 

I wouldn't chance saving a few bucks on wax that is old and unknown. Spend a few dollars and do it right. Also, don't listen to anyone that tells you never to wax a car.

Based upon some of your comments, I suggest that you do some research on the pros and cons of keeping your finish protected (read your manual) and how to apply

 

Try smaller areas and have two microfibers; one for application, one for buffing.
I've become a big fan of the Eagle One Nanowax lineup.

 

Who would tell you not to wax your vehicle? As far as the wax goes there are way better options, but why not use what you already have. Test it in a small area and see how you like it. If it doesn't perform the way you want it to then clay it and buy something better.

 

If you're not into waxing or don't feel comfortable get a wax as you dry product. Just spray it on as you are drying the truck and it will give you some decent protection. I wax my vehicles every 4-6 months and use Eagle One wax as you dry during every wash between waxings. The Meguiars wax as you dry product is good too.

Eagle 1 Auto Wax As-U-Dry Detailer, Liquid, 23 o, Single

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-One-82...4767&sr=8-1&keywords=eagle+one+wax+as+you+dry

$27 Meguiar's G17516 Ultimate Quik Wax, 15.2 Fluid Ounces

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17...1466304797&sr=8-1&keywords=meguiars+spray+wax

 

The day I brought my 16 home, I washed, clayed and alcohol wiped my truck down. The paint from factory and from transit etc, already had several contaminants. Once I was sure I had a clean slate, I layed down some Chem Guys Jet Seal sealant, two coats of it, and then some Collinite Wax on top. My truck keeps a super slick feel, the CA dust and pollen literally blow off my truck, and water is afraid of the surface. After I wash it, I use a spray detailer to ensure all dust and water spots are off, and also add on some protective properties, and then I finish with a quality synthetic spray wax I can use on all surfaces of the vehicle (glass, paint, plastic, rubber/vinyl etc.)

I have since gone wheeling several times, gotten dirty and cleaned again. I don't have any scratches from dirt, and it still maintains is showroom shine and luster.


I am now considering starting all over (back to the alcohol rub) and using a ceramic/polymer coating with some Jet Seal sealant on top. It should REALLY be contaminant proof then.

 

big chemical guy fan here too... Try some Menzerna Jescar power lock sealer sometime. I've never used something that left such a slick finish on the paint.

 

I'll have to look into it. I've had great results with Jet Seal, I may give their Carbon Flex C9 a try, but its so expensive...

But the Self Healing coating that can protect against scratches seems pretty legit..

 

Yeah Carbon Flex looks awesome. I see it's on sale, but still expensive.

 

I'm sure some more buffing will get rid of the uneven waxy swirls. If I decide I'm not happy, is clay bar the only way to remove the wax? Would you have to do both clay bar and alcohol? Or will it wear away with time, and then just a good wash and start over with something else?

 

http://www.chemicalguys.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WAC228&icn=HOMEPAGE&ici=HPB_061416_05

Not terrible I guess

EDIT: this is the trim c9... oops

 

To remove wax, you wash with dish soap, or wash and rub with alcohol, or use a dedicated wax remover wash.

 

So I noticed my first 2 scratches while drying today after the wash on the tail gait. Very small not very noticeable. Sucks to know they are there. I hoped the wax would conceal them but it didn't.

 

Our trucks scratch stupid easy, which is why I want that ceramic coating.. I keep a bottle of scratch X handy....

 

Been using this stuff too. It works great, but it's damn expensive.

 

Had my black Tacoma for 7 months going on 8. Only thing I have used on my truck is Turtle Wax Ice Car Wash Soap, Eagle One Wax As U-Dry, and my now favorite... Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Wax. I suggest buying some of these Chinchilla microfiber towels to dry your truck with and to wipe the Quik Wax off with. These things are softer than a long haired cats back.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/252204730483?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Below is a link to the detailing thread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/detailing.32/

 

Adams
chemical
shine supply

leave the auto parts store shit on the shelf where it belongs