Questions about what to use for car wash, wax, ect for a brand new 2023 trd offroad?

There are so many answers to this question. I have my own. Most of them are good answers but it depends on the conditions you live/travel in as well as the look you want and the time or money you want to put into appearance of paint and shine, etc. There is a detailing board here on the site which would likely be full of too much information but I would look/post there. From the simple to the complex. It is all possible.

 

I can assure you both your 2007 ranger and my 2005 accord were most likely painted with waterborne paints. Waterborne is still crosslinked and ultra durable and have been in use since the 90's.

https://www.paint.org/coatingstech-magazine/articles/brief-history-automotive-coatings-technology/

A thin paint would be the choice of Toyota, not caused by waterborne.

 

i stick with meguiars gold class car wash soap because i got a few jugs on sale a while back. it works. so does the other stuff.

i use invisible glass for glass cleaner because it cleans better than windex.

i use aquapel for a glass coating because it works better than rainx. i guess some of the newer ceramic coatings do even better, but at lasting 6mo-1yr for every application, the trucks usually calling for some attention anyways, so i don't mind.

i don't know what i use for clay bar, they're all the same. mine's pale green.

for polishing, which you shouldn't need for at least the first year, i use wolfgang uber compound. i like how it smells, and i like the single-product over using multiple products/pads to do the same job.

i've started switching to poorboy's world products because i like the smell of their paste wax. but i've been less than impressed with their clay lube-- it's got too much dye in it, my hands look bloody by the time i'm done claying a vehicle.

 

very jealous of that setup. Being a city dweller I'm relegated to the local coin op. Too many doodads on the truck to trust an auto wash, and my local spot has a nice powerwashing setup. Just wish I had another reason to get a shop vac, a clean interior eludes me.

 

wash, clay bar, wax.

 

You guys wash your trucks like regularly? Dirt is what has held all the trucks I’ve owned together for years.

 

Basically ablative armor for parking lot door dings at this point.

 

This guy cleans

 

Thank you all for all the reply it's very helpful.
When I had my 2006 jeep I used.to use turtle wax ice and always had good results and used to clay bar as well.
I live in a farm town so I'd rather do it at home as much as I can plus my driveway is around 1400 feet and dirt so I want to keep it looking as good as I can inside and out as long as I can. I have also considered getting it ceramic coated depending on the price.

Thank you all again its all very helpful.
Also has anyone ever used a car wash foam cannon?
Not sure if its worth it?

 

I'm coming to your house.

 

First I've heard of that. I thought the clay removed the contaminats which will scratch the paint if not removed from time to time.

 

I purchased a foam cannon last year and it works pretty well but I find myself not using it due to more things to get out and put back up(pressure washer, PW hose, foam cannon), in addition to everything else.

 

When I had my 2010 brand new I washed it the first few years, then after maybe the 2nd year I never washed it for the next 10 years. Washing it consisted of driving in the rain. When I got my 2022 last June, so far it has never seen a soap sud. I drive in the rain to wash it.

Now caveat: I live in the south so dont have to worry about salt roads, and my truck is garaged.

 

Living in the desert southwest, a good wash around March 1 takes me through November, as we usually see very little rain here. Zero salt. Cars stay
pretty nice looking most of the year.

 

The process of using a clay bar induces marring. It is however necessary in order to pull contaminants out before polishing. The very contaminants it is pulling out get dragged across the paint to some extent, this is where the marring comes from.

I am not a fan of regular clay bar usage. I only use it if I'm digging the polisher out.

 

Great information everyone thank you.

Also what is your preferred stuff to do interiors with leather seats ect?

 

$13 Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax, Easy-to-Use Spray Wax for Car Detailing with the Superior Protective Power of Advanced SiO2 Hybrid Barrier Technology, 26 Oz Spray Bottle

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G19...06WVQ6MVR?SubscriptionId=AKIAIIYFOKLBI535UV2A

 

I would insert polish between clay bar and wax. The orbital polisher and pads are pretty cheap at Harbor Freight.

 

Dawn dish soap for wash.

Chemical Guys clay bar system.

Turtlewax Ceramic spray wax.

Enjoy.

 

I just use a soft brush on a long handle and some water…..

no need for soap.