Correct order of washing your truck

This is my current order of washing my truck.

1. Rinse
2. Wash with mitt and soap
3. Rinse
4. Dry
5. Wax

I want to use a clay bar as I can feel some bumps in the paint (I never realized how bad it was until I got it buffed out a few months ago).

Where would I insert the Clay Bar procedure? Between 4 and 5? Then would I rinse and dry my Tacoma again after using the clay bar?

PS: I am aware I should have posted this in the "detailing" section of the site, but I would like a answer to this question. lol So sorry if I "waste your time"

 

Correct

 

I have a friend that details cars and he says the best thing to do is follow the instructions on the clay bar packaging. Some say to wash then use it and wax last but I've also seen some that say to wash and wax before using them. IMO doing it after waxing would make the most sense because you would have the smoothest, cleanest surface and wouldn't have as much of a chance to damage any paint

 

I'm pretty sure the clay would strip the wax you just applied if you used it after waxing.

Wash, dry, clay, polish (if necessary,) wax

 

My order of washing our vehicles:

1) Pay $10
2) Drive through the car wash
3) Park and do a bit of final drying

OTOH, our Taco gets washed when it rains.

 

Squirt it with a hose get the boat brush and some Dawn squirt it off dry it with a towel.

 

1.) Grab beer
2.) Tell wife to wash your truck and make you a sammich
3.) Get slapped by wife
4.) Go outside and wash truck

 

^This, clay strips wax..
If you are using QD/water mix to clay then you can go right to polish/wax without rinsing..
Using Claybar on flat surfaces like the hood and roof takes 2-3x longer than doing the sides (more contaminants).
Go over the same spot until the clay isn't 'catching', then move to the next section.
If you drop the clay it's garbage.

 

x2. If you have a dark colored vehicle, the polish step will likely be necessary as clay bar can leave tiny, superficial scratches at times. The polish step evens these out and the wax protects your finish.

I really hope you don't wash the truck with dawn or, if you do, I hope it's at the beginning of detailing it!

 

^THAT. DAWN OR ANY DISH SOAP FOR THAT MATTER STRIPS WAX AND IS RECOMMENDED BEFORE CLAY BARRING

 

Got it. Rinse, wash, dry, clay bar, wax . . .

Thanks everyone for the advice. I was pretty shocking at washing my truck regularly until I noticed a slight paint fade/discoloration on my hood , dang Arizona sun ruins anything and every thing outside. . . .

Since I got it professionally buffed, wash/wax it every week or two, and park in the shade AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE (everytime one of our employees leaves at 11:00 am to go home I move my truck to his spot under the tree )

 

Don't forget to use the two bucket method.

Remember, anything other than the softest microfiber or certain tile sponges (QXE or QXD brand...I forget off the top of my head) will induce marring on your paint, which will be a headache to remove.

I've given up on my black car...I either get swirls or holograms due to soft paint, but I'm working hard on the Taco to not induce any swirls that I have to pull out.

 

Browse the Detailing Forums for more info
Posting detailing questions there may get more detailed answers

Use Dawn (or other dish liq) to strip wax only.
NEVER use Dish Liq to just wash your vehicle !!!
Mix a few drops of Dawn with water in a spray bottle as Clay Bar Lubricant.
Some bars come with lube, others don't. Use lube with all Clay Bars
Clay small area at a time, keeping it well lubed.
Work the Clay from time to time to keep pliable.
If you drop the Clay Bar........THROW IT AWAY !

1. Rinse
2. Wash
3. Rinse
4. Dry
5. Clay
6. Wash (With Dawn to remove Clay residue)
7. Rinse
8. Dry
9. Wax


CC

 

No need to dry before clay bar, you'd be wasting your time as you need to lube the surface with either quick detailer or soapy water when working the clay. Just wash, rinse, clay, rinse, dry, polish/wax/seal

 

Rinse water is not a lube
Either dry and use lube with clay bar or
leave soapy (Dawn) wet and clay bar with lube
drawback to not drying is rinse water dilutes lube solution
drawback to leaving soapy is it's dirty water
Thats why I'd dry before clay


CC

 

No, only once or twice a year. Clay bar can actually leave fine scratches in your clear coat, I wouldn't do it too often. That's why a polishing step is sometimes necessary on darker colored vehicles after clary barring and before waxing or using a sealant.

 

After every time vehicle's washed? No
Lotta Work.
As above, don't use dish liquid every time you wash, just to strip wax for clay barring


CC

 

I clay bar after the first wash in the spring, that's it.

I'll echo the wash, then clay, then wash, then polish/wax.

 

I hose it off with a few bux worth of quarters at the power wash joint now and again.

one...it's silver, so it shows little dirt.
two...I'm old and really don't give a crap.

 

If done right you get results like mine...

And my wifes highlander`s hood.and side view....