[wunderbar911]

Just picked up my new ride and was wondering if it was good enough just to wash and wax the vehicle since it came from the dealership and looks pretty good. Or is it advised to start from scratch (ie. wash, clay, polish and wax) the car? New to this detailing stuff so I'm not sure whats best for the vehicle.

[mike3000fl]

is your new ride "new" or new to you....

if its new i wouldn't polish unless i had micro scratches, swirls or paint defects, i would just wax it or use a sealer.

if its new to you, then yea i would do the works.

[wunderbar911]

Its a new one off the showroom at the dealership (so yeah, its not a used vehicle). The shine looks pretty good but didn't know if the dealer does a decent detail job (or use a good polish/wax). I guess a good wash and wax should do the job then

[normtrum]

Absolutely clay the car.....it is a must when coming from a dealer. Spend some time going through the detail threads on this forum....some really good stuff. Or you can go onto the Detailed Image web site and get some great pointers.

[wunderbar911]

When using the clay bar, can I just go straight to the wax step? This is one part that I'm not clear about (ie. do I have to use a polish to get the shine) and then protect with the wax?

[cb1111]

Dealers generally do a very poor job detailing a new car. They normally strip off the plastic, run the car through a wash and give it a quick wax using the cheapest stuff they can find.

They wax directly over glue residue, rail dust and other contaminants.

You'll want to treat the car as if it were a used car.

Wash
Remove glue residue
Clay
Wash
Correct imperfections
Polish
Seal
Wax
Enjoy your (now new) car.

[jopa489]

Originally Posted by cb1111

Dealers generally do a very poor job detailing a new car. They normally strip off the plastic, run the car through a wash and give it a quick wax using the cheapest stuff they can find.

They wax directly over glue residue, rail dust and other contaminants.

You'll want to treat the car as if it were a used car.

Wash
Remove glue residue
Clay
Wash
Correct imperfections
Polish
Seal
Wax
Enjoy your (now new) car.

I couldn't possibly agree more. You would be amazed to see the amount of contamination that comes off a brand new car via clay. Some cars have more dealer-installed swirls than others, but there's no doubt you'll enhance the shine by doing a light 1-2 step polish.

If you're looking to learn and DIY, just say so and we'll be able to provide some product recommendations.

Congrats on the new car!

[PINeely]

Dealers also favor glazes or waxes with fillers in them that hide all the imperfections. Wash your car with Dawn to strip all the wax off and then go park it in the sun. You'll be amazed at what you find.

[Sooners335i]

Originally Posted by cb1111

Dealers generally do a very poor job detailing a new car. They normally strip off the plastic, run the car through a wash and give it a quick wax using the cheapest stuff they can find.

They wax directly over glue residue, rail dust and other contaminants.

You'll want to treat the car as if it were a used car.

Wash
Remove glue residue
Clay
Wash
Correct imperfections
Polish
Seal
Wax
Enjoy your (now new) car.

+1