C43NME

Guys,
I am researching the best way to keep my new C43 clean in between washes. I have a California duster that I use several times a week. This doesn't help with spots and other marks that get on the paint. I don't want to use a spray on wax as I know that can cause streaking. Any thoughts, experiences?

5ilver-5urfer

How often do you wash it? There is very little you can do safely between washes that won't adversely affect the paint unless you have a full shield like XPEL on your car. The whole spray detailer between washes is honestly the worst thing you can do for your paint despite every major car detailer selling it. If the paint has been exposed to road dust after a wash, do not spot spray and rub a cloth against it unless you are hosing down the entire car and eliminating all debris. I wash once every two weeks and accept that my car will be dirty for 13 days between washes lol.

gabe.m

Here in CT, no matter what you do from December to April, your car would be as dirty as an offroad vehicle. I am in the same situation... found myself a touchless car wash, and I believe I will visit it every week... although this will be one expensive business@$10-13 per wash. Investing in XPEL, easily brings me to about $1500 if I want some good protection.

kornface13

Definitely do not rub spray wax on a dirty vehicle. Research "rinseless washing" and consider doing that before spray waxing. That way you have a clean surface to spread the wax on rather than rubbing the dirt into your paint.

BallzOne

Just FYI, Mercedes manual says no-no to touchless car washes.

vaelin

Full Xpel Stealth. Now I just park it outside and spray it down when it gets dirty.

gabe.m

Well, I guess that's off the list then. I'll have to find another way to keep it clean. Gotta look into it. Thanks for the info!

MarkC63

Is Xpel Stealth really as easy as just hosing down? Or do you still need to soap and sponge?

sean1.8t

I think this is the first time I can recall seeing a post from you. I usually just see you "liking" posts left and right

1Gunner

Xpel Stealth is actually made for matt finish paint, not glossy.

Xpel Ultimate is recommended for glossy finishes and it's self healing characteristics are what makes it a popular choice.

Check out Xpel here!

But either way you still need to dislodge road grim with more than just a hose, using traditional methods.

C43NME

Thanks all for the help. Another question - I have been looking for a full front end bra for the C43. No funny comments please �� This protects the front end from bugs and rocks on long drives especially down southeastern USA.

powerrrrr

Go for the full front end coverage, you can consider it all the way up to the A pillars.

Also, regarding the touchless washes, does anyone know why it's so bad? Most of the times during the winter here in Canada, touchless washes is pretty much the only option unless I take the car to the detailer for a wash.

skim7x

Read owner's manual or see post #5 above

coladin

Xpel Ultimate and CQuartz Finest will make the car a breeze to keep clean. I have a 20 yr old California Duster I use after every drive, then some Meguiar's Quick detailer and that keeps the car showroom shiny all year.

Vassago

How about what you guys find to help with these black rims? I am scheduled to have them ceramic coated in the spring but didn't know what others have done to help fight the brake dust build up. I had the full front end clear bra installed and ceramic wax applied to whole car already. The ceramic wax was not the more complicated ceramic pro but a 1 year wax with ceramic properties (Angel Wax ceramic).

coladin

Best thing I did was ceramic coating the rims. the CQuartz Finest makes it very easy to wipe your rims down, brake dust is a real pain. I would be in tears without it!

wassimagE.

How bad is a duster on the paint? Does it create cause micro-scratches and swirls?

1Gunner

Not at all.... when it's used properly! Great item!

l3m

Mequiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer. I use it every other day on my car. Spray it on an area and use a good microfiber towel (80% poleyester, 20% polymide) to wipe it off and a 2nd towel to dry up and buff. You can use it on glass and mirrors. Smells good too.

For the wheels, I use RejeX. Clean your wheels throughly, apply RejeX sparingly, wait 15-20 mins and wipe off. You'll still get brake dust but not as much and it makes it easier to clean. 2 coats of RejeX should last for months.

For the tires, I use Zaino Z-16 (low gloss satin finish). For the inside, use 303 Aerospace Protectant. For the headlights and exterior plastic, use Plexus. All excellent products.

coladin

I'm going to try this quick detailer that the guys use on the Corvette Forums, Blackfire WetDiamond Polymer Spray. Apparently better than Meguiar's...

l3m

+1. Most of the detailers out there are good. Having the best is not important. Just use what works for you.

Since you're up there in snowy Ottawa, you might want to try washing your car using the 'No Rinse' method. Google 'Garry Dean rinseless car wash method'. Lots of detailers use his method. All you need is a pail of water mixed with a Rinseless Car Wash concentrate, some pre-soak solution, and a bunch of medium pile microfiber towels (75/25, 360 GSM). Make sure you remove the tags from the MF towels because they can scratch the paint.