Hi, I was wondering if it was good to use clay bars for new cars. Because today I washed my new car for the first time and I noticed that there were stubborn particles on the car therefore making my car not as smooth for a new car. It was probably due to the car being outside of the dealership for so long. Should I use a clay bar to smooth the car's paint and keep it from being damaged my the particles? Hmm...I wonder if I could complain to the dealership since I had it only for two weeks and the car is already contaminated with particles. If anything, should I use the clay bar and then wax? Thanks.
The dealer isn't going to do anything for you I don't think. The most he would do is give you a free wash. Yes, it's safe to clay bar a new vehicle. In the future, if you have a detailing question such as this, please post in our detailing forum, thanks.
Definitely clay the car. The car will most likely have been sitting outside in a holding yard for some time and have accumulated surface contaminates, which will need to be removed by claying. The stubborn particles you've identified are a good indication that this has occurred. The following video on YouTube shows just how much dirt can be on a brand new car:
Clay won't protect the surface on its own, so at a minimum you should clay and wax the car. You are also likely to have received the dealer swirl option so a polish wouldn't be a bad idea either.
before using the clay bar, i recommend doing a car wash with dish soap or run it through a brushless car wash at a gas station. this will strip the old wax off.
before using the clay bar, i recommend doing a car wash with dish soap or run it through a brushless car wash at a gas station. this will strip the old wax off.
No need for this as the clay will strip off the old wax. Dish soap is the last thing you want to put on the car.
And for lots more great info, I would refer you to the wonderful Detailing How-to threads, courtesy of our very own Pb: Detailing Write-ups & How-to Videos
Dawn dishwashing liquid does nothing but remove the wax off the paint, it does the paint no harm. In fact it's recommended by Zaino too.
x2
if you want to remove your wax coat to be able to clay( i think this is a better way to remove the wax instead of claying it to remove the wax), dishwashing soap is a great way to do that.
In addition to other contaminants, new cars frequently have rail dust on them from being transported by train. This can eventually result in tiny rust specs all over the surface of the car. Claying will remove the rail dust, and any other contaminants that may be on the surface.
Dawn dishwashing liquid is frequently recommended for stripping old wax.
For a new car, I personally would do the following...
1) Do a wash with Dawn to strip any waxes/sealants that are on the car.
2) Clay thoroughly.
3) Do at least a one step machine polish to eliminate swirls. New cars coming from the dealership will frequently have a lot of swirls due to poor washing techniques used when they clean the car up for delivery, etc. Plus, you may induce some marring when you clay.
4) Apply a good quality sealant.
5) Optional: If you prefer the look of carnauba, layer a good carnauba over the sealant. This gives you the long lasting protection of a sealant, plus the look of carnauba.
4) Apply a good quality sealant.
5) Optional: If you prefer the look of carnauba, layer a good carnauba over the sealant. This gives you the long lasting protection of a sealant, plus the look of carnauba.
I use Mcguiars #21-2.0 sealant (Professional line, optimized for machine application) or Mcguiars NXT-2.0 wax (Consumer line, optimized for hand application). Despite the different names they are almost identical and just optimized for machine vs hand application.
After that, I apply Mcguiars #26 carnuba wax (but there is only a slight difference above the sealant/nxt2.0 stage).
PS: in response to the original question, I slightly clayed my new car, using *lots* of lubricant, before its initial detailing, and it looks great.
Definitely clay the car. The car will most likely have been sitting outside in a holding yard for some time and have accumulated surface contaminates, which will need to be removed by claying. The stubborn particles you've identified are a good indication that this has occurred. The following video on YouTube shows just how much dirt can be on a brand new car:
Clay won't protect the surface on its own, so at a minimum you should clay and wax the car. You are also likely to have received the dealer swirl option so a polish wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Make sure you don't add too much or little or the detailer.
Too much will cause the consistency of the clay to start to disintegrate; too little will leave clay streaks/ be hard to glide across the paint.
__________________
2007 Magnetic Gray Camry LE V6:
Lit door sills, F/R cathode, trunk cathode, K&N SRI, IS250 chromes, LED tails/ bulb swaps, Katzkin leather
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
2008 Toyota Kluger KX-S
haha
Linear Mode
