Just Purchased 2010 Corolla--How Soon Should I Wax It? Immediately!?

[remoteportal]

I want to take care and preserve my metallic gray paint job. Can I wax it immediately or should I wait? We've owned it about two weeks now.

I've never waxed a car. Any tips or suggestions?

Pete

[Svrajam]

You can wax it as soon as you take delivery.

[teriyaki]

It's quite simple to wax a car. Just google search it.

If you're not planning on waxing regularly and just want to wax once in the summer, and winter, and be done with it. Try out NuFinish. I've been using it for the last 2 years and its been great at protecting my paint surface for half a year easily.

You can

[Ocellaris]

Originally Posted by remoteportal

I want to take care and preserve my metallic gray paint job. Can I wax it immediately or should I wait? We've owned it about two weeks now.

I've never waxed a car. Any tips or suggestions?

Pete

You can wax it right away. Newer cars have paint that is applied at high temps and does not need time to cure.

Tips: Wash your car before you wax it. Do not wash of wax your car in the hot sun, make sure you have plenty of time to finish, and double check the weather report before you get rained on while doing it. Read the directions too!

If you want a really easy to apply and effective wax that is great for first timers, try this:

http://www.turtlewax.com/main.taf?p=2,1,4,2

You just wash your car like normal, rinse it off well, then spray this on the car wet car and towel dry it one panel at a time. Its pretty much impossible to mess this up, its quick to use, and the results are great. The downside to this wax is that it does not last very long (then again, most wax do not last very long anyway...)

Once you get into some decent washing and waxing habits, you can try other products to see how they work for you.

[pwain]

I would throw a good clay bar job in along with the wax.

Visit the detailing section on the forum, a HUGE wealth of information on what to use and how to use it.

[iconman]

Can I wax it immediately or should I wait?

You can do it immediately.

I've never waxed a car. Any tips or suggestions?

Make sure to wash and possibly clay bar your car first before waxing it. Also very importantly, your car must be completely dry before waxing it.

Here are some forums for taking care of your car's appearance.
http://www.autopia.org/forum/index.php
http://www.detailcity.org/forums/

Wash, wax or doing anything to the paint of the car should be done in the shade away from direct sunlight. Basically your car paint should be cool to the touch before any works to begin. I don't suggest using automatic car wash as they will likely scratches your paint.

Here are my exterior detail regiment on the car:

1) Wash the car and tires then afterward dry the car (once a week or every two weeks).

2) Clay bar the car ( after washing the car, run your hand over the paint and if the surface feel very rough and not smooth like glass then you should clay bar it. Clay bar will remove wax so be sure to wax after that. Normally clay bar it once every six months).

3) Polish the car. If done correctly this step will remove swirl marks and scratches. Also bring out the shine on the car. I have never done this step before so I can't help or suggest anything here.

4) Wax the car ( carnauba wax last about a month or six weeks top while synthetic wax, also known as sealant, will last about two to three months).

I do it early in the morning to minimize the sun.

[Dorkinheimer]

I usually wait a month or so just to be safe. I wax mine 3 times a year, usually spring, summer and late fall.

[mmasse]

I would wax immediately along with claying as others have stated its really up to you though. I like to wax every other week in summer due to the amount of bugs that are committing suicide on my hood. I clay at least once a month as well.

[Modelcarguy55]

Iconman is right on with the clay bar application befor waxing. (You don't want to seal in gunk!) Also, if you have bird droppings on your car, don't let them sit on the finish for any period of time. The acids will eat away the finish. If you don't want to get too fancy or expensive, Turtle Wax Ice Synthetic is easy to use. You can apply it in the sun and it doesn't leave a white residue on vinyl. It is easy on and easy off.
When you wash your car, work from the roof down, use an automotive soap (not dish soap) and use a separate scrubber for your tires and lower portions of the sides of your car. Brake dust gets picked up on your sponge and abrades your cars finish.
If you want to spend a few bucks on your wax try Pinnacle Souverän Carnauba Wax. Autogeek.net has lotsa good references and products. Check them out and good luck with your shiny ride!

[Promagstyle]

Don't want to Hi-jack this thread or to bring it back from the dead, but where do you buy a clay bar "clay bar it" for a Corolla?

Any product recommendations too wax the car during the harsh Canadian Winter Season eh?

[PhatRoyale]

Originally Posted by Promagstyle

Don't want to Hi-jack this thread or to bring it back from the dead, but where do you buy a clay bar "clay bar it" for a Corolla?

Any product recommendations too wax the car during the harsh Canadian Winter Season eh?

Visit your local Canadian Tire or Partsource.

Mothers and Meguiars sell clay bar kits. They also make quality waxes.

[S&S]

Hi Everyone
I am new here and thought I would introduce myself with some input on this post. Most everything has been covered but I just wanted to add a couple things.

I always answer this question with the statement “How long did your grandmother wait to put the plastic on the new sofa?” Right away of course because it offered protections. Waxes and sealant do the same thing for your paint.
This is one of the few times you want to use Dawn to wash your car. The reason for this is to strip of any wax or oil that may already be on the car. You want to start with a clean slate. Try to stay out of direct sunlight and wash half the car rinse then wash the other half and rinse.
After the car is clean you should clay the car. Do the baggie test. Place your hand in a sandwich bag. After the baggie slides easily on the paint you have successfully removed all the contamination.
Now you are ready to Wax. I actually prefer sealants (or synthetic wax) over Carnauba waxes. Most Carnaubas are not going to be very durable. Sealants are going to last much longer. Apply thin coats for easier removable. Most sealant you can layer (one coat over top the other) for a high level of shine. Wait about an hour between layers.
Now you have to maintain that finish. Now wash the car with quality car wash soap or shampoo. Use the two bucket method. Use one bucket for soap one bucket for rinse. You can also follow your washing up with a spray wax to prolong the wax or sealant longevity.

Hope that helps