What do I need to do to keep it looking new?

[mustangshopper]

I just purchased a new '16 Eco Prem with ceramic leather seats and I'd like to keep it looking as new as possible. I've ordered a sun shield and car cover (I park outside) but would like something to protect the passenger seats. What would I use? If someone could give me a guide to upkeep that would be really great! I don't know how often to wash/wax the exterior or anything about leather conditioning frequency. Are touchless car washes ok? Thanks!!

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[mustangshopper]

It's also a daily driver so I'm not sure if the car cover would do more damage than letting it sit out in the sun/rain/bird poop every day.

 

[marjen]

I have had mine for about 14 months. I have no garage and live in the north east. So mine is exposed to all sorts of fun elements. I wash it once every week or two and when washed it looks like new. As long as you keep up with it, should be fine.

 

[jasonstang]

If its a daily drive wash it often I guess to keep it looking new.

 

[wildcatgoal]

Rule #1: Hand wash only with 1 bucket for cleaning off the cleaning tool, the other bucket for re-wetting the cleaning tool (two bucket method). If you must use a pay wash stall, pressure wash the soap brush before you use it as most people just run that thing over their dirty car and it collects grit. And use your own hand washing tools, not just their sprayer and foam brush.

Rule #2:
Watch YouTube videos on how to clay bar (and why you'd clay bar), how to wax, and how to polish. Products that come from "Walmart" or "Autozone" are not as good as products you must acquire online, but will work fine if used properly and regularly.

Rule #3:
NEVER, EVER go through an automated car wash.

 

[Joe 5.0]

Never run the car through an machine/automated car wash and try not to touch the paint when the car is dirty.

Carry around some quick detailer or waterless wash with microfibers for when birds poop on the car! The quicker you get their droppings off of your paint, the better.

 

[16P51-GT]

I'd suggest using AMMO products. I did my initial review, but have to do the follow up. It works well.

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[CompO5.sl0w]

Throw this on there and it will be the most protected leather can get without putting seat covers on.
http://www.carpro-us.com/carpro-professional-detailers/cquartz-leather-vinyl-30ml/

If you are looking for a cheaper route, Lexol has been the best cleaner/conditioner I've used.
http://www.autogeek.net/lexol-leather-kit-8oz.html

 

[mustangshopper]

Throw this on there and it will be the most protected leather can get without putting seat covers on.
http://www.carpro-us.com/carpro-professional-detailers/cquartz-leather-vinyl-30ml/

If you are looking for a cheaper route, Lexol has been the best cleaner/conditioner I've used.
http://www.autogeek.net/lexol-leather-kit-8oz.html

It does say to avoid use on light colored interiors, for the first option- is that right?

 

[mustangshopper]

Never run the car through an machine/automated car wash and try not to touch the paint when the car is dirty.

Carry around some quick detailer or waterless wash with microfibers for when birds poop on the car! The quicker you get their droppings off of your paint, the better.

Why is it that I see people regularly going through automated car washes?

 

[psylocibin]

Why is it that I see people regularly going through automated car washes?

Because they don't know any better or are lazy. The cloth they use in both the automated portion and to dry (should they have people hand drying) often isn't micro fiber or is full of grit that will put swirls in your clear coat. If you're not aware, swirls are the fine fine lines that make a car look slightly foggy/less shiny than a new car even after a wash.

You want to hand wash with microfiber only (wash mit, drying towels), light pressure while scrubbing/wiping, and preferably use 2 bucket method, and clay/compound as necessary to bring back the shine. Swirls will naturally happen no matter what, claying and compounding every so often will bring that shine back... along with protective waxing in between (though not necessarily every wash). It takes time and elbow grease, there's no getting around that... but it will keep the paint beautiful longer committing the time. I usually set aside 3 hours every/every other Sunday (weather permitting) to wash and detail myself.

Mine is also Black though, so it's a nightmare to keep clean and swirls show up much easier, so I baby it... but damn if it's not a fine looking machine when I'm done. [emoji108] [emoji108]

 

[16s550]

Its super hard to keep swirls off. I need to switch to the two bucket method. Makes lots of sense now that I think about it. I have deep impact blue and as soon as i wash her shes already full of dust. I hate that. I like to keep super clean but I'm finding that impossible. I dont have mmany swirls but i can already see them :( i think they are unavoidable. I only use microfibers I have an extra large micro fiber for drying but dosnt do a good job. Anyone know of a good way to dry? I have an absorber but havent used it on car because i feel it scratches it.

 

[Ground Speed]

I love this thread. I hand washed my white Mustang and even took the time to wipe down the inside metal or the door, under the hood and engine compartment, etc, but this is all new to me.

I'll try to the 2 bucket method moving forward. I have a microfiber sponge, but I tried a blower to dry it. I wasn't impressed. Most of the time I just worried the tip of the blower would strike the paint, so next time it's back to towels for me.

I did go through an automatic car wash, but I thought it wouldn't use the brushes, just the sprayer, but nope, it brushed the car. Back to hand wash. I need to look into the clay bar and waxing thing though. I don't know much about either.

And how to deal with tires and interior, while I'm at it.

Anyway, subscribing to this thread.

 

[cyberbro]

Also I bet most people you see going to a machine car wash are leasing and could care less about the long term effects because they give the car back every few years


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[Mvalenti]

my 2 cents... hand wash, 2 bucket method first bucket is soapy water, 2nd is clean water. get big sponge full of soapy water and wash from top to bottom in sections. in between/during sections, rinse sponge in clean water, and then back into soapy water...
I wash in this order, roof, windows/pillars, trunk, hood. then 1/4s and doors to within 6 inches of bottom. then last 6 inches with lots of rinsing of the sponge. then grille front bumper and finally tail and rear bumper. last detail wheels. then run hose without nozzle over entire car especially around mirrors, emblems and gas filler to make sure all soap is off... hand dry and wax. in between hand washes i go to a completely touchless car wash. I use mcguires products.

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