Lorne34
Project Hidalgo
I guess I should have clarified myself. Larry from AMMO NYC is very good at communicating the detailing concept and doing your best to avoid swirl marks and protect your paint. If you want a deep dive you can check out his AMMO NYC Academy on his website which is fantastic information, but a very deep dive that some people may not be interested in. His products are proprietary to his brand and expensive. I've tried a few and just don't see enough of a difference vs lower priced products. But I don't kick him to the curb, I've purchased from him and his detailing videos are fantastic.Obsessed garbage is a clown. So many better choices for this sort of info like LarryAMMO or Esoteric Detail
I don't personally like Matt's (obsesses garage) personality and demeanor, but the guy really deep dives into product testing/detailing equipment.
If there is one thing I finally learned in my 60 years on the planet is that you can take something positive away from every person, book, experience, etc.
I just take the parts I can use and leave the rest. I've learned to appreciate every persons knowledge and opinion, even if I don't agree 100%.
Matt really helped me figure out my pressure washer situation and his wash bucket dollies and OG drying aid are the bomb.
Now, do I want to equip my garage with everything he says and sells? No. Is some of it overpriced and over the top? yes.
I get exasperated by the need for "You tubers" to keep switching their brands..
rinseless washes for example.. I have been using ONR for years now and while many claim I should be switching to this product or that product (check out the professor guy in the bow tie as an example) I don't really need to switch to anything else unless they stop making it.
To answer the OP first question, here are a few of my tips:
1. Never drag a dry towel across your paint, use some sort of lubrication- This includes both washing AND drying the car
2. Don't "scrub or polish" your paint, if something is stuck on, use more lubrication or some sort of bug/tar remover. I see guys at car shows scrubbing on their cars like they are cleaning a cast iron pan.
3. Whether you use a rinse less wash, waterless wash, soap and bucket method, just use the best products and system you car afford based upon your circumstances (access to water, budget, etc).
4. Keep your detailing arsenal simple.. many products have multiple uses, don't get caught in the trap of having to buy a different product for every application. Yes, there are some that are specific, but honestly you could clean the majority of your vehicle inside and out with just a rinseless wash product like ONR
5. Keep some clean microfiber rags in your car with a quick detailer or rinseless/waterless wash product to clean off any bird poop or other substances that get on the paint
6. If you can afford it, get some type of ceramic coating applied, even DYI products can help reduce the workload or washing the car and helps keep stuff from sticking.
7. if you are caught in a 'dirry rain' or sprinkler system, wash or rinse the car ASAP. Don't let that stuff dry on or bake in the sun.
8. Finally, relax and enjoy the car, it's going to get dirty, swirls or imperfections are going to happen to some degree, no car is perfect. yes, you can do ALOT to avoid them, but enjoy driving the car first and foremost.
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