Bluehair

Wash with soap?

I guess to remove wax using soap makes sense. I purchased this car through a broker and when it was delivered to him (Dec 1999) the first time he sent it right back to the dealer saying the finish was not properly buffed out and it had to be redone. (I suspect Audi and other European makes coat the cars with something (wax?) for protection during shipment.) The car looked amazing on delivery. Laser Red. Since that time I've had it washed with soap 2 times. Except for detailing the wheels, all washes have been water only. (From the hose, NOT High Pressure.) The finish still looks amazing. (Garaged at night but out in full sun at 5280' elevation all day). Now I notice the wipers making a lot of noise on the windshield glass and find some type of grit on the glass...no wait, on all the horizontal surfaces of the car. Looks like it's time to get a clay bar and have at it. QUESTION: Since I've never waxed the car can I clean with a milder (not dish) soap before claying. Can I get away with just `claying' the horizontal surfaces or will I notice the difference not done on the sides?? Any help...thanks in advance. PLR

Stratocaster1422

wash it with dawn to get rid of the wax thats on there...

clay the entire car

then use 3m IHG

then wax with one grand blitz wax

after that...wash with any regular car wash soap...NOT dawn

Go-Show

How often do you wax the car, once a year?

Are u serious about intially washing with Dawn, that wont trash the paint?

B6-A4.1.8Tqm
Sport.

tobin

You should be waxing the car at LEAST 3 times per year, if you're using regular wax, like meguiars or something. Wash it with car wash concentrate, i like turtle wax concentrate myself. Dishwashing soap can be used to remove all the wax on the paint, no it will not harm the finish. But be sure to reapply the wax after you do this.

Bluehair, clay the entire car. The front bumper and lower sides of the car need it more than anything, because there is a lot of **** "in" the clearcoat that needs to come out, and you will see a huge difference. Then wax, and use car wash like Strat said. Your windshield-- change your wiper blades, if it's pitted, tough. So is mine.

Zed 2.0

Your Laser Red doesn't have clearcoat. You NEED to be waxing it often.

Stratocaster1422

and yes...completely serious about washing with Dawn. Only do this when you are going to be waxing that same day. NEVER use it if you do not plan on waxing it immediately.

Go-Show

cool info, I have heard of the Dawn idea before
but thought it was a put on...

Bluehair

Yikes!! I did the soap thing...and the clay bar...and the wax. Took a total of 5 hours.
The car looks amazing. Thanks for the feedback.PLR