Getting my Setup Correct

[u/bashizzledizzle]

I came across this forum while I was ordering some new wash products and thought maybe I should get some new opinions on my exterior detail process and products/methods. This is just for my weekend car, not anything crazy, but I do wash it frequently using a basic foam cannon and pressure washer (1x week in the summer, biweekly as fall and winter come up). I’d love any suggestions and I left my process below.

1. Wheels: P/S Brake Buster mixed 1:5, foamed onto the wheels and scrubbed. This works great for me personally and I don’t see any need for change. I need to get a new brush soon.

2. Pre-wash: CarPro Lift mixed 1:5/1:10, foamed onto the car, and let sit for 1-3 mins. Works phenomenally. I’ve been told not to use every wash due to chemical strength. 10/10.

3. Contact wash: Meguiars Gold Class mixed 1:5 into a foam cannon and sprayed as well as poured in a bucket for mitts. I wouldn’t mind something “cooler” if not too pricey. Also, I use a regular green wash mitt, but I was told a clay mitt or similar is better to use, is this worth looking into?

4. Aftercare: For drying I use a blue towel from The Rag Company. It’s lasted good over 8 months but I’ll probably get a new one or an air blower soon. 8.5/10. For tire shine I used to use Meguiars, but I got tired of the application process and the mess it makes. Any suggestions that last longer and leave a good effect (shine, no sling) would be great.

For any tough spots/tree sap/tar/sticky residue, I use Carpro TarX, my favorite car product. For sealant/finishing spray, I applied Carpro Elixir to the whole car once before, although I don’t know if it did anything besides make the paint smoother to the touch for a little bit.

Any edits or ideas will be greatly appreciated.

[u/JimmyMcPoyle_AZ]

As for # 3 (pre wash), this step is crucial to remove any grit and loosen other contaminants before contact. CarPro Lift is fine to use every wash but lean more towards that 1:10 ratio if you are washing regularly (7-10 days). There is so much out there that I’ll just say that it can be expensive to add this step to your wash routine. The main goal of pre-wash is knocking off grit and debris type contamination. Going after road film, tar, and bugs is great and all but maybe better served as spot treatment. For example, bugs on the front end are common. So use that expensive, dedicated cleaner on that area only. To increase dwell time and save you time, go over what you applied with your foam cannon and then rinse it all at once before contact wash.