New Golf - Do I need to polish?

**Golf Mark 6** · 15-09-2009, 04:37 PM

I've read many excellent threads on this forum about looking after my new car, but I just wanted to ask if it was better for me not to polish initially (IE just wash and then wax).

I own a new Golf 6 that I picked up on the 8th of this month. I've washed the car once already (using the two bucket approach).

After looking at the product suggestions on the thread I'm throwing up either using Dodo Juice or Swissvax products (both of which have nice starter kits). I'll probably order them online as I don't think we have many retailers offering them in WA.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

**fuzion** · 15-09-2009, 04:51 PM

dodo ftw

i would suggest going over the entire car with a clay bar and going from theory of fresh polish/protectant..

**Golf Mark 6** · 15-09-2009, 04:58 PM

So the process would be:-

1) Dodo Born to be Mild Shampoo
2) Dodo Gentle Gray Clay
and then
3) Dodo Supernatural

?

**Mrk_Mickey** · 15-09-2009, 05:13 PM

dodo supernatural is shampoo, as well as born to be mild. You'll probably like the supernatural stuff better

Gentle grey clay should go with a lubricant (I use this and just the pink-coloured Mint lubricant)
Then some wax if you're keen!

Depending on how good or bad the pre-delivery detail was, you may need a professional machine polish to get rid of any buffing marks.

**DMS_Dan** · 15-09-2009, 11:30 PM

Dodo Supernatural is a wax as well Mickey. Its THE wax IMO.

Personally my approach would be
1. Wash car with whatever wash you have.
2. Clay bar with Dodo gentle grey and Born Slippy lube
3. Go over car with Lime Prime (if there are swirls) or Lime Prime Lite (if no swirls)
4. Wax with Supernatural.
5. Maintain by washing with Supernatural Shampoo and applying Dodo Red Mist spray sealant.

**brad** · 16-09-2009, 08:55 AM

Dam you DMS Dan - you shorten all the detailing threads by giving sensible & complete answers.

My 2c.

Duragloss car shampoo

**KWICKS** · 16-09-2009, 09:09 AM

My 2c on the Born Slippy. You will need to re-wash the car after using it as when it dries it leaves a film. If you are Lime-Priming (Lite or not) this may be different but I haven't used Lime Priome yet. I just know the car needs a quick wash again after Born Slippy lube for the clay bar before a wax.

**woosh73** · 16-09-2009, 09:40 AM

i would agree ,

Good wash , chamois , clay , swirl remover then a good wax ( something with high canuba content - i personally use mothers canuba in the red tin tub. If you can stretch your budget try zymol ( i use on my motorbike - will post a few pics of it)

**carcareproducts** · 16-09-2009, 11:29 AM

Unfortunately in this day and age, a ‘new’ car especially a European import is never new. It has sat on a dock for a few weeks, then a boat for a month and often sits in an Aussie dock or holding yard for a few more weeks.

I have heard of dealers telling customers not to polish or wax their car for 3 months as the car is new and the paint is still curing, funny that it was a BMW that was now over 3 months old. Do you think the dealer was trying to flog the customer paint protection?

You really need to get the car in some good light, under halogen lights or outside on a clear day and inspect the paint work. If it is defect free then you can simply worry about cleaning it up and protecting it. If there are defects (scratches, swirls, water marks etc) then they will need to be polished out before sealing or waxing the paint.

It is not uncommon for the dealer to induce light swirls during a pre-delivery wash or water marks from the car sitting around outside. A paint cleaner with Micro abrasive (Dodo Lime Prime) should be enough to remove these, worst case would be two applications to cut a little more.

As Dan said, if the paint is swirl free then Lime Prime Lite will be better suited. Either way easiest way would be to buy a two birds pack:
http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/pr...birds_half_cut
http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/pr...irds_one_shine

The ideal process would be:
Wash – Using TBM a PH Neutral shampoo and a quality MF wash mitt.
Dry – Using a qlauity MF drying towel.
Clay – Using a quality clay and lube.
Polish – only if needed, what products you need will depend on the correction required.
Paint Clean – Lime Prime or Lime Lite. Panel by panel on and off.
Wax – Using your choice of wax, preferably in two light layers over two days.

As for Clay, the best kit available is the Dodo Gentle Grey and Born Slippy. You shouldn’t need to wash after claying as you wipe any residue off with a clean cloth however it will not hurt if you choose to do so:
http://www.carcareproducts.com.au/pr...orn_slippy_duo

Regarding your wax choice, that depends on budget. You do get what you pay for when you stick with one of the big brands. Dodo Supernatural or Swissvax Concorso. There are also the new waxes like Swissvax Endurance that combine a sealant element to offer even longer protection. If you need any more info or help, feel free to give me a call or shoot me a PM.

Cheers Greg