Ask the Detailer

I use Adams wheel and tire... the brown almost runs off here in the Colorado sun. Then I follow up with Adans Tire Shine

 

Some very good advice here. Since your vehicle is new, skip the Brake Buster and dilute the Optimum Power Clean 3:1 with distilled water...use this to clean your wheels. Get them clean and then coat them. I've had good luck with McKees Wheel Coating, but I believe CQuartz Dlux is better. It will be going on as soon as my McKees runs out. Once coated, they will clean up with soap and water. You can use the OPC at that dilution for your tires as well. I like it out of an IK Pump Foaming Sprayer. Get yourself a Tuf Shine Tire Brush....easily the best 5.00 you will spend.

CarPro Eraser is a panel prep, typically used after a polish to remove oils to allow a sealant or coating to bond better....maybe not necessary for your first go round unless you plan on doing paint correction now.....that will open up a whole new can of worms....trust me.

The Rag Company is a great place for your microfiber needs, with the exception of a drying towel. It's not that what they sell isn't good, but as SWFLToyomafia said....Griots PFM are the best....I definitely agree, and I've tried a lot of them.

CarPro Iron-X smells like skunk pee, but works really well at removing iron contaminants from your paint.

CarPro Reset is probably the best car shampoo you can buy....it's also pretty expensive. It's high dilution rates help with that. Other good choices (at a lower price point) for a car soap include Meguiars HyperWash, P&S Pearl Shampoo, and believe it or not, Jay Lenos Vehicle Wash.

Some guys use soapy water for the clay lubricant....I've always used Griots Speed Shine and it has worked out very well for me.

The Griots 3 in 1 that is mentioned is their 3 in 1 Ceramic Spray Wax.....easy to use and will give you great results

 

I also highly recommend coating the wheels with dlux. This is a true ceramic coating and if you order it can be applied on all trim as well which you should do. I would get a box of latex gloves to protect your hands and to keep oils off the surfaces you are coating. I use eraser before applying any sealer just to make sure it cleans the surface of all oil polish whatever but like briar said it may be overkill but if you plan on doing dlux I highly recommend using it or do an alcoholic wipe down. Your in South Florida so most important do the wash early am or evening so it’s not so hot and all coatings a sealers in full shade or garage. If you have specific questions on the application process please reach out and we can lay it out for you. Another couple key steps
Make sure car/wheels are bone dry before using sealants or coatings and ceramics need to cure so 24-48hrs with no water is a must. Also a pull the vehicle out in the sun when your finished to inspect and help the curing process.

 

Like I said rabbit hole.

 

I am starting to see.

 

I’m about as basic as it gets when it comes to keeping cars clean. I come from an old Nissan Xterra that was built as an Overlander and washed maybe once a year. That being said I would like to keep the tundra nice for as long as I can and would like to learn more about this stuff. This thread is overwhelming, ha.. I just ordered a few things let me know how far off I am for just a few low level items to keep things clean... chemical guys me pink, a few microfiber mitts and a dirt trap.. free seeing it come up several times I think I will look into some griots 3-1 (lots to learn about sealants and such, not sure I care. Just want a basic protection for winter). Interested in your thoughts!
Cheers

 

If you properly do your truck the first go around and get a good sealer on it future washes will be much easier and paint will be protected. If your not into doing it yourself maybe take it to a professional and have it washed decon and sealed.

 

To the new people who don’t have the time or the willpower to read through the entire thread I would like to point you to post #1591. @War Machine made a detailed list of some of the best products out there. It would be a good starting point.

 

This is much appreciated. I have knocked out like 20 pages and didn’t come across this. Thank you!

 

Post #1591

 

I need to amend that to add Griots 3-1

 

That’s probably what I will go with. Much appreciated

 

Some additional thoughts about Griots 3 in 1 Ceramic Spray Wax......I cycle several towels through the process, even on a smaller car, like a Hyundai Sonata. Also, be mindful of overspray on adjacent areas/panels. I discovered some on my daughters car, and it did not want to simply buff off, which I guess is a good thing. All I did was take a clean microfiber, dampen it with some of the product, and go over the area to reactivate the overspray....worked very well.

It is really easy to use, and is one of the very best locally available products I've ever used. Griots is not quick to market with new products, and I'm happy to say they really got this one right. At the affordable price point of 19.99, you can not beat it for ease of use, performance and value.

 

Could not agree more.

 

Thank you all for the input! I will be picking some up to try it out. Sounds like a great beginner product

 

And look at that. Pan released a video about graphene coatings. I haven't gotten chance to watch yet, but plan on it tomorrow if possible
https://youtu.be/HHjxaRz8iiA

 

I watched Apex Detailing so a comparison on graphene vs Sio2, and graphene was barely better. For the cost difference until they perfect the compound, I'll stick with Sio2. I did use griots 3-1 today on the wife's rav4, I didn't spray on the panel direct, just on the MF towel, worked well. But I think once this bottle runs out I'll swap to jescar bead it. Apex Detail did a test and it's really good.

 

Very interesting....I did not know that Jescar made anything like this. Looks like I'll have to make some room on the shelf and do a comparison between this and the Griots 3 in 1. I think maybe I need to head to the salvage yard and pick up a test panel......

 

What’s the best product to use on the under carriage to get the new truck look?

 

My son just got out of the Navy and came home. I helped him buy his first brand new vehicle this week. We are going to detail it up in a couple of days, decided on good ol Power Lock. it has served me well over the last few years.

 

Congrats to him thank him for his service and enjoy that clean ride.

 

Thank you. So far he is loving it.

 

Please thank your son for his service. Congratulations on his new ride......please post pictures.

 

Here it is the night we bought it. Will post more after we detail it.

 

Sorrento?

 

Yep. He would have loved another Tundra, but just getting out, it was just too much $$. We were going to stay with a Toyota, but at 6'5", he's a bit big for a Rav4. Besides, car dealers hate me and I worked a good deal. Sticker was $29,900 and after 5 hours, I got it for 21,000. Brand new with 10 years of warranty for piece of mind as he starts his new civilian life.

 

X a million.

These are special young men and we're lucky to have them.

 

Welcome home and thank you to him! Can’t go wrong with Powerlock. Gonna do a decon beforehand?

 

That's great!....Good choice, been driving Kia's for about 6 years and so far they have been just as reliable as the Tundra and my in-laws 4-runner. Interior has held up excellent and the materials they now use on the interior are great quality. Not to mention their 10 year 100k mile warranty. Best bang for your buck right now.