Protecting Your New Prius' Exterior

[stream]

Originally Posted by dc202

Do it in the evening or where you have shade, not in direct sunlight and after the surface of the metal has cooled from exposure in direct sunlight. The high temperature of the ambient air should not adversely affect the treatment.

Agreed--or you could do it early in the morning.

[PriusCrazy]

Originally Posted by claridiva

I have a question about waxing my new Prius in the heat of summer. I live in North Texas (Dallas area) and the average temp these days is around 100. Is it even possible or advised to clean/wax your car with this kind of heat? I don't have any way to do this in a covered area. I just noticed in directions to Zaino products (perhaps others as well?) they do not advocate waxing your car in the sun/heat. I really want to protect my new investment and keep her looking good for years to come! I suppose I can do this in the late evening, but the heat is still pretty intense and evaporation occurs quickly.

Any suggestions appreciated! Thanks!

Hi caridiva,

The main thing to think about is that your new baby is cool to touch before waxing. Also, with high ambient temperature, you'll need to wax a smaller area before removing.

Just a thought, are there any nice (safe) parks with lots of shade trees you could work under? Some parks don't permit that, but some do...

Also, Meguiar's online is a great place to chat with others who are "car crazy". They have a great "Detailing 101" forum where you might get some good ideas.

Have fun detailing your new Prius!

[wave_slider]

I'd never heard of "fallout" before working at the dealership. I still get a lot of weird looks when I tell people about the metal particles that can get embedded in the paint. Clay treatments are great.

The paint sealant can really help in my experience. But for those of you who have covered garages and like to detail/polish the vehicles, it will be much more rewarding to DIY.

[zencat]

So what I'm getting here is it IS safe and a good idea to clay and/or wax your new car? Mine is coming up on a month old. Should I contact a good auto detailer and get the works?

Also, any suggestions for a detailer in LA would be appreciated.

[LINKSTER]

What do you use as a lubricant?

[jay_man2]

Originally Posted by LINKSTER

What do you use as a lubricant?

For the clay bar, I presume? The bars I've bought come in a package with a spray bottle of lubricant.

[syncmacd]

Originally Posted by LINKSTER

What do you use as a lubricant?

I mixed a half cap of my car wash (Zaino's Z-7) into 12 oz of water, and used a spray bottle I picked up at Target. It's nice to keep a rag in your pocket to wipe up any excess spray.

The claybar is really slick, I've heard that using a rubber glove will help to hold onto it. Don't drop it; if you do it will pick up all the dirt on the ground!

[stream]

Originally Posted by zencat

So what I'm getting here is it IS safe and a good idea to clay and/or wax your new car?

Absolutely. My car is a month old. A few days after I took delivery, I clayed and waxed it, and a few days ago waxed it again.

[MaggieMay]

Originally Posted by patsparks

I must say, before coming to Prius Chat I never heard of "clay bar".

Me either Pat - Now I have a chunk of clay sitting here along with oodles of cleaning and polishing potions - all thanks to PriusChat.

[zencat]

Originally Posted by stream

Absolutely. My car is a month old. A few days after I took delivery, I clayed and waxed it, and a few days ago waxed it again.

Thanks. Getting a clay and wax on Wed.