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Should I buy $50 Zymol car wax?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by mediahound, Aug 31, 2013.

  1. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    A friend of my was checking out my new Black Prius last night and recommended Zymol Carbon wax. He said he swears by it. I went online and found out it's $50. and requires an additional cleaning product be used beforehand (Zymol HD Cleanse). Are these really worth it?
     
  2. Kevine64

    Kevine64 Junior Member

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    Use a good car wash liquid and chemical guys 50/50. Absolutly wonderful stuff. Goes on super easy comes off super easy and last a really long time. Water will bead up for weeks after use unlike many other waxes.

    Zymol is great stuff too. Stay away from pennicle stuff. Tried a lot if it and it's all garbage Imo.

    Or just go with a bottle of this stuff.



    goldRush Rally (tm) Wax | 1of 1



    I'm sure that will geterdone.
     
  3. jgilliam1955

    jgilliam1955 Sometime your just gotta cry! 2013 Prius 4.

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    Thanks! I ordered 2 bottles..
     
  4. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    Is the car guys 5050 wax better than Zymol?
     
  5. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    If you're going to spend that, get something that when directions are followed and applied properly, truly lasts over a year and two such as optimum Opticoat 2.0.

    I've used it on my Volt and will certainly be using it on my 14' Prius v once it arrives, hopefully soon! Mine is still going strong, and I have been using Zaino for a long time before and even Zaino Z2-Pro never beaded like the Optimum still is.

    Here's the link: Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 Permanent Paint Coating
     
  6. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    It really depends on you.

    What do you want from your vehicle? My previous vehicle was black, and I love the look but as you know or will quickly discover keeping Black looking good is a challenge. Therefore I'd say keeping a good coat of wax and/or sealant on a Black finish is more important than lighter colors.

    But quite frankly there are a LOT of good products available.

    I'm sure the Zymol is great stuff, but it depends on your standards and dedication.

    Years have passed and ease of use has become more and more a priority for me. I just don't have the same time and energy. Therefore I compromise with the newer populace generation waxes. Meguiars products are good.

    For me, I'd rather use a liquid wax, designed to go on quickly and easily, and actually USE it...than buy an expensive wax that is part of a process so difficult or time consuming I know I'll never really do it.

    I like Meguiars products. They are available anywhere, and the quality and end result might not be as good as with high end products like Zaino or Zymol but they are good enough to me.
     
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  7. Kevine64

    Kevine64 Junior Member

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    Imo Zymol. Chemical guys. Zanio are all about equal. More personal preference. I like the 50/50 because of the ease of use and quality.

    I don't believe I. The one year stuff. If that were the case why won't all the higher end brands make this? My mother had that stuff applied by pros and it was crap. Didn't have anywhere near the shine or reflection of even the 50/50 stuff I've used......

    If you wanna go crazy get you some 2000grit wet sand paper. A clay bar and a full step process of products with a power buffer. Not an orbital. And it will be show quality. I'd get that far into back in my gto racing days. I'd never put that much work into a daily driver car though....
     
  8. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Great wax, it lasts 3 months or so, the shine and purity of a true pure wax cant be beat!
     
  9. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    +1. With proper paint preparation (de-contamination and polish), opti-coat 2.0 is the way to go. This is a coating not a wax or sealant. Its appearance may not be "dripping wet," but the Opti-Coat 2.0 product will repel dirt and give years of protection. It is truly a game-changer in the industry, and for $70, it is money that is better spent than Zymol.

    If you prefer a traditional sealant, then Menzerna Power Lock is outstanding. I have used it on several cars to date and it is very easy to apply, and equals the durability of Collinite. I have also heard very good things about Sonax Net Shield, but have not had any personal experience with it.
     
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  10. -1-

    -1- Don

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    :confused:Wax, I don't do wax. Honestly, haven't waxed a car in twenty years. I believe in keeping my vehicles maintained and clean. Wax is for the second and subsequent owners if they choose. Also, my better, favorite cars are garaged.
     
  11. Cape Codder

    Cape Codder Junior Member

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    Along with several Toyota products, we also have two boats used in salt water. Now that is a test of a wax!
    Most boat magazines and chats recommend Collinite 885 paste wax. It is really good.

    The best part: Apply with an applicator, or dampened terry cloth reg, AND DO NOT WAIT UNTIL IT DRIES, simply wipe of with a microfiber cloth. I can do my car in 20-30 minutes. Absolutely brilliant! And it really lasts! Our Avalon is black, and I've used Collinite since new in 2007.
    Stunning with frequent comments.
     
  12. NoMoreNow

    NoMoreNow Member

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    Like paradox and the-critic said , if you wanted something amazing & last for years ( if wash/taken care properly), try Opti-Coat 2.0....I have installed on 8 vehicles with great results & happy customers (little side-job).
    To me, hardest part is getting it prep for OC2.0 , you should get install while spankin brand new, and raining season is only around the corner. And don't forget apply to the rims, so brake dust can't bond.

    If you see my thread mod list, it was my number #1 mod is Opti-Coat 2.0~!

     
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  13. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Not using wax is asking for trouble, it is what keeps all the harsh elements from killing your clear coat and paint. Paint needs the oils as well, to keep it bright. I prefer pure waxes waxes over any harsh chemicals.
     
  14. -1-

    -1- Don

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    :confused:I admit, I'm weak on wax, but it's my choice. Many owners are challenged to keep their oil changed on schedule. Still not sold on multi step wax programs and any real lasting effect for a daily driver. Checking my 2012 Prius owners manual, maintaining exterior. Manual states to apply wax when the finish no longer "beads" water on a flat surface. Even our 2006 VW Beetle passed. Hasn't seen wax in eight years of ownership. It's not that I'm against waxing, just too time consuming.
     
  15. richard13

    richard13 Junior Member

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    First, I'd just like to say I will *never* get a black colored car again. It looked great the day I saw it on the dealership lot but beyond that I have been constantly annoyed by all the tiny chips, scratches, swirl marks, etc. that have shown up on my car as if it were a magnet for these things. And no, i'm not careless and my car is in a garage at both at home and at work.

    Regarding wax, I no longer have the time or inclination to be bothered. I do keep my car clean and wash it myself on a regular basis to keep the dirt off. I occasionally bring it to a detailer for them to do the wax work.

    Years ago, I got a bottle of Zymol for a previous car. It did it's job but it didn't seem any better than other waxes. I think this is a case of try it and see if you like it.
     
  16. Kevine64

    Kevine64 Junior Member

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    Black is hard to upkeep but when it looks good it looks AWSOME. To keep black showroom nice you Must use the correct stuff to wash and dry it and keep good wax on it. Waffle weave towels two bucket wash and something like sheep's wool glove to wash it. Tons of work though.... I'll never buy black again either unless it's just a weekend fun car. Never for a daily driver again though.
     
  17. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    OptiCoat 2.0 would be the best bet on a black car. The least amount of rubbing/polishing on a black car the better.
    I owned a new black car once. Never again. Horrible car to own if your the type of person who notices every swirl.

    I bought Opticoat 2.0 about 6 months ago and still cannot find anyone to install it around here. Found one guy who wanted to do it outside as he has no building. I passed.

    Check out Opticoat 2.0 on you tube. Pretty cool stuff. And never wax again.
     
  18. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    If you have the financial resources to frequently buy new cars, and/or own own numerous cars, perhaps this is a valid approach.

    But for the majority, who may only own 1 vehicle, possibly 2, that have no choice but to see a lot of use and exposure, as well as be kept and maintained for multiple years? Then "Not Waxing" or not paying attention to surface and paint protection is NOT a good idea.

    I will admit, I've owned vehicles so old, that I did not care. And it is somewhat liberating to own a vehicle in which the benefit of waxing, polishing and/or sealing is non-existent due to age. Those are my ugly duckling used vehicles. These are the vehicles I was forced to own for financial reasons when I was young.

    But for me? Today, my new vehicles represent a significant investment. I cannot afford to take such a cavalier attitude about maintaining them, and I certainly wouldn't recommend that approach to anyone.

    There's so many easy to use products and/or a good detailing (Even if only once a Year) can be had for $300 or less, that I think there is no excuse today for not taking care of your vehicle finish.
     
  19. -1-

    -1- Don

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    :)Someone is taking things too personal. I don't have a "cavalier" attitude about anything in life. I simply made a personal statement about waxing and never asked for recommendations or advice. I don't need to be lectured by anyone on any subject that I'm aware of. Again, my vehicles are my concern, not mistreated children or pets, that needs to be reported. In a busy, successful, (still) working life, I have many demands on my time and I sometimes make concessions. Spending hours waxing cars is not a priority. I enjoy my humble possessions, but not consumed with material things. In the final sentence of in my post, I stated "It's not that I'm against waxing, just too time consuming." Not boasting, not arrogance, or ignorance, just fact.

    Two final thoughts.

    1. I would refer you to the 2012, Prius Plug-In Hybrid Owners manual, page 424, Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior. Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime condition.

    *Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates. If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle body is cool. No timetable, no schedule, no must, should, etc.

    2. I like most of your post, most leave me with a chuckle or smile. When you quoted my post, and referenced "you" in your first sentence, "I cannot afford to take such a cavalier attitude about maintaining them", and "I certainly wouldn't recommend that approach" and lastly, "I think there is no excuse for not taking care of your vehicle finish", I took it as a personal attack. I explained my position with justification. I never offered it as a preferred method. I started with a :), and I'll end with a :D. If I was mad, I'm not now.
     
  20. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I'm not taking it personal, and you are of course free to apply any method or approach to your personal vehicles care.

    Let me just say, I'm glad you've enjoyed some of my posts in the past. But I still think your approach to vehicle finish care is "unique" and not one I would recommend to the majority of people.

    I also would say, when you are posting in a thread that IS mostly about wax and car finish care, and your statements is all about how you have never waxed a car in 20 years, and how you think waxing a car is for the 2nd owner or subsequent owners...you are at least presenting that as YOUR personal preferred method.

    And I cannot in good conscious recommend that approach to most people.