Keeping the Prius shiny...

I saw the Zaino recommendations on the site and bought the kit. It took about 3 hours to wash, clay bar and apply the three coats of wax. The gloss enhancer on the barcelona red really looks sharp. Yesterday we washed it and a quick treatment with the gloss enhancer brought the finish right back. I found the Zaino easy to use and it has my recommendation!
Bob

 

To John S -

Great info!

What is your recommendation on those big soft flexible plastic squeegees to dry a car? They work great, but can they damage the car's finish?

 

Okay, so I had my weekend of washing/claying and Zaino-ing in mid-July. If I put on another coat or two of Zaino before winter, will that offer enough protection against all the winter smutz?

Then I'd plan to Dawn/clay and build up the Zaino in Spring.

 

Thanks - I've been using the Z6 after washes. Winter is tough. My hoses get put away and faucets turned off. I go to 'touchless' car washes to get the salt and dirt off. I'm working towards a Spring/Fall schedule for the Zaino applications.

 

Here are a couple of products that I use.

The Absorber Synthetic Drying Chamois is IMHO superior to microfiber and cotton towels. Inexpensive and you can get them anywhere. No lint on the paint and no streaks on the glass

RejeX is a terrific product and ideal for the majority of us who wash cars only occasionally. Consider focusing on protection and ease of cleaning vs. "depth of shine"....although the shine is very good. Originally designed for military aviation, it really does last 5-6 months. I live in the northeast and found that snow, salt, bugs etc. just don't stick to this finish.

 

A fellow Mass-hole!! (just kidding!) I'm using the Rejex on my windows - do you know if it will inhibit icing in winter?

 

Don't laugh at me, please....Today I purchased some Rain ex car wash and Nu Finish polish so I can clean my car this weekend. Is this ok? I know I'm not up to the whole clay bar/Zaino routine. Is the Nu Finish safe or is some other local product that is equally simple available. I also picked up some good microfiber towels to dry the car and a brand new sponge for washing.

 

Yes, NuFinish once a year polish is a good product. I have some myself.

 

Yeah, no wax lasts a year. It's just marketing.

 

I didn't expect it to last a year. I was looking for a relatively easy alternative. After I got it home, googled it and found a website that made it sound like it would cause paint damage. Basically made it sound like the most evil car product around. I don't want to do any harm. Thanks for all of your quick responses!

 

I've noticed some other members mention that they use Rejex or Rain-X (or even Stoner) for the windows. I believe the Prius IV and V come with water-repellent front windows. Does anyone know if these products are safe on these windows?

 

If you're looking for an easy product, check out Optimum No Rinse...cleans and protects in one bottle and saves lots of water...can be used as a detailer too or even clay bar lubricant. Good stuff...the Autopia.org guys love it...

 

NuFinish Once a Year Polish has been around for, what, 20 years? You'd think it'd be off the market by now if it's in fact damaging.

Even if it's safe, why apply it if it's already water-repellent? Save your money and use it on the non-water repellent windows.

 

NuFinish is safe and may come pretty close to lasting a year, depending on your environment. I've been using it for years, my father-in-law has used it for years, with no problems at all. It's good stuff.

Recently I have been using Meguiar's Next Generation line of products on my 2010 Prius and have been impressed, particularly with the Ultimate Quick Wax.

Have fun "detailing" your car this weekend. It cleans up real nice!

 

I don't quite understand what claying does for the car. Does it make the car paint extra smooth or does it make the wax last longer? How long does it take to do the complete cleaning process you described? The photos look great, would like mine to look like that. I looked at mine and noticed for the first time that the paint finish is not glassy smooth. Hadn't noticed that before.
Thanks