Winterizing

[ehuff]

I saw one post of winterizing a car, but was wondering what products people were using. I have read about the Klasse stuff, or Wolfgang products, but am not sure what would be best. Has anyone used these waxes/sealants?

Also, what wheel wax have people used?

[tunersteve]

It's all a matter of personal preference. My personal winterizing paint protection was:

-Mother's clay
-Klasse All-In-One polish
-light cut polish (applied by machine)
-Klasse Sealant Glaze
-Meguiars Gold Class

For the wheels, I use P21S wheel cleaner, then follow it up with a nice coat of Poorboy's Wheel Sealant. So far the paint is still exceptionally smooth and has a fantastic shine right now. I'm hoping this will last well into March until the weather warms up in MI enough to re-clay it and do the same again.

[WhorishMitten]

That sounds pretty solid. I did a fairly basic hand waxing a few months back, but then I had to do some fairly long distance driving back and forth from Michigan (I see you're from here too eh?) so I ended up taking it to a gas station wash twice and hand washing once - so much salt! I figure if I don't apply a large amount of wax then keeping it washed and lightly waxed should at least hold it over until the spring when I can properly clean and detail.

[cwpms3gt]

ZAINO ZAINO ZAINO

[hatthi]

Optimum Opti Seal is a great product for sealing the paint. I've also tried Optimum No Rinse during this winter. Just close the garage and wash away. I'll usually spray it down at the coin wash and then bring it home for a wash. That way you don't have as much crap on the paint.

[tunersteve]

Originally Posted by hatthi Optimum Opti Seal is a great product for sealing the paint. I've also tried Optimum No Rinse during this winter. Just close the garage and wash away. I'll usually spray it down at the coin wash and then bring it home for a wash. That way you don't have as much crap on the paint.

I have heard nothing but good things about the Optimum line, and I'll probably try some this year. ONR is a very widely used product in the detailing world, and Opti-Seal can be used on ANYTHING.

[hatthi]

I've noticed Opti Seal works best if you first apply a coat and then let it sit for 15 - 30 min. Next I buf the car with a micro fiber cloth. I repeat this step a few times. The cool thing is that because it's so easy to apply you can put it on every month or every few months. You really need to be careful how much you put on. I was amazed at how little you need to do the entire car. Also, make sure you use a sponge applicator pad. They work the best.

[tunersteve]

Klasse is the same way, you don't want to cake it on. Their sealant glaze works best with a very light application.

[Oswald]

All claybars seem to work about the same for removing imperfections or rail dust and tar. I personally love Collinites #845 for a wax/paint sealant. It will make your paint smooth as a baby's ASS!

[egbertnr]

Did I mention I hate winter....looking forward to warmer weather to give the car a good cleaning! Trying to keep the salt off for now

[mbaledge]

Two lsp's that I really like are Collinite 845 insulator wax, or Chemical Guys Jetseal 109. Both are very durable and should last for most of the winter.