dexter0380 Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Hey guys/gals, hoping there are some "experts" in here who can give me some solid advice.. I just got a barely used fully loaded '11 Fusion Sport with black exterior and interior. To be honest I've never had a car in this good of condition where I want to actually spend some time and money on keeping it shiny and looking new. Usually I just take my cars through the gas station car wash once a week or so and call it a day but from what I'm reading you want to actually avoid those things!! With that being said, I'm looking for some good tips for exterior and interior cleaning. I've been trying to read the forums and different sites such as Autogeek to try and learn as much as I can, but there are so many different products and brands out there it's starting to make my head spin! From what I've read and know about the Fusion, it obviously has a clear coat for the paint and it sounds like it may also have a clear coat on the wheels. Can anyone confirm this for the wheels? They are the 18" sport wheels. Are they aluminum alloy or what exactly are they? Also, what is the best way to take care of them? I have purchased some of that spray on stuff to keep dirt/break dust off, but it sounds like I may be doing more harm than good if the stuff I'm using contains an acidic solution. Is there a good product that will not ruin the finish on the wheels that actually works, or is it all a marketing gimmick? It sounds like the best way to keep them shiny is to actually wax them with the same wax that I would use on the car. Correct? What about the tires? I have the spray on "tire wet" stuff but am not sure if there is a brand that is better than others or what not. Now, when it comes to actually waxing/washing the car.... I've seen some people live and die by carnauba wax, while others say other types work just as well. Any recommendations on what will work the best for my Fusion? I've never really waxed a car in full detail before, so should I also be using a clay bar first before waxing? How often do you wax? Sounds like twice a year....? Also, is it OK to wax in a garage or should it be done outside? I understand keeping it out of direct sunlight is best. What about taking off the wax? Sounds like a micro fiber towel is the best option... any suggestions there? Last but not least... what about daily/weekly care? I'm going to try and stay away from the gas station washes, but am not sure what I should be doing on my own. Is there a good quality soap that will keep the car nice and shiny? Should I be using a sheep skin mitt and drying with a micro fiber towel? Any products that I should be aware of that may ruin the finish or anything like that? Thanks and sorry for all of the questions and the broken grammar. I'm more or less just typing this as things are coming to mind. I appreciate any and all feedback! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 Hey guys/gals, hoping there are some "experts" in here who can give me some solid advice.. I just got a barely used fully loaded '11 Fusion Sport with black exterior and interior. To be honest I've never had a car in this good of condition where I want to actually spend some time and money on keeping it shiny and looking new. Usually I just take my cars through the gas station car wash once a week or so and call it a day but from what I'm reading you want to actually avoid those things!! With that being said, I'm looking for some good tips for exterior and interior cleaning. I've been trying to read the forums and different sites such as Autogeek to try and learn as much as I can, but there are so many different products and brands out there it's starting to make my head spin! From what I've read and know about the Fusion, it obviously has a clear coat for the paint and it sounds like it may also have a clear coat on the wheels. Can anyone confirm this for the wheels? They are the 18" sport wheels. Are they aluminum alloy or what exactly are they? Also, what is the best way to take care of them? I have purchased some of that spray on stuff to keep dirt/break dust off, but it sounds like I may be doing more harm than good if the stuff I'm using contains an acidic solution. Is there a good product that will not ruin the finish on the wheels that actually works, or is it all a marketing gimmick? It sounds like the best way to keep them shiny is to actually wax them with the same wax that I would use on the car. Correct? What about the tires? I have the spray on "tire wet" stuff but am not sure if there is a brand that is better than others or what not. Now, when it comes to actually waxing/washing the car.... I've seen some people live and die by carnauba wax, while others say other types work just as well. Any recommendations on what will work the best for my Fusion? I've never really waxed a car in full detail before, so should I also be using a clay bar first before waxing? How often do you wax? Sounds like twice a year....? Also, is it OK to wax in a garage or should it be done outside? I understand keeping it out of direct sunlight is best. What about taking off the wax? Sounds like a micro fiber towel is the best option... any suggestions there? Last but not least... what about daily/weekly care? I'm going to try and stay away from the gas station washes, but am not sure what I should be doing on my own. Is there a good quality soap that will keep the car nice and shiny? Should I be using a sheep skin mitt and drying with a micro fiber towel? Any products that I should be aware of that may ruin the finish or anything like that? Thanks and sorry for all of the questions and the broken grammar. I'm more or less just typing this as things are coming to mind. I appreciate any and all feedback! Head over to the FordEdgeForum.com - there are several professional detailers with lots of suggestions, tips and tricks. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FusionDiffusion Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 You have a pretty good idea. The wheels are painted aluminum alloy and they do have a clear coat. You treat them the same as the body paint. I clay and wax twice a year. Carbanuba wax looks the best when done, but the modern polymer waxes last longer. Wax out of the sun. Wipe and remove wax with a microfiber. Touchless automatic car washes are okay, but I use a bucket and mitt every week or two. Soap doesn't really matter, as long as it's car wash and not dish soap. Dry promptly to avoid water spots. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennisw Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 As already stated do not use dish soap to wash your car, this will remove you're wax. Do not use chemicals on your wheels, if you wash regularly you will not have a build up that needs any more than car soap and water. The best thing on your wheels is a detail cleaner like Mcquiars quick detail spray. As for wax they are all going to protect the paint if you wax regularly. You will get a million different recommendations on this one. I use pink wax which I have found to work the best and it is by far the easiest to use. This wax does not streak and you wipe it off before it is dry. Another excellent wax is Zymol it to is easy to use and you wipe it off before it dries also, both these waxes give a brilliant shine. The biggest advantage to these two waxes is the amount of time required to wax your car, they cut the labor and time in half, this is a good thing it gives you more time for the finer things in life. I am annual on keeping my cars looking good and I have tried everything. You asked for advise so take it from someone who has tried them all. I'm glad to here your pride in this car and in keeping it looking good. Good luck on what you use and remember this has to be done multiple times a year to keep it looking good. The best tip on the black car is always use a microfiber rag and always was before you wax. If you live in a harsh environment you will need to use a clay bar if you do not wax at least every other month. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3 point 5 Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 ^^^All good ideas^^^ I paint cars for a living so if you have anymore questions feel free to message me. I have a lot EXP in this area... 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Jim Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 I use a paint sealant instead of wax. It last much longer than wax, although the depth of shine is not as high. The actual product I use is from Griot's Garage. Try a google search. They sell top notch car care products including great waxes, and explain the pros and cons of paint sealant vs wax as well as provide you a choice between them. I apply the sealant at least once a year, and use a clay bar before applying the sealant when needed. Similar sealant is what auto dealers do and charge outragous prices for ($500 or even much more for a wax job!). The brush is faster than a mit and works about as well. Additionally I wash the car every two or three weeks, usually using a brush. I've had the brush for over twenty years, and it still looks and works great. I thought of giving one as a gift recently and found them on the internet for $35.00. Add whatever it takes for a pole (mop handle from local supermarket). If you search ofr it, it is green and the soft nylon bristles are green and have bristle on two plains. I have noticed something similar from Amazon recently from a Google search for "green car wash brush" for less. For car was soap I use whatever is on sale at Wal-Mart or a car parts store that is didicated for use for washing cars. The most frequent brand is Blue Coral. I end up using "Wax as you Dry" from Eagle products or a similar product from Turtle Wax as I dry with a chamois (a large microfiber towel works as well or better). The Wax as you Dry really works well, providing great protection, feel, and appearance between sealant applications. Just another idea for consideration. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackBetty Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 I used to own a black 1999 Cougar. I've got a nice write up on cleaning black cars on the cougar forums. http://www.newcougar.org/forums/thread146605.html I believe it is post #24. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 This week im planning to polish and wax my wifes car and mine with NuFinish paste and to top it off im useing Eagle1 Nanowax..i had no problems for years with this stuff and still beads.Every spring and fall i do this.In between once or twice a month i just wax for fun.I do get that nice shine with nice results..i may try out Meguires Carnuba that i have been hereing about..this is just my preference..not knocking other products..what do you guys use?..Happy show n shine 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetRyd Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 (edited) ^^^All good ideas^^^ I paint cars for a living so if you have anymore questions feel free to message me. I have a lot EXP in this area... Hey! My very first post so hope I don't screw this up! I'm taking you up on your offer! Luv my '11 AWD Sport, blk on blk....but what have I done to it???! I always prefer to wash by hand when it's not 10 degrees out, but I live in the NE so at times I am forced thru the car washes so the salt doesn't turn it in to a pile of rust. Here's my problem...I waxed it a few times with Meguires Gold, followed by touch ups with Meguires Instant detailer. No problems until I used Nu Finish Liquid. Now, when I wash it useing the same Simoniz Car Wash, I get a horrible milky white film all over my beautiful Tuxedo Black!! Windows too!! UGH!!!! Looks as though I poured milk all over my car!! Is it the soap reacting badly to the Nu Finish? Should my next step be to remove all wax? Change soap? What is the best soap/wax combo to use once I correct this problem? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Edited April 13, 2012 by SweetRyd 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby Posted April 14, 2012 Share Posted April 14, 2012 Hey! My very first post so hope I don't screw this up! I'm taking you up on your offer! Luv my '11 AWD Sport, blk on blk....but what have I done to it???! I always prefer to wash by hand when it's not 10 degrees out, but I live in the NE so at times I am forced thru the car washes so the salt doesn't turn it in to a pile of rust. Here's my problem...I waxed it a few times with Meguires Gold, followed by touch ups with Meguires Instant detailer. No problems until I used Nu Finish Liquid. Now, when I wash it useing the same Simoniz Car Wash, I get a horrible milky white film all over my beautiful Tuxedo Black!! Windows too!! UGH!!!! Looks as though I poured milk all over my car!! Is it the soap reacting badly to the Nu Finish? Should my next step be to remove all wax? Change soap? What is the best soap/wax combo to use once I correct this problem? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Hi SweetRyd i have the same thing as you after i wash my cars..i have been seeing this milky spots for years.Ever since i started using NuFinish and puting my wax on for the last coat and this has started so i think its ok and NEVER had any other issues except the white milky spots so yes its safe.I had this for years like i said and not to worry.I dry my cars with micro-fibre towels and everything is back to normal with a super shine. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetRyd Posted April 14, 2012 Share Posted April 14, 2012 Hi SweetRyd i have the same thing as you after i wash my cars..i have been seeing this milky spots for years.Ever since i started using NuFinish and puting my wax on for the last coat and this has started so i think its ok and NEVER had any other issues except the white milky spots so yes its safe.I had this for years like i said and not to worry.I dry my cars with micro-fibre towels and everything is back to normal with a super shine. Hi Bobby. Thanks for the reply. I guess I'm freaking because I've washed it many times and never had this problem. It's not just white spots, it instantly starts drying with a milky white film making it very difficult to dry to a streak free shine. I have to dry with a damp towel first. Takes forever as I stand back and notice all the smeared areas I've missed. I feel something isn't right as it shouldn't be this difficult. Thinking I need to remove all wax and start over. Will research that before moving forward that's for sure! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby Posted April 14, 2012 Share Posted April 14, 2012 I feel bad for all the trouble you are having..realy do.If you want to start from scratch just use DAWN dish soap and wash your Fusion from the top to bottom..here is what i would do..start from the roof then trunk etc..one area at a time that way you dont miss anything.Dawn supose to remove all that wax for you.After a good rinse dry off the car using what i use is a micro-fibre towel..you can then (if you want) put the NuFinish back on and wait a month and do one more coat of that again.I put Eagle1 NanoWax for the final touch from there.But its up to you in your research .Black cars can be tricky from time to time and i did have a couple before. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milananon Posted April 14, 2012 Share Posted April 14, 2012 I had a black F150 and I used Blitz wax on it, that stuff is superb for a black vehicle. Bobby, do you use NuFinish? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby Posted April 14, 2012 Share Posted April 14, 2012 I had a black F150 and I used Blitz wax on it, that stuff is superb for a black vehicle. Bobby, do you use NuFinish? Hi Milananon yes i use NuFinish for the past 12 or so years.Some people dont like NuFinish and some do i guess but i had nothing but good luck with this stuff.When i get near the plastic trim i have to be careful as NuFinish stains those things. When i had a Dodge Daytona it was black on black and yes it would look like hell with white stain marks from touching mirrors etc. It was worth it for the nice shine though.Blitz sounds good too if i could find it in my area. My wife all most bought me a wax kit by ICE on sale at 19 bucks canadian so she thought naaaa he is happy what he has.If you go to a site called BOB IS THE OIL GUY,they have a section about detail and wax and the friendly squable starts off who has the best protection and shine LOL. Its the best place for the car lover to be at if you take pride in stuff like that 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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