So, I have been reading as much of the forum as possible, particularly how to care for the exterior of my car. It seems like people recommend really cleaning the paint surface and waxing it prior to the harsh winter months (ie washing, claying, washing, waxing). I *just* got my E last Saturday, but we are already beginning our snow/salt/sleet weather here in Indiana. There is no way that I will have time or be able to find a suitable place to do this on my own, so here are my questions:

1) Is this even recommended to have done on a brand new car? Someone told me you are supposed to wait a certain time period before washing/waxing/etc. new cars?

2) What questions should I ask a potential detailer to know whether they know what is going on, and will do what I would like to have done?

3) Am I missing any major steps I should take to protect the finish on my car over the winter?

Thank you for your help!

Elizabeth :)

As your E is well over 30 days old (manufactured ) it is ok to wax. All you really need ar this time is a good polymer sealant (Maguires NXT comes to mind). In the spring and after the last snow is the time to get into the claying, multiple wax coats, panel protection job. Then you can do it yourself and save some $. You might also consider all weather floor mats for the upcoming winter, as the E's flooring can get very slippery when wet. Welcome aboard and ENJOY:)

Well that certainly is a much easier solution! :) Thank you!

I am looking forward to getting into all the ways to spend time outside with my E in the spring!

~E :)

Ditto Wankerlink -- on the polish,claying and floormats (on the latter, I am a tremendous fan of Murdoch Industrial's mats -- you can see a long thread on those at the top of the "Interior" section of the forum.)

As for the specific polish, my vote is for www.zainobros.com (http://www.zainobros.com)

A coat or two goes a long way. A forum search will reveal several lengthy discussions on wax v. polish, brands and techniques.

For a veritable encyclopedia of car care for those who really, really care... check out the car care section of www.corvetteforum.com (http://www.corvetteforum.com)

Without a recommendation from a car care freak friend who I trust, I'd be very, very careful about a detailer. Study the Zaino site, Mequires and www.autotopia.com (http://www.autotopia.com) and take notes on commonalities so you can quiz a detailer from a position of knowledge. And check out that Corvette site. Then you'd know more than most "professional" detailers.

Ditto --Hikerchick. I use Zaino on the E and NXT on the GMC Crewcab. I recommended NXT for her first application, because she use it right out of the bottle with no mixing etc. However if she's up to it Zaino is the way to go--longer lasting protection and a slightly better shine.

If you don't mind paying someone to do it, I would definitely look into www.ziebart.comas they do an awesome job and are reasonable. I think they are also running some specials on detailing...check your local store.

Just clarify, it is:

www.autopia.org

Read a little there to get an idea of the detailing process and products. Most are weekend warriors, but there are many professional (part and full-time).

People sometimes post a search for a pro detailer in there area.

Preparing for winter you will probably want a more durable sealant vs. a show car carnuaba.

I am really loving this forum! :) You guys are great, and such a wealth of knowledge. I was talking to my parents about all the things I was learning about caring for my car and they both think I am going insane, lol. I was telling them about "claying", and my mother (who is a professional potter), offered me any of her extra clay, and I had to explain that it was a little different (what the grog in that clay would do to a finish! yeep!). Now I just need to get a non-freezing day to wash teh car and put a polish/sealant on it for the winter. Does anyone elses' E seem to be a target for birds? I swear, I park the car in a garage both at work AND at home, and it is STILL covered! lol.

Thanks again!

Elizabeth

I was talking to my parents about all the things I was learning about caring for my car and they both think I am going insane, lol. I was telling them about "claying", and my mother (who is a professional potter), offered me any of her extra clay


In lieu of the clay, see if she's got some extra luxurious 100% cotton towels (preferably white) to donate to your car care cause. Four hand towels and three large bath towels would be a good start. These are excellent for washing the car, drying it and polish applications. Cut off the tags.

She may give you a straightjacket, instead. :wink: