You've probably seen lots of posts on this forum and others about the new Turtle Wax ICE system. They've got ICE Car Wash, ICE paste wax, ICE liquid wax and ICE liquid clay bar. I decided to give these products a try a while back as my first scrub and shine of the season. Admittedly, I went into the process somewhat biased because I have been using the same car detailing products for about five years now (not Turtle Wax). What follows is a summary of how things went and my review of these products.

First, let me also say that when I detail, I spend hours in the process. I start with a heavy wash with Dawn or some other liquid detergent. I then use a clay bar, getting the contaminants off the car and getting the paint smooth all over. I then wash again, thoroughly rinse and only then is the car ready for polish or wax. And that process alone can take me a while because I'm thorough about it and I normally put on at least two coats. This may sound a bit over the top for some and that's fine. But I'm rather particular about my cars and I've found a system that works for me.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/images/product-reviews/turtle-wax-ice/ice-products.png

Now, knowing how I have been doing things for the past several years, let's jump into the ICE from Turtle Wax.

I had four products to check out: ICE Car Wash, ICE Clay Bar, ICE Synthetic Paste Polish, Turtle Wax Foam Away Car Wash. And like normal, I did start with a full, thorough scrub and wash of my Element using Dawn dish washing detergent, followed by a good rinse. That's when I normally grab my clay bar and a spray that helps the clay bar glide along the paint. Instead, this day I used the ICE Liquid Clay.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/images/product-reviews/turtle-wax-ice/applicator.png

The ICE Liquid Clay comes in a tall bottle along with a long, foam applicator (the same applicator that I'd later find comes along with the ICE Paste Polish). It had a pleasant, sweet smell. I followed the directions on the bottle, dispensed some of the liquid to the applicator (shown above) and began to scrub down the Element. My first reaction was, "how is this pad going to rub the gunk off of my paint?". As it turns out, I was right to a point. In my opinion, the ICE Liquid Clay did an okay job of removing some stuff that my first wash didn't pick up. I know this because the applicator got dirty. That being said, I still favor an actual clay bar because I think it's more effective and I felt like I really had to lean into this foam applicator for it to grab the gunk off.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/images/product-reviews/turtle-wax-ice/ice-haze.png

One last thing to know when you use the liquid clay - it will leave a haze on the car as it dries. It's okay, it does wipe off but it did not spray off. I was in somewhat of a panic state when I first noticed this. Again, it does come off with water and a cloth. I followed that up with a wash using the Turtle Wax ICE Car Wash liquid. Again, another decent smelling product with nice bubbles and it goes on and comes off easily. I love using car wash mixes and this one will get lots of use this summer.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/images/product-reviews/turtle-wax-ice/ice-paste.png

So the Element should be clean, bare and ready for a good polish, right? Yes, so let's get started. I opened up the Turtle Wax Synthetic Paste Polish container, which was sealed very well and looks like it should also re-seal well for later use too. With a little dab of water to activate things, I began to apply the paste polish to the Element. The product has a decent smell and went on smooth. I have not used a paste in years (the only polish I used when I did use polish was, in fact, Turtle Wax) so this brought back some memories of that, but it none of them were bad memories. The application process went well.

I let the polish dry and removed it to find a fantastic shine that I could be proud of. After resting up my rubber arms and grabbing a quick drink, I went back at it - applying a second coat. This is really habit for me, but is probably not necessary.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/images/product-reviews/turtle-wax-ice/ice-beads.png

The entire week after this process, it rained heavy and I had a smile on my face each time I looked out to see the water beading up on the Element. I continue to get comments about my paint looking new. Sure, I take good care of the Element but you have to use good products to keep it that way. I think the Turtle Wax ICE products did a great job. As I stated, I probably won't use the liquid clay much again, but I have decided to give it another try when I detail my wife's car to be sure I didn't miss something. There are plenty of existing fans of Turtle Wax ICE already on the forum and you can add me down as another satisfied customer.

Note: I need to try out the Foam Away and I have intentions of doing that after our upcoming camping trip. Stay tuned for details.

Thanks T-Mac for the review of ICE.
I bought some ICE liquid polish wav and am so anxious to try it out.

Looks good!!

Hey T-Mac:
Thanks for the write up. Have you ever used any Pinnacle products. If so how do they compare to the Turtlewax? I have used paste Souveran for years on my Vette, the best look I have found. :lol:

I have not used Pinnacle products that I can remember.

Hmm. It's only about 1:45 or so to Springfield. Our E is filthy. Whatcha doin' next weekend, Tom?

:lol:

I was at the local AutoZone yesterday and asked about Forever Black for my Jeep, the guy suggested Ice liquid wax (not pictured in T Macs image). Not the same stuff but I was intrigued and bought it. Going to use it on the E, can you really put this stuff on the plastic panels without them turning white?

Also, I had never heard of this clay thing until the EOC. Where I live now I will go nuts to a point but within one mile I have a dirt firm on the car, that's the way it goes. I got one of those Calofornia brush thingies and it does a great job but no use trying to get a show car cleaning out here.

Anyway, on the clay thing, can that be used on the plastic panels?

Thanks!

Anyway, on the clay thing, can that be used on the plastic panels?

I don't use clay bar on the plastic - only on the painted body. You could use the Turtle Wax ICE liquid clay bar and even the liquid wax (from what I've read) on the panels and it actually does a good job.

Tried it this morning, great product. I used the paste wax. Goes on and off very easy. Looked excellent when finished. I shlopped it all over the panels, no problem ... no streaks or residue. I would say that while you can get it on the panels, it does not do much for the looks of the plastic. Back to Black looks much better.
There are two concerns with the Ice:
1) It is expensive, I paid 16.99 at Auto Zone, I will probably shop around more the next time. Although expensive, I think that it is worth it.
2) Now that I don't have to worry about the wax residue on the panels/plastic, I found myself waxing everything inside and out. If it was orange, it got waxed.

Give it a try, I think that you will be satisfied.

tubby

There's a story and warning on the Fiberglass Trailer forum about using Ice on oxidized fiberglass. Not a problem for Element use, but be aware. (My Post #1,300 BTW :D )

The real trouble with this product began when I applied it to the FIBERGLASS on my RV. The fiberglass was clean, but oxidized, so I buffed the entire rig with polishing compound first. Then I washed and dried the entire fiberglass body.

I applied a thin coating "ice" to one side of the motorhome and then waited five or so minutes for it to dry properly. I attempted to remove the dried polish with the micro-fiber towel that comes with the product, but I quickly realized the stuff was not coming off very easily.

In my frustration, I pulled out my random orbiting power buffer, and I still couldn't get the dried "Ice" off the fiberglass! It looked as if I had applied the "Ice" and then forgot to remove it. Over and over I used the buffer, but it didn't look any better. I then tried to apply another thin coat of "ice" to a small area to see if I could somehow blend in the two coats, but that didn't work either. I was getting upset to say the least, and now my RV looked worse than before I started!

With nothing to lose, I applied another brand of liquid car wax to the entire side that had the "Ice" on it, and hoped for the best. To my great relief, this wax buffed out to a beautiful, streak free shine and made the fiberglass look like new again.

"Ice" may be good for newer cars with clearcoat finishes, but stay away, far away, from this product if you are looking for a polish that will work on older fiberglass RV's and boats. Getting this stuff off older fiberglass was all but impossible! http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/index.php?showtopic=25479&hl=

Nice write up TMac! I use ICE on my squad car when I want a quick shine on it. It doesn't seem to last long but for what I need it for, it works for the moment.

I guess my question is this, we've heard for year after year that a sign of a good wax protection is when it rains you get the bead. I'm 50yrs old and that was always my standard to work with that if I didn't have the bead, it was time to wax again. I've heard in recent years that having the bead can be damaging in that when you're parked somewhere and it rains, then it stops and the sun comes back out that the beads can actually damage the paint. The process of the sun etching into the paint, using the water bead that's rest nicely on the paint surface, using it as a magifying glass so to speak. The wide portion of the bead acting like a lens and then directing the sunlight into one fine point etching the paint. Now can you imagin this all of the hood, trunk for those who have them and roof. I had heard that the plan is to have the polish/wax protection that will cause the water to sheet off. Now I have noticed that taking a bucket of water throwing it up over my hood that the water does run off and I don't know if it's because of the Zaino that I've been using of not.

Just wanted to know what the forum thought on this info not that I'm an expert. It's just been something that I've always wondered about and seems to make some since in that the beads could be damaging lazers so to speak and cause pits in the paint.

Any counter points on this theory?


Peace!

I want to see beading. The surface is so slick that water cannot sheet. How is one to know when the protective film is worn off? I've never experienced a problem with water beading. I've kept some vehicles for 15 - 18 years. Paint looks like new.

Regards,

I've always been told the same thing about beading. No bead, need wax. Anybody have any luck removing acid rain etching? :confused:

I just tried the ICE paste. Not bad. What I like is no white residue. You can be sloppy and color outside the lines so to speak.

The shine is okay at best. I still like Mothers carnuba wax and Mothers products in general. I guess Foose is right.

I am avid mothers user. I remember like 10yrs ago I was using TW(not bad) then mcguire(better) then mothers (wow) then with a buffer (holy cow). But this car is a pain with the panels. Just used ice and it is shinier/wetter look but mothers have that smoothness about it.

Ice is also great for this car

I did mine last weekend with the ICE after reading how others were using it - I was happy with the results:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37837

Nice writeup TMac, I use Ice on my Green Element and love it. I have not done my new E yet......But I will.

Geez, I've never done all this to any car, but shoot, it sounds pretty cool. What cloth do you use to remove the paste? Do you use an orbiter?

Microfiber

:)

I have never been one to dote over my cars. My brother will come over and clean them for me, because he says he just "loves the challenge". He details... But you folks have kinda piqued my interest now. Bought everything to wash/claybar/polish the car this weekend, and then it rained
:(. Not fair.

It does give me time to rethnk what I had acquired. I just happened to be at Target when I saw they had ICE, so I bought what they had. I bought the ICE liquid clay bar (they had no other brands), and I bought the ICE polish instead of the wax. Now that I have re-read this post, I am wondering if I should return the clay bar and go to an auto store for another brand. Also is the wax any better than the polish?

My E has never been waxed, except for Eagle One, since purchased, and has not been washed for about 2 months. It is particularly filthy. For some reason, it also accumulates dirt at the back of the roof where the indents are--just in front of the sunroof. LOTS of dirt accumulates there--when I strong hose it, it won't even all come out. I'm pretty concerned it will eventually rust out my roof, so I want to clean really good and apply something to protect it.

Because my E is so dirty, the two washes with Dawn sound like it might be needed. But I'm concerned it is perhaps just tooo strong for the paint? Would two washes with Gold Class be just as good, and keep my fear factor down?

I also bought Armor All Extreme Tire Shine. Is that a good choice for tires?

I also bought a new bag of microfiber cloths (yellow ones) from Costco. I noticed that my other ones don't feel as soft after they have been laundered. Are these not supposed to go in the clothes dryer or something?

What do you experts think? Is the ICE liquid clay bar, polish, and tire shine a good enough starter's kit, or should I exchange?

I noticed that my other ones don't feel as soft after they have been laundered. Are these not supposed to go in the clothes dryer or something?

You shouldn't use any kind of fabric softener with microfibers. (It clogs up the "micro" parts) Maybe that's it?

Or maybe the manufacturer just put some chemical on there to make it seem really soft when you bought it. It comes off after one wash. Regular towel manufacturers have been known to do that.

- Jeff

I agree with Totin' Notes you should never use any type of fabric softener on microfibre towels.

That includes liquid fabric softeners for the washer and dryer sheets.

If you have washed your microfibre towels with fabric softener just wash them again a few times to get the fabric softener out of them.

Then they will be good as new. :)

I bet I put a dryer cloth in when I dryed them--to keep them from getting stuck together with static

Turtlewax ICE is junk. I used Meguiars wax first. Bought this to apply over it. Put it on the hood and roof first. After 5-10 min, I went to remove it by buffing it and it wasn't easy as it sounds on the bottle. Took longer to remove than any other wax I have ever used.

This stuff is basically Armor-all in a bottle. I have used Meguiars, Rain Dance, Nu Finish and Blu Poly over the years and this would be at the bottom of my list. Not impressed at all. IMO, it is JUNK

hmmm i have used the Ice and it works great for me :cool:

Turtlewax ICE is junk. I used Meguiars wax first. Bought this to apply over it. Put it on the hood and roof first. After 5-10 min, I went to remove it by buffing it and it wasn't easy as it sounds on the bottle. Took longer to remove than any other wax I have ever used.

This stuff is basically Armor-all in a bottle. I have used Meguiars, Rain Dance, Nu Finish and Blu Poly over the years and this would be at the bottom of my list. Not impressed at all. IMO, it is JUNK
Probably not a good idea to apply a synthetic polymer product over recently applied natural wax. Give it a whirl on a surface with no wax remaining, and I'd bet the results would be much better.

Washed with Dawn and Freshly Turtle Wax Ice'd today. Ice worked great on the plastic and not bad at all on the paint. The ease of use is a reasonable trade for a small amount of depth of shine versus the Maguire's I formerly used.

Used the ICE liquid clay and polish yesterday. Not really that impressed with the liquid clay. I used it on one side of the E then polished both sides. Can't tell a difference.

The polish is hard as heck to remove - takes a lot of elbow grease. However, the E now looks great. I'm VERY pleased with how the plastic panels and trim look.

I have only used ice on my car and it looks just fine. It only takes 1.5 hours to do and I rardly rub at all. But I do need more micro fiber cloths. I waxed just last Sunday and the rain came on monday!:x

I used ICE once and it was OK. I used it on the Element and the police car. My thing was it gave a quick shine but it didn't last long nor did it over the protection I like in a polish. Right now, I'm stuck on stupid with Zaino. I haven't seen anything that comes close as this stuff. Nice hard shine that seems to give a deep, deep shine that shows everything like a mirror and the protection as well. One thing I did notice is that after having driven in the rain, you really couldn't tell after I parked the car. I don't know if I'll use anything else and its quick and easy to use. As my momma used to say when she was with us, "The proof is in the pudding".

woo shiney. mine's look like it went throughh mud...wait it did. damn SF and the DAMN rain

I like Chozn, have been a Zaino disciple for a very long time however, with my curiosity piqued, I bought some ICE liquid polish over the summer and gave it a try.

Will vouch for the ease of use/application, but I wasn't impressed at all with the durability. Maybe it's the tropical clime, but I don't think I got more than a couple of weeks before it needed to be reapplied.

Don't know if anyone else has experienced this when appying ICE to the unpainted plastic panels, but using the supplied foam applicator builds up a heck of a static charge. I've gotten ZAPPED through the fingers pretty good on a couple of occasions... :twisted:

I just "winterized" my E by claying, applying Zaino AIO and buffing with a PC, and finishing with 3 layers of Z-5. Great on dark paint. SMOOOOOTH...

I've had the same experience with ICE, ok but short lived. This Zaino stuff must do the do, you and chozn's look mighty fine! Where do you get Zaino, I've not ever noticed it in chain stores.. Thanks!

I've had the same experience with ICE, ok but short lived. This Zaino stuff must do the do, you and chozn's look mighty fine! Where do you get Zaino, I've not ever noticed it in chain stores.. Thanks!


Ask and ye shall recieve. http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

Many thanks-I'll order promptly!

Hey Zaino-ists, you guys have to try Collinite #845. The stuff shines like mad and has a track record for long wear. Great wax!

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=494904&postcount=18

No doubt Collinite is good stuff; both 845 and 476s are highly regarded on the detailing forums. Personally, I'm too heavily vested in Zaino for now. Maybe I'll give Collinite a try in a couple of years... :rolleyes:

Been thinking bout a random orbit and stepping up to premium products but for now... just wanted to let everyone know:
Picked up Ice Polish in the Paste a few weeks back. Applied to my wife's Scion XB and mom's Camry about 4 weeks back. Both are still beading great. Noticed people complained about longetivity with the liquid which is why I went with the paste. My mom's camry needs claying and consequently was a PIA to wax. The Scion was pretty easy for hand applied paste.
Iced the element today and hope to easily get a few weeks out of it. Just wanted to let everyone know that the Ice paste seems to have a longer life that about any chain store liquid waxes that I have tried.

Like K-Dogg said, be careful or the static build up from buffing the ICE will zap you ! I must admit, I got zapped many times while buffing the ICE off with a dry cloth.

I was able to eliminate most all zaps, when I eventually realized that I needed to stay grounded to the car. So, how to stay grounded ? Easy...just buff with the cloth in one hand, and with the other hand, keep contact with the car. Just touch the car on any of the metal (not plastic panel parts). It is very simple, so give it a try. I like the end result with ICE on my unpainted plastic panels. I haven't used it yet on the metal surfaces.

Best wishes, Dave in Virginia

I used the ICE detailer after a drive through car wash and it looks great!

And for the panels I used Aerospace 303, (got it at ACE Hardware) That is the best stuff for the panels I think because it uses an SPF.

After using Ice Paste Wax for over a year, I discovered something when I dropped the foam applicator in the dirt:

THROW THE FOAM APPLICATOR AWAY!!!

I started using a damp terrycloth towel, about 12" x 12", folded in quarters.

First, I found that I use alot less wax. A thin coat is all that's necessary, and it's 100% easier to remove!

The Turtle Wax people won't be too happy about this - I think I doubled the life of the can of wax I have - but it takes about half the time to wax the whole Element vs. using the sponge thingie.

I've read elsewhere that it is important NOT to use fabric softener of any kind when you wash microfiber cloths or terrycloth rags. Fabric softener IS wax, and causes all kinds of streaking when waxing your car.

i wish tom did a review on the spray on detailer... im interested...

I have been polishing for years. 2 years ago, an Element owner told me about ZAINO car polish system. It is worth every penny- and goes on easier and lasts MUCH longer than traditional waxes- and I used the "upscale" waxes too.

Check it out- awesome stuff!

Jay

Could not agree more...use Z-CS on the Plastic (you can use it on the whole car if you want). Follow their system twice a year and keep a bottle of Z-6 around for after wash detail and quick cleans. It's not cheap but a little goes a loooong way. It lasts really well too! www. .zainostore.com It's really worth it to me. If you are into this kind of craziness

I've used the Turtle Wax ICE Spray on Detailer, Interior cleaner and wheel cleaner and LOVE all 3 products! i was especially amazing with the interior cleaner! I don't think my steering wheel has looked this good since the day I bought it brand new in 2003! The wheel cleaner also worked really well and the spray on detailer was the first spray on detailer so I'm not sure how it compares to other brands but I had waxed my car 2 days before I used the spray on so It did make it a little more glossy and hopefully added some protection to it. I'm definitely a Turtle Wax ICE fan for life after using their interior cleaner! WOW! Which is funny because I've used turtle wax's other interior products and none of them compared to their ICE series which is weird since it is the same brand.

I read somewhere that Turtle Wax Ice was good for black plastic so waxed my TRP. Paint looks great. The black roof panels really look sharp. The bumpers and black rocker panels look like crap!! Used the Ice paste. Anyone experience this- looks great up top and terrible down low!! Why the difference on roof panels and rocker/bumpers!!! Don't use it on bumpers and rockers!!

Does peanut butter really work to remove all the white residue?? If so, any specifics on how to apply and how to remove the PB?? Any other suggestions for removing the white residue that has worked recently??

Once the residue is removed is 303 all I need to get the black color restored?

Only 2500 miles and would like to get it back to looking good from top to bottom. I appreciate any help. Thanks. John

I decided to wax the whole Element with the Ice paste, last time I just waxed the paint. I waxed on/off and noticed the next day all the plastic panels were a white swirly mess. I can take my finger nail and scrap it off unlike other types of wax. I'm hoping there is another solution besides PB because that a lot of PB, any ideas?

The black plastic panels look like crap--turning a motley grey. Has anyone found a solution?

I love the ice I use the paste on the paint and the liquid on the plastic. (could never buff out the liquid so that it took out the swirls and could never buff the paste off the plastic so that it looked as good as the liquid) I will say that now that the weather has gotten cold I havent been keeping up on the washing and waxing and the element realy looks like hell dirty salt covered and the plastic looks bad too. When the weather gets nicer I will wash and wax and will use ice just cause the 03 looks like it belongs on the show room floor, use it and you will get compliments. As a side note my wife and I made a car care basket for a fund raiser the ice that I put in the basket said that it was new and improved and lasts longer. so I may hold off and wax every other week with the new and improved.

been using ice liquid,spray detailer,liquid clay and interior cleaner since it came out,just thought i'd show a pic of the result.Too bad she wont stay clean (snow melting big time around here)total time spent less than an hour.

been using ice liquid,spray detailer,liquid clay and interior cleaner since it came out,just thought i'd show a pic of the result.Too bad she wont stay clean (snow melting big time around here)total time spent less than an hour.


She sure looks purty! :-)

I've waxed two plastic panel E's three times each, a Chevy Ext. Cab Silverado twice and my '09 Forester twice with a single bottle of ICE liquid. I wouldn't use the paste for one reason-it is too easy to OVER apply the ICE paste.

Liquid ICE works fantastic as long as you apply it in warm enough temperatures-direct sun on a 70F day is perfect-(yes direct sun!!) and rub it in good while applying. The wipe on-wipe off will leave streaks,but with some effort the stuff really shines.

Can't wait to do our '06 ABM soon!

Waxed E in November-09. Used Ice paste on all black panels. Roof panels looked great-bumpers and rockers were all white.
Worked on rear bumper with Green Magic. It took off the white mess but was an awful lot of scrubbing and very time consuming.
Winter arrived before I finished the other panels- too cold to be outside scrubbing bumpers!.
Today I tried Dawn-wouldn't touch the white residue, maybe because it was a very old bottle of detergent??. Got out the jar of Skippy peanut butter. It does work great on the white stuff. Put a small amount on a small area- rubbed it with a rag-scrubbed the Pb residue off with Dawn- rinsed with the hose-now nice and black as it was pre Ice.
Much easier than the Green Magic scrubdown and much less time. Finished it with 303.
Looks great. Peanut butter does the job!!

You should all love this. I have been using Pledge or more commonly Kleen which is a K mart, Walmart brand of furniture polish. I have been using it on my motorcycle for nine years with excellent results. Spray on and wipe off. Don't do in direct sun or on sun heated surfaces since it makes it harder to wipe out streaks. Note this works best on clean car surfaces. If it is dirty wash it first. Since my E is brand spankin' new the Kleen works great. And it is wonderfully cheap.

Turtle Wax Ice Liquid- I love this stuff!!

My '05 FBP E waxed 3 times, wifes '05 SSM waxed twice, '02 Chevy Silverado in midnight blue waxed twice, '09 Subaru Forester waxed once and now today our Atomic Blue Metallic '06 Element waxed to near perfection--ALL ON THE SAME BOTTLE OF LIQUID ICE!!- best darn value in polymer wax.

If you tried the paste and had trouble-try the liquid and wax in full sun! Nearly impossible to put too much on. Works great on ALL the plastic panels (the two '05's had unpainted panels), widow moldings and bumpers.

Made the 76,300 mile LMNT-BLU glow today.

I love the whole turtle wax ice line. I've been using the liquid polish on my scooter for 2 years and today I did the SC with the paste wax and interior detailer. Rubbed on the paste, wiped it off then hit with the polisher with a wool bonnet and it looked great. For those of you with an AJ Wright near by, check them out. I got a clam shell set of the spray polish and interior detailer yesterday for $2.70!

like putting baby oil on your car

That should work excellent on my nighthawk black pearl, gonna give it a shot anyway. Thanks.