Protecting Paint
Ah, the joys of owning a fourbie.
I like to keep my vehicles looking good. I have a black HSV and my wife has a black TJ Renegade, so it's harder than most would appreciate to keep two black beasts up to spec.
Couple of things...it doesn't really matter what brand of wax you use. I prefer Turtle Wax because it is the right price and it has proven itself over the years. Make sure you just don't wax the Jip once a year though - every 3 months (every 2 if you can) is enough to help.
Personally I wouldn't use the coloured stuff, but then I'm a traditionalist.
Polishong - DON"T DO IT!!! Not until the car is at least a couple of years old. If you are going to keep it for a good few years, you don't want to remove paint volume until you absolutely have to. Every time you polish, the paint gets thinner. Wax heaps, polish VERY sparingly. Wax will hide most of the light scratching, deep scratching won't come out ith polishing anyway.
Next, how to avoid a lot of scratching. Believe me, having two black cars has taught me a lot about that. Most scratching happens when you wash the car. Believe it or not Mr Ripley!
Fine scratches caused by dirt particles caught up in the sponge. Sponges can't get rid of dirt very effectively.
Buy yourself a dozen terry towelling nappies. Use one to wash the roof, then use it to wash the glass - do NOT toush the paint with it. When you're done throw it in a bucket. If you have a soft top, use a fresh nappy to wash the plastic windows. Throw it in the bucket. Clean nappy, bonnet, front guards, Bucket. Clean nappy - front grille, headlights, bumper. Bucket. Clean nappy - one side. Bucket. Clean nappy - other side. Now use this last one to do the wheels.
Use three or four dry nappies to dry the car thoroughly once rinsed.
Seems like overkill but will help heaps.
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