Yesterday I decided to take advantage of the nice weather, and the fact that the car was washed less than a week ago, to make a start to my annual clean and wax.
I have decided not to Clay the car this year. The paintwork is getting to the stage it doesn't warrant it. After 12 years and 103,000 miles it is beginning to look the worse for wear. Add to that the fact that its MOT is due in a couple of months, and if it needs work done I intend selling it on for spares or repair, and moving to something else.
I like to polish one or two panels at a time, that way I can do a better job and split the task into bite size segments. Yesterday it was the roof and bonnet, so once the sun was away from the front of the garage I pulled the car out and washed and towelled dry both panels, and the immediate surrounds. I then returned the car to the garage and left it to dry thoroughly. After tea I went down and brought it back out to wax. I use Bilt Hamber Double Speed Wax, applied with the supplied sponge. The secret is to apply it very sparingly. Once it had dried I buffed the panels up with a microfibre towel.
Some panels I will treat with Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound before waxing (front bumper and bottoms of the doors) and I will use Autoglym Tar Remover where necessary. I am wondering whether to give Car Pro Iron-X a try this year, see if that makes any difference to the paintwork.
This picture was taken earlier this year.