I have a 2015 prius c, and I think it's time for it's first wax this weekend.. I've seen a lot of great posts about waxing but it's been awhile so what are everyone's current fave products? I live in California and the car is in a covered parking lot at work (most of the time) so not too much harsh weather. I'd like something that I can preferably spray on and is easy. I was reading now that most modern paint jobs a sealant is better, but it's been awhile. Anyways I want whats best. Thanks!!
I had my C professionally detailed one time with clay bar and wax. That set the foundation for having a proper finish and wax on my car. Now I wash it myself and apply this stuff while drying it, and it maintains a very shiny finish and provides an excellent seal. I don't usually promote products, but this stuff has been great for me. Good car soap, quality sponge, and micro fiber towels, and again this stuff, and my C looks almost as good as the day I drove it off the lot over three years ago.
I use these 2 Carnauba+sealant waxes! Easy on/easy off spray wax: Chemical Guys WAC10116 InstaWax + Liquid Carnauba Shine and Protection Spray - 16 oz. A little more effort Creme wax: Chemical Guys WAC11116 Extreme Depth Liquid Carnauba Creme Wax + X-Seal - 16 oz.
Yes, I mostly use the spray wax after each wash, quick and easy! I have this one also: How To Wax Cars While Wet - Chemical Guys
Aside from the right product, the right technique helps. Read this Detailing your vehicle (Exterior) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums He divided it up into multiple posts for different sections so read through to Post #9.
Someone recommended "Sonax Polymer Netshield" to me a while back : I was VERY skeptical at first because I was a big fan of 'Klasse all in one' and 'Klasse high gloss sealant'. However, the Sonax product has won me over. It is easier to apply that 'Klasse sealant', lasts a very long time, and is much easier to apply. One thing to note about my choice though. I am looking for durability..NOT necessarily the absolute best shine. Traditionally, 'Klasse sealant' has been king in this area. However, I really feel that Sonax Netshield meets or exceeds it in durability.
Will throw in my current setup.. Polymer ii paint sealant ( Cured) followed by a coat of meguiars Nxt Tech 2.0 after normal washing I will use a showroom shine/quick detailer. The paint sealant gets applied every 6 months and I use the nex tech more often than should , like every 2 months it gets a fresh coat. Before getting the paint sealant originally my car was clayed and applied m105 to certain panels needing it, followed by m205 to the entire car. -Clay Bar -M105 -M205 -Polymer 2 paint sealant -Nxt Tech 2.0
If you're a DIY'er, you can use carpros products. Iron x wash Fixer paint correction Cquartz (2 year warranty ceramic coating) I will be doing this setup before winter hits.
I use Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0, spring and fall. It goes on/off easy, smells nice, seems ok. Kinda pricey, around $25 per bottle. It's gotta be good, it's name is the longest.
Canadian Tire sometimes has sales on wax. Currently Mother's liquid wax is 25% off ($16.49 after sale). I use Mother's California Gold paste wax (I can't seem to link amazon.ca addresses). I'm still on my first can (but almost done). I use it in conjuction with step 1 and 2 (mostly 2. I've only done step 1 twice on the two Prii. I claybar them and they're parked in the garage so step 1 is rarely used). Step 2 really helps bring out the shine. A friend of mine said the job we did on his car was better than the wife's car (which he took to an auto detailing shop).
I've used the fancy wax products before on my weekend car - you can go absolutely crazy in price and time. The important thing is that you wax your car and keep it waxed. My car is a daily commuter, not a show car - so my wax choice is something FAST. I use Turtle Wax ICE liquid wax. It takes minutes to wax the whole car. Another thing - one of the worst parts of any Toyota is the rusty bolts on the undercarriage. I put the car in the air and sprayed everything with Fluid Film, which is a lanolin-based protection spray I bought at Advance Auto. I spray on all bolts - especially focusing on suspension bolts, caliper bolts, brake bleeders, the tie rods, sub frame bolts, and the weird bolts inside the rear fenders.
^ Yup to your whole post, and in particular the last paragraph. 4.5 years in I took a look at the suspension (and sundry) fasteners: pathetic, some of the smaller cover fasteners on the verge of seizing too. Our Hondas never had rusty bolts like this. Maybe in the last few years bolt spec regs have changed? Or it's just Toyo?
One of bolts snapped when I tried to loosen it. The Gen 2 had some signs of rust underneath too at less than 5 years. I didn't check the Camry or Corollas before. To be clear, it's the bolts that are rusty. The body is fine.
When I was trying to remove plastic panels covering the rear trailing arm linkage bolts, I pretty near snapped their securing bolts, on both sides. On the underside of front corners, there's some plastic/plastic connecting bolts that really were glorified pop rivets: completely welded with rust. I broke a couple of them before realizing the futility. Drilled fresh holes just adjacent and installed extra bolts.
Every 6 months I use clay followed by McGuire's Ultimate Liquid Wax. Works great. I even put any surplus on the Plastics as it doesn't whiten like the NXT 2.0