I recently bought an '05 black Astro LT. Had it transported across the country (MD to WA) in an open carrier. I think my vehicle was in one of the rear spots. I believe the vehicle was well maintained. It had only 19K miles on it and was used by a company to transport executives.
I'm not much of a car guy, but I have run it through a touchless car wash about 3 times since I got it. The rear (both rear panels and rear window) is still quite dirty.
I decided first to hand wash it, second to clay it if necessary (don't really know what I'm doing regarding claying a vehicle, but figured "why not?"), and third to apply some protection.
I got some Meguiar's Soft Wash (sort of arbitray choice-- it was on the shelf at a local store, seemed like it might be good quality, and was inexpensive). I also bought the Meguiar's Clay Kit, which included clay and bottle of "Quick Detailer". Because I'm interested primarily in long lasting protection, and wanted something immediately and economically available, I bought some NuFinish for protection.
So, yesterday, I washed the vehicle. I used a microfiber mit and the Meguiar's Soft Wash, but I just can't get that back panel and window clean. Actually, it doesn't look so bad anymore, in fact it actually has a shine, but the back feels like sandpaper. Well, maybe slightly "gummy" sandpaper. Even the window. The rest of the vehicle feels pretty smooth.
Should I use clay now? Can the vehicle's surface be too dirty to clay? I'm thinking maybe the clay would pick up all those tiny little grits and turn the clay into sandpaper as I use the clay???
Maybe I just need some kind of stronger car wash to disolve more of the dirt, first. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of car wash. Meguiars must have 4 or more, and I have no clue about whether there is any difference between them, or if I chose the best one. On the other hand, maybe this kind of seemingly embedded dirt is just the thing that clay is for. It's just that I don't want to damage the paint in my effort to preserve it.
Any suggestions? Should I try to additional washing and more scrubbing with wash water and microfiber mitt? Should I try the clay? Something else?
Thank you.
Regards,
DG
I'm not much of a car guy, but I have run it through a touchless car wash about 3 times since I got it. The rear (both rear panels and rear window) is still quite dirty.
I decided first to hand wash it, second to clay it if necessary (don't really know what I'm doing regarding claying a vehicle, but figured "why not?"), and third to apply some protection.
I got some Meguiar's Soft Wash (sort of arbitray choice-- it was on the shelf at a local store, seemed like it might be good quality, and was inexpensive). I also bought the Meguiar's Clay Kit, which included clay and bottle of "Quick Detailer". Because I'm interested primarily in long lasting protection, and wanted something immediately and economically available, I bought some NuFinish for protection.
So, yesterday, I washed the vehicle. I used a microfiber mit and the Meguiar's Soft Wash, but I just can't get that back panel and window clean. Actually, it doesn't look so bad anymore, in fact it actually has a shine, but the back feels like sandpaper. Well, maybe slightly "gummy" sandpaper. Even the window. The rest of the vehicle feels pretty smooth.
Should I use clay now? Can the vehicle's surface be too dirty to clay? I'm thinking maybe the clay would pick up all those tiny little grits and turn the clay into sandpaper as I use the clay???
Maybe I just need some kind of stronger car wash to disolve more of the dirt, first. I had no idea there were so many different kinds of car wash. Meguiars must have 4 or more, and I have no clue about whether there is any difference between them, or if I chose the best one. On the other hand, maybe this kind of seemingly embedded dirt is just the thing that clay is for. It's just that I don't want to damage the paint in my effort to preserve it.
Any suggestions? Should I try to additional washing and more scrubbing with wash water and microfiber mitt? Should I try the clay? Something else?
Thank you.
Regards,
DG