Truck Washing

[konjis1]

Ok so i just bought my "new to me" truck (2014 Sierra SLT). So....i cannot fit my truck into our garage due to my wife's car and storage. We live in a garden home so garage space is limited. I had a few questions and please don't bite my head off for asking them:

 

1. Since my truck is parked outside how frequently should i wash him?

2. What products (truck exterior, tires, and interior) do you all recommend? i.e. soaps, leather cleaners, tire shine, etc...

3. I have never waxed a car or truck before....how often does that need to happen?

4. Since i have never waxed a truck before, should i just go get it detailed when it is time for a wax?

5. What should i use to clean the chrome?

 

Truly thank you all in advance, and i am so happy to have come across this forum!

 

Happy Truckin!

[silverWS6]

My truck sits outside too

 

1. I wash it once a week, weather permitting. Usually Thursday or Friday so it looks real good for the weekend! It really doesn't depend on how often you wash your truck but HOW you wash your truck.

 

2. I use Adam's Polishes and many other people here do too. I use their soap and two bucket method to scrub. Then dry with the quick detailer or the H2o Guard and Gloss every other wash or so.

 

3. I try to wax the truck every month, some consider that overkill but I'm not using paste wax. I'm using Adam's Buttery Wax. It's also recommended that you clay the vehicle prior to waxing to have a completely clean surface. I clay every six months and do a light buff once a year also.

 

4. You can do wax yourself, most importantly is having the proper towels and such so you don't introduce swirls while waxing. I recommend The Rag Company, they have GREAT towels and they are very affordable and last a long time with proper care. Adam's Buttery Wax is very easy to use also and I've heard good stuff about their Paste Wax also.

 

5. Again, Adam's Polishes stuff. Their Detailer works great on all surfaces, including chrome.

 

 

Check out Adam's Polishes site, they have instructional videos with every product that they offer. Simple to use and I have great results! I should work for Adam's advertising at this point, right?

[sahls01gmc]

I will echo everything Edgar just said.

 

http://adamspolishes.com/

[moosehead1]

+1 to above including two bucket wash to keep dirty rags and swirls away from the paint. Adam's is nearby here, their stuff works well, and smells good so you actually use it more often.

 

I've also had great luck with a nano sealant after clean/clay. Check out Gtechniq stuff link below, it's expensive but lasts nearly two full years, or two heavy duty winters here in Colorado. Dirt just doesn't stick to the paint, you can just hose your vehicle off between washings and wax less often.

 

http://usa.gtechniq.com/

[muddkatt]

Since you are new to washing and waxing, here is a link to the best information on the internet:

 

 

 

Watch the whole series and his other videos as well. It should keep you busy for a while, but you will get a hellova lesson.

[konjis1]

WOW you guys are great!! All this information is much appreciated!!!

[Horhay7]

Huge +1 for Adam's. A little pricey but you get what you pay for. Totally satisfied and wouldn't go back. My truck is also an outdoor truck and looks like it just rolled off the line.

[Sooperdave]

Adams, Griots, and Shine Supply! Buy a ton of microfiber!! I use just some good basic soft mf towels for washing(one for top, one for bottom, one for wheels). Spend the extra on drying towels. Dry me crazy from Shine Supply is the absolute best drying towel I've tried. This one towel will dry the whole truck without a spot left when combined with a squeegee(for initial excess water). Good luck!

[Debra in Cali]

I am lazy. I buy a monthly pass to our local hand car wash. It costs me roughly $60 for a month + a tip for each trip. I tip according to how dirty it is. If I have been in the mud and my grandkids have been in and out with dirty feet then I give a generous tip. It is just a regular cleaning with very minimal work then I give $5. All of my trash (if any) is removed before I hand over the truck. They wash windows inside and out as well as the mirrors, all seats and the carpets are vacuumed/cleaned.And all other surfaces are cleaned as well. They also clean the tires, wheels and bumpers and grill.

 

 

I will be getting it waxed in the next couple of weeks. It is definitely due.

I am lazy. I buy a monthly pass to our local hand car wash. It costs me roughly $60 for a month + a tip for each trip. I tip according to how dirty it is. If I have been in the mud and my grandkids have been in and out with dirty feet then I give a generous tip. It is just a regular cleaning with very minimal work then I give $5. All of my trash (if any) is removed before I hand over the truck. They wash windows inside and out as well as the mirrors, all seats and the carpets are vacuumed/cleaned.And all other surfaces are cleaned as well. They also clean the tires, wheels and bumpers and grill.

 

 

I will be getting it waxed in the next couple of weeks. It is definitely due.

[galliher_nc]

1. Once a week, if you can.

 

2. Wash the truck with two buckets (one wash, one rinse) with grit-guards. A foam-gun is also an awesome tool for keeping the paint lubricated with soapy water while washing. They make them for use with both garden hoses and most pressure washers. I still have mine and use it to wash the windows on my house now, lol. When I detailed, I would use Meguiar's Gold Class, mainly because you can get it anywhere. A good wash media is also necessary, I used sheepskin wash mits from Autogeek. I had two, one for the lower portion of the truck, one for the upper half. You always wash from top to bottom starting with the roof, also never wash or wax in direct sunlight. I also had a bug sponge for the front of the truck.

 

I used Chemical Guys Citrus APC (all purpose cleaner) for cleaning wheels, tires and wheel wells. I used Stoner's Tarminator for bug removal (along with the bug sponge) and I used their Invisible Glass product on windows (with a clean microfiber towel). I use Adams VRT dressing on tires, It's one of the few tire dressings that doesn't leave that greasy look behind. I also love Adams Detail Spray for touch-ups, mainly because it smells awesome, lol. To finish off the wash process you want to have lots of clean microfiber towels laying around. You'll need them.

 

Interior wise, I used Lexol for leather care, 1Z Einszett Cockpit Cleaner for cleaning the dash and door panels and 303 Aerospace Protectant to finish it off. I used Stoner's Invisible Glass on the glass inside and out.

 

3. I'd wax it twice a year since you live here in the South. Once before the winter hits, and once again before summer hits. You'll need to prepare the paint before you wax or polish it, though. You'll need a clay bar (I prefer Griots Garage, because it comes with a nice storage container to keep it clean for further use) and clay lubricant along with more clean microfiber towels. That will remove the bonded contaminants embedded in the finish. I assume you're going to wax the truck by hand? If so, you'll need a good applicator. I used Collinite Insulator Wax, I'd apply it with my Porter Cable DA. It's probably the most durable wax out there and still gives a nice deep shine.

 

4. That's up to you. It's really not that hard, just tiring, especially on a big vehicle.

 

5. I just wash the chrome along with the truck, If you're looking to actually polish the chrome, I'd recommend 3M Chrome and Metal Polish.

 

I'd recommend you visit some detailing forums and read-up, Adam's, Autogeek, Meguiar's and Autopia all have forums. You can also watch videos on YouTube. Autogeek and Junkman (he's affiliated with Adam's) have some good ones.

[dave07]

1. Once a week, if you can.

 

2. Wash the truck with two buckets (one wash, one rinse) with grit-guards. A foam-gun is also an awesome tool for keeping the paint lubricated with soapy water while washing. They make them for use with both garden hoses and most pressure washers. I still have mine and use it to wash the windows on my house now, lol. When I detailed, I would use Meguiar's Gold Class, mainly because you can get it anywhere. A good wash media is also necessary, I used sheepskin wash mits from Autogeek. I had two, one for the lower portion of the truck, one for the upper half. You always wash from top to bottom starting with the roof, also never wash or wax in direct sunlight. I also had a bug sponge for the front of the truck.

 

I used Chemical Guys Citrus APC (all purpose cleaner) for cleaning wheels, tires and wheel wells. I used Stoner's Tarminator for bug removal (along with the bug sponge) and I used their Invisible Glass product on windows (with a clean microfiber towel). I use Adams VRT dressing on tires, It's one of the few tire dressings that doesn't leave that greasy look behind. I also love Adams Detail Spray for touch-ups, mainly because it smells awesome, lol. To finish off the wash process you want to have lots of clean microfiber towels laying around. You'll need them.

 

Interior wise, I used Lexol for leather care, 1Z Einszett Cockpit Cleaner for cleaning the dash and door panels and 303 Aerospace Protectant to finish it off. I used Stoner's Invisible Glass on the glass inside and out.

 

3. I'd wax it twice a year since you live here in the South. Once before the winter hits, and once again before summer hits. You'll need to prepare the paint before you wax or polish it, though. You'll need a clay bar (I prefer Griots Garage, because it comes with a nice storage container to keep it clean for further use) and clay lubricant along with more clean microfiber towels. That will remove the bonded contaminants embedded in the finish. I assume you're going to wax the truck by hand? If so, you'll need a good applicator. I used Collinite Insulator Wax, I'd apply it with my Porter Cable DA. It's probably the most durable wax out there and still gives a nice deep shine.

 

4. That's up to you. It's really not that hard, just tiring, especially on a big vehicle.

 

5. I just wash the chrome along with the truck, If you're looking to actually polish the chrome, I'd recommend 3M Chrome and Metal Polish.

 

I'd recommend you visit some detailing forums and read-up, Adam's, Autogeek, Meguiar's and Autopia all have forums. You can also watch videos on YouTube. Autogeek and Junkman (he's affiliated with Adam's) have some good ones.

What this guy said.

 

Some products I found through trial and error that I now always keep on hand: Optimum No Rinse Wash and Wax, Optimum spray wax - super easy application that will last a month or two, and Sonax wheel cleaner. I found these products to be vastly superior to anything that I have tried and they make washing your truck quick and easy.

 

I also clay bar and SEAL(aka sealant, think more durable wax) twice a year in the spring and fall.

 

Oh and for bug remover I found the most effective to be Poorboys bug and tar remover! Good luck.

 

 

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[kennerz]

Dual bucket and possible double wash prior to clay for a 1st time wax. (2nd wash gets the last 5% of dirt that causes the swirls). Use a ton of lubricant/detailer with the clay bar. Clay should glide easily over the paint.

 

Meguire's ultimate paste or liquid is a really good synthetic wax, and comparable to expensive waxes/sealants & the cost is reasonable.

 

Another secret on chrome wheels is windex, works as good or better than most polishes, then can follow up with a non abrasive polish like mothers chrome polish. If there is rust present, turtle wax chrome polish is good to use sparingly..

 

Good micro fiber towels are a must. The key to a good wax is keep everything clean, and make sure you remove all residue, use a quick detailer to wipe down when done. Watch online vids form like autogeek or youtube if you are not sure. just don't be careless. A bad wax job can ruin your paint to the point were a professional will need to come in to correct your work,

 

This is the 101 stuff, polishing using a DA or foam pad on a buffer in multiple steps is a whole other world and need a lot of homework to get the right results.

 

good luck, ask a lot of questions if you need to.

[sailor9908]

Dang, my wife thought I was anal about washing/waxing/detailing my truck until I let her read this. Thanks guys... Oh and thanks for the tons of great info in here

[George C]

Great advice above.

I wash whenever it's dirty, and when the weather shows clearing. Usually twice a week. I simply use turtle wax washing soap which can be bought in gallons at Walmart. I wax three times a year.

My favorite wax is Meguires no. 26. It's the longest lasting wax I have ever used.

 

I have hot water and drainage in my heated garage, so I rinse the salt off of our vehicles every night in the winter. I've never had to clay bar, buff or any other cleaning. If you stay on it, your finish will look showroom for as long as you own your vehicle. The trick is to simply just wash often, especially in the winter months. Usually takes 10 minutes. If you do that, nothing ever builds up on the finish that would need extra attention.

I hate dirty vehicles and admit I'm very anal.

[werked]

Gonna throw this pic in just bc it's awesome. [emoji12] [emoji13]

 

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