mr_rota

My car is black and obviously shows swirls more than any other color. I dont have the time to wax/or polish everytime i dry my car. What are my options or tips for:

Drying to avoid swirls? (special cloth?)

Quick polish or wax solution?

Thanks in advance!

fast

1)- 2 Buckets with grit guard
2)- Good car wash liquid and be generous in making the foam.
3)- Wash the hood,the roof and the trunk,from front to back
4)- Wash the sides from top to bottom..
5)- Use a shop vac/leaf blower to dry the car.
6)- Never ever use the car wash brush or the automatic car washes.
Hope it helps but keeping a black car clean and swirl free is not going to happenn.

bmwf1

Great recommendations. The only thing i would add is to wash/dry in garage if possible as the body wont heat up and dry prematurely.

mr_rota

whats the best kind of cloth to dry if vacuum isnt an option?

quick wax/polish product?

rctmthouse

clay it once in awhile and put on a coat of wax...I use NXT 2.0 on my jet black and do recommend it since it's easy to apply and take off for an over the counter product

As for drying, I'm too lazy to get out the leaf blower, I just use the hose with water running, without the nozzle, on my final rinse so the water can sheet off the car. Do not use bath towels, use those waffle towels or special drying towels you get at Walmart. It works fine so far for me. The main thing is do not apply pressure when drying and try not to drag the towel. If possible, blotting is the best way but I just drag it lightly. Impatience is my middle name.

As for quick polish or wax solution, I use NXT 2.0, one of the better over counter product I used and I've tried plenty. Also, use Meg Clean and Wax solution between wax also. It does help. Make sure you have a bottle of the Detail from Meg handy just in case for those bird poops or dead bugs. Don't want to leave those on your paint for extended of time.

Check out Autopia. Lots of good advices concerning auto detailing for DIYers from the pros.