Will be my daily, picked it up 2 days ago and it's already dirty...what soap, what wax, what steps? LOL!!

First thing I'm going to buy is a step ladder!! LOL!

Thanks in advance!

Congrats on the new truck! Dealer prep is supposed to include a detail (yeah, right).

Meguiars products are pretty affordable, easy to use and provide excellent results. If cost isn't a factor, most will suggest Zaino products, excellent results as well.

If your truck's finish has swirls, you may need to use a machine (DA polisher or buffer) to remove them. If you've never used a machine on a car before, invest in a DA polisher (safer) or have a professional detailer do it for you.

- 2-step process with Meguiars #83 & #26 or NXT wax & DA polisher -

Start by claying or by washing (top to bottom) with dishwashing liquid to strip the finish of whatever wax is on it. Dry the truck properly then apply #83 (polish and light swirl remover) using a polishing pad and light to medium pressure depending on the severity of swirls. You do not have to let the polish dry, so do one body panel at a time then remove polish with a clean microfiber towel before moving on to the next panel. After this, apply the wax of your choice with a finishing pad. Let the wax dry to a haze then remove with a clean microfiber towel or by using a microfiber bonnet over a harder cutting pad (do not let this pad touch your finish unless you are a pro!). Apply a 2nd coat of wax for a deeper look.

Good luck. Be sure to take plenty of before and after shots.

it's a SUV, just keep it dirty...

I just bring it to a local car wash where people come out to clean it. Off Marsh Rd in Menlo Park $10 w/tip.

Hand wash car wash spot. Congrats on the new truck.

Black car...just tell your wife that you've taken on a second job...detailing...

haha, thanks guys.

This is the 3rd black car I've owned so I'm somewhat aquainted with the deal, just never on an SUV...this is gonna be interesting.

NOTHING works better than Zaino Z2 and an orbital buffer! NOTHING!!! Wash truck with water and microfiber towels only. Never use soap.

I would definitely use automotive specific soaps to clean your car...using water won't suffice unless your car has light surface dust.

Are you serious, there is no place that would tell you not to use soap of some sort. And microfiber towels are not thebest tool for washing. A schmitt or microfiber wash mitt possibly. Where are you getting this info???

I personally prefer Zaino for long lasting protection, EX-P for more shine and top either of those off with Pinnacle Souveran.

Black isn't difficult to maintain. About 80% of all the swirls will come from dirty wash mitts, towels, and using too harsh of compound or polish. On a new car, if the dealer hasn't messed it up, you should be fine doing a hand polish and wax. Wash the car first, I like Zymol Clear, then clay. You can use any clay as long as it's a fine grit. Sonus is a good brand, I use Zymol Lehm Lube and Lehm Klay 2. Then dry the car using waffle-weave microfiber towels with a foam core. The foam core prevents pressing too hard and micromarring. Then pull it in the garage and polish. The polish I use is Zymol HD-Cleanse. It's designed to be used by hand and the results are excellent. Then wax using a natural carnauba wax. I don't use synthetics that contain silicones for 2 reasons. The look is too bright and glossy. You want see the paint and admire the depth of the metallic flecks or the jetness of colour exhibited by darker cars. The synthetics distort that by the extra shine they show. Next, silicone has long been a no-no by the manufacturers and paint guys. That's a whole no ther discussion. Waxes like P21S, Zymol, Pinnacle are just a few that I've heard good things about. I would use Zymol Titanium or Concours. Don't let the price shock you; that little jar will do more than 50 applications. Since Zymol is natural and of high quality, you will need to wax 2-4 times a year depending on the quality of the wax. So that's about 12-20 years pf wax. Just keep it in the fridge and it stays freash. Hope this helps.

Griots Garage has a detail book - it it worth the money. As already stated they are easy to maintain as long as you are careful. And do not go through an automatic wash!