I live in so cal where we get to drive our cars pretty regularly. Which is awesome.

The roads are ok and I keep the car covered in a sealed garage when not in use.

Here is my question, the harder i work at trying to keep my car looking clean, the dirtier it seems to look.

I have a clear bra on the front fenders, hood, bumper and I use plexis on that.

I dont typically use soapy water, I use the Griotts spray wax while i dry. It is still just a tough color to keep looking clean. Also the red wheels show the smallest amount of dust and dirt.

This car is no garage queen, i love to drive it but i also would like it to look clean.

Any thoughts on products, process. etc.

Just looking for a nickels worth of free advice.

Thanks guys

 

Having owned only black cars for years, I have found that using Deionized water (commercial grade) for washing your car is the only way to go. Absolutely no water spots when finished off with a shammy. I rent a 100lbs tank from Siemens Water Control Technologies and it lasts about 3 months, then tyou call them and they deliver a new in exchange for the old. Fits on a hand truck for protability. Runs about $30/mo. well worth the great results!

 

Stu,
I have been detailing my cars for for some years now. Although I am not a "Pro," I have tried a wide variety of products. For yours, I would recommend washing in the shade, use the one or two bucket process, lightly drag a Shamwow over the flat sections to remove most of the water, and dry lightly with a micro fiber towel. After washing, I always use Pinnacle's Crystal Mist quick detailer on my dark colored cars.
I polish/wax once every six months. My cars are garaged and covered in a heated/air conditioned garage. I use Pinncale's, Wolfgang's, and Menzerna's line of products. I also will use Klasse's All In One and Sealant. I use a polish with an orbital, sealant, and a wax topper. Pinnacle's Estate Fusion wax is expensive but gives an excellent "pop" when applied over a good sealant on a dark colored car.
Check out Auto Geek for an excellent selection and good prices of a variety of detailing products. Good luck1

 

Wow guys thanks for the ideas. Its just hard as I want the best of both worlds. I want to drive the you know what out of my car, and I want it to look good.

Looks like I have some more shopping to do and some new products to try.