Brand new truck! When can I/should I wax it?

[Bake19]

Hi, I'm new to the forum with my first Mopar, a 2013 RAM 1500 Express Quad Cab 4x4 black! I'm absolutely loving the truck so far. It is my first actual new vehicle, and being as much of a fanatic of clean vehicles as I am, it will be awesome to keep this as clean as it was from day one. So, my first question is: When should I wax it? And my second is: What should I use? I've heard good things about mcguires black box. Also, should I bother to clay bar it being as the paint is so new? Thanks for all of your help, this is also my first black vehicle

 

[dmclone]

IMO

No use in waiting to wax.

You'll get 1,000 different answers to what is best. I've had good luck with Zaino but I think technique and up-keep is more important than anything else. If you want the wax to last you don't go to high powered car washes. If you want to keep swirl marks from your black paint then you'll want to be very careful with your washing and drying technique.

As far as clay bar. When I get a new car I wash it real good. Then I run my hand over the paint to see if there are any problem areas. I've also been known to put it under lights and at that point you can see swirl marks and imperfections on even new paint. I do every thing I can to clean up the paint without using a clay bar but i have used them in the past. I've seen people do more damage than good if they don't use it right.

 

[UNBROKEN]

Wash and clay it now and give it a good coat of wax.
Everyone has their opinions but Meguiars has never let me down.

 

[09SMOKINHEMI]

which reminds me.... i am going to take the clay bar to mine on Friday!

 

[Etroze86]

Clayed my truck and my wifes brand new Tuxedo Black Ford Fusion right away. Meguiars is what I used and that show wax they have really makes for easy upkeep.

 

[kenwitter]

Wax ON!

Wax now dude. Quicker you get it on the better. I'm a McGuires fanboy too, so that's my suggestion for products.

I wouldn't clay now. As dmclone said, it can do more harm than good. I only clay every season change, and very very carefully.

Good luck with the Black. Owned a black truck back in 2008. Lots a work to maintain, but worth every minute of it. Gorgeous color. Post a pic, would love to see it.

 

[Pull Ya]

My suggestions----Clay bar your truck first---it gives you a clean "foundation" to work with. I would recommend that after you clay bar it, check for any small scratches that the clay might have caused and if so use a good polish to polish them out. I would then use a good sealant as a base coat. The sealant can be topped with a good wax of your choice. It sounds a little time comsuming and it is the first time, but the results are well worth it. Once you have a good base you can maintain it by just washing your truck and then using a quick detailer on it inbetween waxes. A good sealant will last you about 6 months and wax will only last about 4-6 weeks. That is the reason I recommend using a good sealant first--you will have longer protection. Asking which wax or sealant is best is like asking what beer people like best----everyone has their favorite that is the best, cheapest, easiest, longest lasting, smells the best etc et etc., you get the idea. I use Wolfgang 3.0 Sealant and Collinite 845 Wax but there are many other people that use many other products. Always use good microfiber to reduce the chances of getting small scratches.
Good luck
Jay

 

[Stage4]

If you want to claybar, do it, it will give you a very smooth and clean surface, but it is optional.

I've used Zaino and Mequires NXT. I prefer Zaino, the shine lasts a lot longer. If you choose Zaino, let me know and I'll tell you which products to use, it can be rather confusing.

 

[johnnysart]

Wash and clay it now and give it a good coat of wax.
Everyone has their opinions but Meguiars has never let me down.

I second this even if its new I would still clay bar it.

 

[ncaabbref]

Why haven't you done so already? In all seriousness, I put the clay bar tand wax to mine the first night I brought it home.

 

[Bake19]

Wax now dude. Quicker you get it on the better. I'm a McGuires fanboy too, so that's my suggestion for products.

I wouldn't clay now. As dmclone said, it can do more harm than good. I only clay every season change, and very very carefully.

Good luck with the Black. Owned a black truck back in 2008. Lots a work to maintain, but worth every minute of it. Gorgeous color. Post a pic, would love to see it.

Here's a picture!

 

[Bake19]

Thanks for all of the input! Looks like I will be waxing it sometime in the next 6 days, since I took a mini vacation from work!

 

[Bake19]

My suggestions----Clay bar your truck first---it gives you a clean "foundation" to work with. I would recommend that after you clay bar it, check for any small scratches that the clay might have caused and if so use a good polish to polish them out. I would then use a good sealant as a base coat. The sealant can be topped with a good wax of your choice. It sounds a little time comsuming and it is the first time, but the results are well worth it. Once you have a good base you can maintain it by just washing your truck and then using a quick detailer on it inbetween waxes. A good sealant will last you about 6 months and wax will only last about 4-6 weeks. That is the reason I recommend using a good sealant first--you will have longer protection. Asking which wax or sealant is best is like asking what beer people like best----everyone has their favorite that is the best, cheapest, easiest, longest lasting, smells the best etc et etc., you get the idea. I use Wolfgang 3.0 Sealant and Collinite 845 Wax but there are many other people that use many other products. Always use good microfiber to reduce the chances of getting small scratches.
Good luck
Jay

I have no experience with sealants... how do you go about applying one?

 

[Pull Ya]

Just like wax---"wax on, wax off" LOL. The product should have instructions on it, however if you go to autogeek.net and read about sealants and waxes it should give you a good understanding of both waxes and sealants and how they differ and how they compliment each other. They should also have a u tube clip of the application process. They sell professional detailer supplies but there "how to" articles are top notch.
Jay