New baby bath-time blues

[D Johnson]

Hello everyone, I'm pretty new here so go easy please!!

I've not had a car this new before (purchased 14/9/21, aged 11 months) and am somewhat neurotic about maintaining the sheer glory that is the Lexus Mesa red, new car look.  To this end, I have scoured the internet for the best way to maintain the gleam and do no harm.  I have purchased multiple buckets, microfibre towels/cloths/mitts, wheel washers, an expensive piece of yellow-coloured plastic called a 'grit guard', some very expensive ph neutral "shampoo", a hose pipe and various stop ends/adaptors (please note, owing to a lack of outdoor tap, I have had to attach this to a first floor shower head and am lacking any significant pressure to the water flow).  

Results have been patchy.  I am finding it difficult to get the grime off the car (even after only one week and 250 miles between washes).  Also, there is something I can feel on the paint after drying that is like a residue, it is not everywhere but it is probably 50-70%.  Also, the windscreen/windows don't seem to come up clean - I hadn't really noticed this because all my travel is done in the dark.  I think I am rinsing well and am wondering can this be a hard water problem?  

Also, does anyone know how these cars leave the showroom paint-wise and is there anything I shouldn't be doing in terms of adding wax/protection at this point? There are such an abundance of products on the market that my head is spinning.  If anyone can recommend an exterior valeter in the south west I may consider subbing this out for the sake of my sanity, however, failing this I am determined to continue striving until I have established a satisfactory method.  I thought I might try waxing this week, but got bogged down in working out how I should go about removing the existing wax beforehand.  Is there a good primer on the net anywhere that is aimed at beginners?  I do not want to run before I can walk so really don't have the bandwidth to be taking in the likes of clay at this point.  What about dry shampooing - would any Lexus owner use this product on his/her pride and joy?  

Thanks in anticipation! 

Marianne

[PaulWhitt20]

Great colour. I got mine Glasscoated before I picked it up and it still shines 5 years later and I don't polish it. Just use glasscoat shampoo and two buckets to wash. Their are paint swirls if you look close but love the shine after a wash.

I would recommend the Glasscoat or another ceramaic coating applied by a professional.

 

[Bounce75]

When I purchased my IS300h pre registered model, I polished it with Autoglym Resin Polish, waxed it with Meguiars  Ultimate Wax & then after every couple of washes I apply Meguiars quick wax to it.

I have found that the bodywork is very slippery now & nothing really seem to stick to it, also it still has that lovely showroom shine & I get lots of comments from people about how clean it always looks.

Maybe worth trying any of these products if you don't want to go down the detailer route yet.

[wharfhouse]

TBH never done anything special with my Mercury Grey IS 300h. It was treated by Lexus when it was new in 2014 with Supagard and I purchased it when it was 2 years old with 40k miles (it had the original Supagard info with it so that's how I know it was done from new). So it's now 7 years old with 108k miles and all I have ever done is wash it occasionally using Autoglym car shampoo (I don't have the time to do it very often - probably no more than 6 times a year). I hose it down first then use a large sponge for the shampoo and lots of water from a hose to rinse, then wipe the windows dry (otherwise I find they dry rather marked from the shampoo - especially the windscreen seems to get a film on it so the wipers don't work too well and streak for a while) and let it dry - I've never yet polished it. It always surprises me how good the paint still looks after a good wash with Autoglym shampoo. There are no swirls but just the occasional light scratches in places from hedges and people pushing by the car and the odd stone chips so I might have a go at touching in and polishing it next year. However, despite the many negative comments about Supagard I have to say can't fault either that product or simply washing with a decent shampoo. I admire those cars that are fully detailed and would love to do that but my car is pretty much work tool so has never had that love and attention.

[Las Palmas]

A new car looks like a new car until it is out on the street.

Some can keep them a bit longer, but I gave up more than 20 years ago.

Wash it in a drive through wash and it looks OK. No longer new, but OK. 20 years ago (or maybe more) tried to keep it like it was when first seeing it in the window among the other new cars.

Keeping a car looking like new is a job for professionals. At least I find time too expensive to try to do it myself.

[hieronymous]

In the life of a car's appearance the No. 1 killer is UV - sunlight. No amount of waxing and polishing over years of ownership will prevent paint deterioration if your vehicle isn't kept undercover. If you don't have a garage, then invest in a UV resistant car cover.

I regularly check my cars for the birds and bees, poo that is, and use a solvent to clean it off; it is quite acidic. Otherwise, just an occasional detergent wash, rinse, and a careful drying with a quality chamois cloth.

I bought 2 Hondas new circa 1990, maintained them as above, and eventually sold both at 24 years. Style-wise, they looked their age, but the paint/panel finish was still gleaming. Despite their age, I got a worthwhile trade-in price for both..

[steve2006]

Regarding low water pressure can you not attach the hosepipe to a cold water tap in the sink or bath, adaptors cost a couple of pounds.

I find snow foam is good for the initial wash, apply it, sponge it around then rinse it off.

Also get a genuine chamois leather not the fake stuff, rinsing in warm water before squeezing out and using helps pliability.

Here’s one of mine having spent 12 years in Japan another 15 years in the UK and garaged.

 

[westo3]

It could have had some kind protective coating which has been poorly applied. Might be an idea too start from scratch and give it a good wash and then clay bar it either with a block or cloth. This should get rid of any previous coatings ( if any) and give you a completely clean uncontaminated surface then apply a couple of coats of good quality polish

[D Johnson]

Hi Steve, it seems I cannot attach the hose to a sink or bath tap since the adaptors do not fit!  I shall need to replace my mixer tap with a variety that will fit around the tap.  There is a jet wash area pretty close to me so I might start going in there for a final rinse in the meantime.

[westo3]

Sorry Marianne just re-read your post and your reluctance to claying. I found using a clay cloth fairly easy to use compared to a block and there are loads of demos on google

[D Johnson]

3 minutes ago, westo3 said:

It could have had some kind protective coating which has been poorly applied. Might be an idea too start from scratch and give it a good wash and then clay bar it either with a block or cloth. This should get rid of any previous coatings ( if any) and give you a completely clean uncontaminated surface then apply a couple of coats of good quality polish

I think you may be right about this, however, having looked at some of the videos on the web I don't feel remotely competent to attempt this at present.  Yesterday, I visited a small business unit that specialises in film and coatings and also do washing and polishing.  I've booked the car in for a wash and basic treatment next week and hopefully they shall be able to advise me and remove anything prior to adding their product.  Also, I am now planning to film the front end and coat the remainder, plus or minus filming the doors (as this is a major source of worry in car parks).  I think he said approx 2k for the film and coat.  I really like the idea of the film and its self-healing properties!  Whole car to film would be c5k and much as I should like to do this, it doesn't seem worthwhile considering the value of the car.  

[Bounce75]

I personally think this is a lot of money to add to the price you have paid for the car & you will never get this back on resale, but of course this is your choice.

I hope you are happy with the results.

[D Johnson]

6 minutes ago, Bounce75 said:

I personally think this is a lot of money to add to the price you have paid for the car & you will never get this back on resale, but of course this is your choice.

I hope you are happy with the results.

Just wondering, do you think that film detracts from the beauty of the finish? If so, by how much?  Or is it just the price you find off-putting?  How much would I spend on 'chips away' type insurances over the next five years of so or on actual professional paint touch up services?  The film is guaranteed for the life of (my) ownership of the vehicle and does add some (maybe small) value on resale.

[Las Palmas]

This is what a full wrap can look like:

I like it.

https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/128344-bored-with-red-so-i-had-it-wrapped/?&page=3#comments

[D Johnson]

2 minutes ago, Las Palmas said:

This is what a full wrap can look like:

I like it.

https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/128344-bored-with-red-so-i-had-it-wrapped/?&page=3#comments

 

Nice!  But was it glossier before the wrap?  Might you have a pic of the front end perchance? 

[Las Palmas]

Just now, D Johnson said:

Nice!  But was it glossier before the wrap?  Might you have a pic of the front end perchance? 

I do not know. Probably, but you have to ask David. It is his car.

[wharfhouse]

IMHO unless it's a particular passion you have for detailing a car, and you are going to really look after it, only use it on nice days, not park in supermarket or work car parks etc. etc. then any car it going to pick up it's fair share of road rash whatever you do. Also the sad fact on today's roads and car parks is that in your ownership there is a significant chance that it will be involved in an accident / dent / scrape of some sort (most likely not you fault) - often when in a (especially supermarket) car park and you are not event there!

I have often started off in the past like you trying to look after a new car but if it's your daily driver (rather than your Sunday special) I think you have to accept accept the fact you can't really protect it from everything. Have it professionally cleaned and coated may be worth doing if it is in excellent condition at the moment as that can provide protection for a good few years from road grime etc. (personally I don't think the film is worth it unless you are trying to wrap for effect) and then wash and polish it if you want to keep it looking reasonable (and wash off bird dirt and tree sap quickly as that can stain - this is where a coating can help), enjoy driving the car and trade it when the time is right - usual wear and tear for it's age doesn't really change what you get for it - at least on a trade-in anyway - maybe in a private sale a little - but even then usually only when it's still quite new unless it's becoming a "classic"...

[D Johnson]

9 minutes ago, wharfhouse said:

IMHO unless it's a particular passion you have for detailing a car, and you are going to really look after it, only use it on nice days, not park in supermarket or work car parks etc. etc. then any car it going to pick up it's fair share of road rash whatever you do. Also the sad fact on today's roads and car parks is that in your ownership there is a significant chance that it will be involved in an accident / dent / scrape of some sort (most likely not you fault) - often when in a (especially supermarket) car park and you are not event there!

I have often started off in the past like you trying to look after a new car but if it's your daily driver (rather than your Sunday special) I think you have to accept accept the fact you can't really protect it from everything. Have it professionally cleaned and coated may be worth doing if it is in excellent condition at the moment as that can provide protection for a good few years from road grime etc. (personally I don't think the film is worth it unless you are trying to wrap for effect) and then wash and polish it if you want to keep it looking reasonable (and wash off bird dirt and tree sap quickly as that can stain - this is where a coating can help), enjoy driving the car and trade it when the time is right - usual wear and tear for it's age doesn't really change what you get for it - at least on a trade-in anyway - maybe in a private sale a little - but even then usually only when it's still quite new unless it's becoming a "classic"...

But it's such a thing of beauty!  Agree it's not possible to protect from everything, however, I am utilising a variety of cunning stratagems to minimise the risks re supermarkets (home delivery; parking in the most unpopular and farther reaches of the car park - this comes with the benefit of adding extra steps to the routine).  Really don't want to tempt the Gods here, but hopefully my chances of being involved in an uninsured loss are somewhat slim.  

On a separate note, nobody is biting on the waterless wash question... 

[westo3]

I would not touch a waterless wash as plenty of water flushes off tiny particles of dirt which wiped over when dry will become abrasive

[wharfhouse]

6 minutes ago, D Johnson said:

But it's such a thing of beauty!  Agree it's not possible to protect from everything, however, I am utilising a variety of cunning stratagems to minimise the risks re supermarkets (home delivery; parking in the most unpopular and farther reaches of the car park - this comes with the benefit of adding extra steps to the routine).  Really don't want to tempt the Gods here, but hopefully my chances of being involved in an uninsured loss are somewhat slim.  

On a separate note, nobody is biting on the waterless wash question... 

Yes I know - but at nigh on 6 decades old unfortunately I've there and done it lots of times so just giving my thoughts from experience. The majority of damage done to my cars over the years has been in car parks - I come back to the car and find a ding or scrape and of course no-one ever leaves a number. I even try parking away from others if I can and still come back to find someone parked next to me despite there being lots of empty spaces...! Anyway, I do know how you feel but I honestly wouldn't get too stressed out about it and accept it's one of the facts of life if this will be your only and regular car. 

[Mincey]

1 hour ago, D Johnson said:

How much would I spend on 'chips away' type insurances over the next five years of so or on actual professional paint touch up services?  

Ah, now then! I think I'm qualified to answer this one 🙂

I took out Club Smartguard on my IS - I think it was about £500-600 at the time. It's them who have been holding up me swapping over to my new car. Part of my trade in deal was to have two scratches and some kerb rash taken care of. I took photos via their app and heard nothing within the promised 24 hours. I called them after 48 hours to discover that I had not taken good enough photos, so I did them again. I still heard nothing so, two days later emailed them. Almost by return I had dates of three weeks hence to do the scratches and early December for the wheel.

My advice is this: don't take out the insurance. Put £15 away each month which I worked out was the price for the SmartGuard thing divided by the 36 months they cover you for. You will then have a pot of money to use to contact Chips Away as necessary, or to blow on nice things if you don't need it. Chips Away react considerably more quickly than SmartGuard do too. Something else to bear in mind too is that SmartGuard give you two annual inspections where for £60 (or £50 as it said in my contract but hey ho) they will repair any number of scratches and so on for you. I was quoted £92 by Chips Away to fix my wheel, had the two scratches buffed out for free and £180 to repair a sizable gouge I made in the back bumper of my wife's Ioniq. Had I been saving the money each month instead of putting the £500-600 down at the start, I'd have had a nice little bonus even after fixing my wife's car.

[LenT]

2 hours ago, D Johnson said:

I think you may be right about this, however, having looked at some of the videos on the web I don't feel remotely competent to attempt this at present.  Yesterday, I visited a small business unit that specialises in film and coatings and also do washing and polishing.  I've booked the car in for a wash and basic treatment next week and hopefully they shall be able to advise me and remove anything prior to adding their product.  Also, I am now planning to film the front end and coat the remainder, plus or minus filming the doors (as this is a major source of worry in car parks).  I think he said approx 2k for the film and coat.  I really like the idea of the film and its self-healing properties!  Whole car to film would be c5k and much as I should like to do this, it doesn't seem worthwhile considering the value of the car.  

Ultimately it depends on how much you are prepared to spend and how much you can do yourself.  I did what you have done and consulted a professional Detailer.  The IS300 is quite a big car and preparation, ceramic coating and film wrap for about £2K is not unreasonable.  I paid almost that, without the wrap, for four days work and have been delighted with the results.

We’ve had accounts here of owners taking their brand new Lexus straight round to a Detailer to have the factory finish ‘corrected’ prior to ceramic coating/wrapping. So you can never start too early.

Incidentally, my Lexus is white, but your red is a much better colour for ceramic coatings and the results could look stunning.  

One comment about wrap.  A really determined stone may make a mark, but remember it also depends on how fast you are driving.  Also the film will recover from small impacts and, of course, can be removed to reveal the immaculate paint finish underneath it.

I see you’ve already resigned yourself to the reality that once you’ve invested in some serious detailing, it’s goodbye to the quick visit to the car wash.  I didn’t think I’d be back washing my cars at my age!

With regard to ChipsAway, they are a franchise so results can vary.  But I managed to kerb two alloys in the first week of ownership - they were hidden by snow, in mitigation - but our local ChipsAway guy did an excellent job of repairing the wheels.  However I realised that in our narrow country lanes ‘kerbing’ could happen again, so I invested in a set of Alloygators.  Now if I see a scuffed rim I think of the money I’ve just saved!

I see you’ve responded to an earlier post regarding dashcams.  Well a front/rear set up could be the best protection your car could have!

Finally, remember you bought it to enjoy it.  These cars are meant to be driven.  They give pleasure to owners and passers-by.  But stuff happens.  Just like real life…

[Adge2376]

2 hours ago, D Johnson said:

But it's such a thing of beauty!  Agree it's not possible to protect from everything, however, I am utilising a variety of cunning stratagems to minimise the risks re supermarkets (home delivery; parking in the most unpopular and farther reaches of the car park - this comes with the benefit of adding extra steps to the routine).  Really don't want to tempt the Gods here, but hopefully my chances of being involved in an uninsured loss are somewhat slim.  

On a separate note, nobody is biting on the waterless wash question... 

Hi mate I have 2016 f sport the same colour as yours and I polish it once a week with Williams Waterless.  Absolutely love the stuff.  My car gleams like new and its relatively effortless, you an use it on the windows and interior surfaces also.  I might add that I am as zealous as you over caring for my vehicle and cannot stand seeing even a bit of grit on the mats lol.  I've used the product on all the family vehicles and can't recommend it highly enough.  My days of water and a chamois leather are firmly behind me.  Several work colleagues having seen the results have become converts too.  Re the doubters who fear any grit present on the paint surface might scratch the paint I can assure you this is very much not the case as it is magically lifted and removed by the microfibre cloth.  You will not see a single 'swirl' on my paintwork.  My kids laugh every birthday and xmas when they ask me what I want and I always ask them to get me some Williams.  Its relatively cheap, around £20 for four litres with five cloths on E bay or amazon.  I know I sound like an advert for the shopping channel mate but honestly its as good as the reviews say it is.  Beads beautifully when it rains.  Try it you wont be sorry.

[D Johnson]

46 minutes ago, Adge2376 said:

Hi mate I have 2016 f sport the same colour as yours and I polish it once a week with Williams Waterless.  Absolutely love the stuff.  My car gleams like new and its relatively effortless, you an use it on the windows and interior surfaces also.  I might add that I am as zealous as you over caring for my vehicle and cannot stand seeing even a bit of grit on the mats lol.  I've used the product on all the family vehicles and can't recommend it highly enough.  My days of water and a chamois leather are firmly behind me.  Several work colleagues having seen the results have become converts too.  Re the doubters who fear any grit present on the paint surface might scratch the paint I can assure you this is very much not the case as it is magically lifted and removed by the microfibre cloth.  You will not see a single 'swirl' on my paintwork.  My kids laugh every birthday and xmas when they ask me what I want and I always ask them to get me some Williams.  Its relatively cheap, around £20 for four litres with five cloths on E bay or Amazon.  I know I sound like an advert for the shopping channel mate but honestly its as good as the reviews say it is.  Beads beautifully when it rains.  Try it you wont be sorry.

Thanks for all the detail, that is just what I am here for!  That Williams stuff sounds great! and I just noticed this is Williams as in Frank Williams?  I don't think they sell it in Halfords (where I'm getting my club discount!) and I wonder if the Meguiars might be an adequate substitute.  I've just spent two hours washing and drying the car and I could definitely see my way to adding a little gloss after some refreshment!  

[Mincey]

49 minutes ago, Adge2376 said:

Hi mate I have 2016 f sport the same colour as yours and I polish it once a week with Williams Waterless.  

Thanks for this - I'm a little lazy when it comes to washing cars. I think my IS has only been washed four times in the time I've had it - twice by myself, and twice by the dealer - once after a service and once after a failed recall. I like the look of this Waterless stuff as getting the hosepipe out is always a pain and my wellington boots don't fit properly. I chose not to have Supaguard or Gard-ex or whatever it's called on my forthcoming ES so this stuff could be just the job. I think I can cope with covering it with this stuff then wiping it off!