Just followed David's instructions for wash, clay, FI2, AIO, SG (and will wax after one or two more SG coats). More work than I anticipated (8 hours!) but got good results. I see David recommends SG every 6 mo, wax every 1 mo. What about clay and AIO? Do I need to FI2 on any kind of interval, or just when the swirls become apparent?

Thanks,

Kyle

Just followed David's instructions for wash, clay, FI2, AIO, SG (and will wax after one or two more SG coats). More work than I anticipated (8 hours!) but got good results. I see David recommends SG every 6 mo, wax every 1 mo. What about clay and AIO? Do I need to FI2 on any kind of interval, or just when the swirls become apparent?

Thanks,

Kyle
Kyle,

Do a full detail 2x a year. That being, wash, clay, FI2(if necessary), AIO, SG, wax. Skip the FI2 step if you don't have swirls.

David.

Just followed David's instructions for wash, clay, FI2, AIO, SG (and will wax after one or two more SG coats). More work than I anticipated (8 hours!) but got good results. I see David recommends SG every 6 mo, wax every 1 mo. What about clay and AIO? Do I need to FI2 on any kind of interval, or just when the swirls become apparent?

Depends on your area. If you have alot of pollution or rail dust, then you'll probally have to clay more often. FI2 only when you need to, AIO will remove any oxidation, but is not always necessary to always reapply if you maintain the SG layer. I'd say in Chicago, you'll need to do a full detail every spring (including claying and probally FI2 after all the salt and dirt of winter), definately replenish the SG layer prior to winter (you may wish to do AIO then, but it'll depend on how good the car looks/feels - remember AIO will strip the SG layers).

You can detail your car as needed, factor in your environment and certain unavoidable instances. A good schedule for me, living in the Bay Area, CA, is every Spring and just before Winter. Spring detail (March) keeps your car looking good through the sunny Summer season, while late Fall detail (November) revitalizes exterior protection during the rainy/snow Winter season.

do you drive the car through the winter? I think this is a major concern for us northern guys because of the road salt and sand that is applied. Maybe you should do more washing and waxing during the winter months if you drive the car?