Ask-A-Pro: First steps on protecting a new vehicle
by Chad RaskovichMike asks the DI team about the proper steps to take on protecting the exterior of his new car.
Hi – i took delivery of a brand new 2010 328 (black) this week. What would you suggest for the first step on protecting the exterior. I want to start out on the right foot.
Thanks – Mike
Hello Mike,
Let me first start by saying congratulations on the purchase of you new car!
Since we don’t know what the dealer did during the new car prep, I suggest first starting with a thorough car wash, being sure to mix the car soap at a paint-prep ratio. This step should remove any previously applied wax or glaze by the dealer. Next you will want to clay bar your vehicle’s finish using a fine-grade clay bar and a good spray detailer for lubrication. Claying will remove any bonded surface defects from you paint and will ensure a clean surface for your choice of paint protection to bond with. Finally, you will want to apply either a natural wax or synthetic sealant of your choice for paint protection. While there are many good waxes and sealants to choose from, I have found Blackfire Wet-Diamond to be the best all around paint protectant. It’s easy to apply and remove, gives great depth and gloss, unmatched slickness, priced well, and has great durability.
For your exterior plastic and rubber trim I suggest using something like 303 Aerospace Protectant. It leaves a low gloss with a non-greasy feel and offers great UV protection. 303 is also great on tires but if you want a little more gloss you can try something like Blackfire Long lasting Tire Gel. Optimum Metal polish will work great for keeping your cars exhaust tips looking new. Since BMW’s are known for accumulating a lot of brake dust on their wheels, I’d also suggest a thorough cleaning of the wheels and then protecting them with some Opti-Seal. This will help protect the wheels finish and it should make them much easier to clean during your routine washings.
I hope this helps, and if you have any additional comments or questions, please submit them in the comment box below. Thank you!
Hi Mike,
I’ll also say congratulations on your new car!
One thing that would be especially good on that car is to seal the “B-pillars” between the front and rear side windows. It’s made of a material (black anodized aluminum?) that seems terrifically porous, so oil from hand-prints soaks right in. I wish I had known – I would have sealed mine up good (Opti-seal or a good wax) from the start and not had to deal with removing the smudges left by passengers.
Come Spring, I’ll be trying again to remove fingerprint oil that has soaked into anodized aluminum (tips are welcomed)! The good news is that sealant/wax seems to hide the smudges temporarily.
Best of luck!
-Eric H.
Columbus, OH