I've had my 05 GTO for 3 weeks now. In that 3 weeks, all I've seen are rain, snow, sand, salt, and mud in this area. We finally had a nice day in central PA yesterday. It was the first opportunity I've had to get some protection on my 3 week old GTO. So, I seized the opportunity.
I used a car soap (Meguiars) & synthetic polymer "wax" (Meguiars NXT). I'm not a "clay bar, carnuba, toothbrush" dweeb. It's a car! I own it. It does not own me. I bought the synthetic because it's supposed to be easy on, easy off, leave no white residue on black trim, and offer good protection. I just want to get the finish protected and get back to enjoying the car. Well, I'm happy to report that it works as advertised. I've used synthetics before and this one didn't seem all that different with the exception that it really didn't leave any white residue on flat black trim or rubber gaskets.
Another advantage with synthetics is the fact that you can wax the entire car before coming back to wipe it down. I probably waited and hour before I started wiping down the section I started. No problems.
I used the syn wax on the wheels too. I knew the GTO wheels were painted but that was the first time I noticed that the silver paint was metallic. I'd almost call it metalflake. It does give a nice effect when cleaned up. I like painted wheels. Aluminum or chrome will oxidize in time (yes they will). Paint seems to do much better.
Even with my non-obsessive approach, the whole process took about 4 hours by the time I rain-x'd the glass, treated the leather, wiped down the interior, and siliconed the tires. I thought this small car would be easy!
I used a car soap (Meguiars) & synthetic polymer "wax" (Meguiars NXT). I'm not a "clay bar, carnuba, toothbrush" dweeb. It's a car! I own it. It does not own me. I bought the synthetic because it's supposed to be easy on, easy off, leave no white residue on black trim, and offer good protection. I just want to get the finish protected and get back to enjoying the car. Well, I'm happy to report that it works as advertised. I've used synthetics before and this one didn't seem all that different with the exception that it really didn't leave any white residue on flat black trim or rubber gaskets.
Another advantage with synthetics is the fact that you can wax the entire car before coming back to wipe it down. I probably waited and hour before I started wiping down the section I started. No problems.
I used the syn wax on the wheels too. I knew the GTO wheels were painted but that was the first time I noticed that the silver paint was metallic. I'd almost call it metalflake. It does give a nice effect when cleaned up. I like painted wheels. Aluminum or chrome will oxidize in time (yes they will). Paint seems to do much better.
Even with my non-obsessive approach, the whole process took about 4 hours by the time I rain-x'd the glass, treated the leather, wiped down the interior, and siliconed the tires. I thought this small car would be easy!