Last wax before winter

[indianapolisX5]

Those of us in the midwest have been lucky to have a few days in the mid-70's this week - more than likely the last of fall. I took the opportunity to get one last good coat of wax on the X before things turns cold and nasty. With snow and salt not far off, thought I'd show what I do to get the truck ready for winter and ask everyone else to share their pre-winter paint rituals as well.

After a good wash, clayed all the painted surfaces before using a machine orbital to polish all around. Followed up with a layer of Griots Best of Show Wax with the orbital, which I let sit for a few hours then applied another layer right on top of the first. I let it sit overnight and used Griots Speed Shine the next morning to help loosen up and remove the dried-on wax residue with micro fiber cloths. Of course I do all of this on cool paint in the shade of my garage. The results are great - I've had a lot of luck using Griots products over the years and the Jet Black just seems to look better, deeper, and clearer after every detail. Only thing that upsets me is that this is the best it will look until the first warm days of spring!

Thought I'd share a few pics. She turns 10 in January and is running strong with just over 103,000 miles.

[Naz24]

sounds amazing, looks like the pictures didnt upload

[cfmistry]

Looks great, especially for 10 years old! I need to give Griot's products a try - how do you like their interior cleaners?
-Cyrus

[Naz24]

wow looks amazing. so you left the wax to sit overnight? thats an interesting strategy. i may try it with my ReJex..

may i suggest putting some armor-all on your black trim? it will really bring everthing together

[Brit6]

Black wow seems to be the favorite!

Awesome job on the detailing though

Originally Posted by Naz24

wow looks amazing. so you left the wax to sit overnight? thats an interesting strategy. i may try it with my ReJex..

may i suggest putting some armor-all on your black trim? it will really bring everthing together

[Leucadia]

Looks amazing. Need to do that myself. The DOT where you live doesn't salt the roads, do they? Griots is a great product and a favorite with the Porsche 911 crowd as well. Is she sapphire or true black?

[MINIz guy]

Swirl-free finish. You've got a good range of products to work with. I've got to do the same soon. It is getting below 40F in the mornings now.

[indianapolisX5]

Thanks for the compliments, guys.
Cyrus: Griots Interior Cleaner works really well - doesn't leave behind any greasy residue and is odorless. Their Leather Care Spray is also nice - cleans and leaves a nice subtle finish and fresh leather scent. Would definitely recommend giving their products a try. Speed Shine is an awesome & versatile product - probably my favorite that they make. They sell small 8oz spray bottles if you just want to sample.
Naz: I picked up this wax tip from a pro detailer a few years ago. He recommended leaving the wax to "set up" on the paint for at least 3 hours before buffing it out, and ideally overnight for best results. Evidently this allows the clear coat to really absorb all of the moisture from the wax and leaves a great layer of protection and an amazing finish. After so many hours, the residue can be a pain to remove, but a quick spray of Speed Shine (or some distilled water) makes it a breeze.
Leucadia: Local DOT has switched over to calcium chloride for snow & ice melt in recent years, but private crews in mall & work parking lots and neighborhoods (my own included) still spread salt when it gets slick. Undoubtedly some of it gets thrown up in our wheel wells and onto lower painted surfaces, which is why I even wax my door jambs and wheels
Have fun getting your rides cleaned up for winter, guys. We'll be putting the all wheel drive to use before we know it!

[nsense]

Great work man! I do the same ritual every november and almost the same products. well, my x5 hibernates the whole winter season. It never leaves my garage. I have my toyota 4-runner as a work car/all weather car, the x is my weekend fun car. guess I'll wait til spring. cheers!

[Cisc0]

Great job on your waxing. I took advantage of the 65 degree NYC weather today and did the same thing:

Wax On:

Wax Off: