Ask AutoLavish! Answers to your car care questions...

[J1000]

I don't see a reason to choose the more expensive cover. You could always buy the cheaper one and use $15 in 3M ScotchGard and likely get the same result. Careful with the cover though: you have something sitting directly next to your clear coat, so any dirt or even light dust will be trapped against the surface; any rubbing will result in micro-marring / swirls. Make sure it's only used when the car is super clean as it's hard to clean a giant car cover.

Gotchya; thanks!

[Marc@AutoLavish]

No prob and goodluck!

[jetice91]

Hey Marc, thanks for being so open to the community!

I just had my car painted and am starting cut/buffing soon and want your opinion on pads and compounds. I have an orbital Makita right now that I plan to use for the heavy work, and am looking into a Porter Cable kit to finish it off (http://www.autogeek.net/hk7424.html) Which pads would you recommend I get? Also, I have used Megs compounds in the past and have access to them locally. Are they good products or would you recommend a different company? Thanks!

p.s. I can waste hours reading through your guys' articles

[Marc@AutoLavish]

Hey Marc, thanks for being so open to the community!

I just had my car painted and am starting cut/buffing soon and want your opinion on pads and compounds. I have an orbital Makita right now that I plan to use for the heavy work, and am looking into a Porter Cable kit to finish it off (http://www.autogeek.net/hk7424.html) Which pads would you recommend I get? Also, I have used Megs compounds in the past and have access to them locally. Are they good products or would you recommend a different company? Thanks!

p.s. I can waste hours reading through your guys' articles

Hey there!
Sorry for the delay in my response to begin. I'm glad to hear you're trying to do your research to save money, time, and achieve better results.
To keep things to the point and basic, here's my advice on your situation.

Polishes I'd recommend from the highest cut to the least cut: 3M Extra Cut Rubbing Compound, Meguiar's 105, Meguiar's 205, 3M Ultrafine Machine Polish.
Pads needed: Wool, Surbuf, Orange, White, Black, Blue
If you're in need of sanding disks, Abralon is hard to beat: http://www.buffdaddy.com/abralon/discs
Chances are you'd be good with 3000, but might need as much as 1000, 2000, 3000, and maybe even 4000 depending on what you're doing.

Meguiar's has been making quality products for years, and now they're owned by 3M. Two brands combined that I could do an entire car with without an issue if I had to.
Make sure to read thi thread if you haven't: http://www.motownmuscle.com/forums/s...y-Makita-9227C

I hope this helps and feel free to ask more questions if you have them

[jetice91]

Thanks for the reply, I well definitely look into everything you mentioned

[Marc@AutoLavish]

Thanks for the reply, I well definitely look into everything you mentioned

For sure and good luck!

[Scooter70]

Marc,
I just bought a new truck and want to give the paint some protection for the upcoming winter. What do you suggest I do to give it some protection and keep it shiny during the long Detroit winter?

[Overboost]

Blackfire Wet Diamond. Hands down my favorite LSP out there right now. I know Marc is more versed on the stuff, but I'll throw in my vote right now.

[NVR2FST]

Hey Marc -

My new used car has suede inserts in the seats (light colored), what's the best way to clean them? Thanks!

[Marc@AutoLavish]

Marc,
I just bought a new truck and want to give the paint some protection for the upcoming winter. What do you suggest I do to give it some protection and keep it shiny during the long Detroit winter?

Blackfire Wet Diamond. Hands down my favorite LSP out there right now. I know Marc is more versed on the stuff, but I'll throw in my vote right now.

Good call Steve. The important thing is to break down exactly what Overboost recommended and why.

Synthetic products (sealants is the proper term) offer better long term durability, more slickness, and an easier application than traditional waxes. A product like Blackfire Wet Diamond would be highly recommended as it actually has a shot at lasting the Winter, while most waxes would likely wear off before Winter ended.
In addition, a product like a quality sealant can be applied in multiple thin layers to increase its protective properties slightly. While you won't get double durability, you will have a more uniform layer of protection that will wear (degrade) more evenly.