New Fit owner. Paint protection?

[gordholio]

Hey everyone. My name is Gord, and I'm a Fit addict.

Seriously though, I've wanted a Fit ever since I first read about it four years ago as the Jazz/Fit in Europe and Asia, and I've researched the heck out of it ever since. The good news is that we finally got one in the family last week -a 2009 Fit Sport MT in Blackberry Pearl. The bad news? It's my girlfirend's car. Grr.

Anyhow, just wondering if there's anything you guys and gals do to protect the paint? I was thinking about getting some high-end car wax. Can anyone suggest a really good wax or an alterntate methodology? Or do I need to do anything at all?

Now I'm off to Home Depot to buy some gutter guard to protect that radiator! :-)

Take care.

Gord

[niko3257]

3M film would be your best bet for the front end.
then a nice coat of wax for the rest of the car. i use zymol.

[jquan23]

Wax / polish to keep the majority of the paint fresh. after a year or so, you can try clay bar to pull off old wax / particulates that get left on the surface of your clear coat.

There is also hood deflectors to help keep rock chips off the surface of your hood.

What niko3257 said, the 3M clear bra helps. My friend's s2k has this, and it helps out a lot. But you will have to eventually change it every other year to prevent coloration.

[goredox]

I just put my 3m clear bra on tonight. It took me over two hours. I've never done it before. I ended up having to trim it down because I stretched it beyond the upper sides. I think it will help prevent hood dings while drafting. I bought it off ebay.

[Type 100]

Yeah the clearbra will definitely help on long drives. Honda paint is notoriously thin and it's very easy to get stone chips on long journeys.

My front bumper has lots of acne on its lower portion due to little rocks acting like birdshot on highway drives

[cab0053]

Autopia - Autopia Home


it is all that is awesome

[dman]

I have Venture Shield, which is similar to 3M, and it has saved my hood from rock chips numerous times. I did get a minor dent though, but no paint damage!

[Shockwave199]

Wouldn't you know, the second week I'm driving my new fit and they decide to do major paving projects around here. You know the sound of thousands of little rocks bouncing off your car as you're driving over them- like loose gravel? And you know it's from a fresh road tar job? I almost cried when it happend. Got out to see nothing- no problems. Amazing. And the roads are done now, so it's smooth sailing. But that'll make you stop and think!

Dan

[Revelie]

As far as protecting your paint, the first thing I would recommend is washing then clay baring the entire car to get the wax off. Then go back and give your fit some wax it deserves: Zymol Titanium. It's a wonderful wax that adds depth and provides excellent protection. Clear bra for the front to protect from stones and you're gold. Just make sure to keep a nice coat of wax on the car.

[qbmurderer13]

I recomend using a synthetic sealant underneath the wax for the most protection. It will extend the life of your wax and look great.

My sealant of choice is Duragloss Awuawax. Its a spray on and wipe off sealant that looks amazing and is very easy to use. Won't stain trim and lasts up to 6 months on a well prepped surface.

As for wax try P21 100%. It is the best wax out there period. Its very inexpensive also.

Stay away from Meguiars NXT and the teal bottle of Zymol.

Also clay bar your car before you do any of this to give the protection a better surface to bond too. Clay bar at least once a year after that.

Of course if your looking for protection from rocks then get a clear bra.

[DatFIT]

3m clear bra nuff said =]