Will it actually take out the knicks and small scratches? I was cleaning off squished bugs (year round job down here) and found a couple of pitted spots.

 

FondaFit... Sorry about your BIG bugs!!
There are two products in the Zaino line: Z-5 for the swirl marks, spider webbing type of scratch and Z-PC which is a mild abrasive for deeper scratching. I would fill pits / nicks over 1/16" deep with a paint or clear coat product. I've used clear nail polish as a substitute for touch-up paint, when something is better than nothing at all.
For a great reference on Zaino and detailing / paint care, see www.lazaino.com and consider calling them. Really nice folks who enjoy answering questions about protecting your car's finish.

 

I really don't want to do the million step Zaino method. I tried it with my first car for about two years, but I can't keep cleaning it that way every other week. It takes up half a day for me.

What are some minimal step methods to maintaining a long lasting luster on my brand new Fit?

 

The million step method is only done 3-4 times a year depending on how exposed your car to the elements.

WHen my paint is really dirty, here's what I do:

-Wash
-Clay bar
-3 step method Meguiars

Thats about it. I just wash the car everyweek and use the meguiars quick detailing spray to conserve the wax.

If you feel your point doesnt have that gloss and/or its sandy, time to clay bar again.

 

The touch up paint code for Storm Silver is part # 08703-NH642MAH-PM and Bernardi Honda has it if you send them an email asking for it at http://www.bernardiparts.com.

I just ordered some there myself.

 

C2: Thanks for the reply. During the every week wash, what brand products do you use? How long does it take?

 

I use the MEguiars GOld Class car wash soap, then I use their quick detailing spray. IMO some people prefer other products, but IMO this works for me.

 

2 step cleaning -

1) wash car
2) dry car - RIGHT AWAY

Afterwards, if you want a real quick spray everything and make it shinny (metal / chrome / wheels/tires) try Honda one step "Spray Polish Cleaner"!!!!

 

My cleaning maintenance on my Fit:
1. Carwash at least once in 10 days.
2. Waxing using Mothers Reflections at least once in 45-60days.
3. Have my car cleaned in detailed once a year.
*my car cleaning method always involves the interior, underchassis and the engine bay.*

 

Anybody using the two bucket system to wash where you keep one with soap and another to rinse your mit or whatever before you go back into the soap bucket to cut down on the dirt and dust you introduce into to soap? I read a reference to this somewhere, just can't remember where.

 

Bernardi's price is good, but how much did you pay for shipping? Adding that puts it at about $16. The dealer can order it and will sell it to me for a little over $8 total.

 

I was charged 5.76 for the shipping on my touch up paint. But if it's cheaper to get it from your dealer then I would go there. But I would figure in driving time and gas into that equation too.

 

One thing about the Honda paint is that they really suck big time. It's really thin and the "orange peels" are so bad that sometime I do wonder how can Honda do that to all of us.

My car has like thousands of chips on the front bumper and the hood. Just can't wait to do a respray soon.

As for car care I stick by Meguair's NXT range. Wonderful stuff I must say... especially on dark colours.

 

I use foam car shampoo with wax. Then dry the car, I use a big waffle weave microfiber towel & air compressor to blow excess water away. Then polish it using a car wax.

 

when the car is nicely waxed water is fine. when it is not dish soap works. rinse the rag or sponge ( sponges are not the best) frequently. and do it when the metal is cool out of direct sunlight. The dish soap removes the wax.

 

Since it's new, Just wash then dry then Wax.

No million steps necessary yet! Factory polish and luster is there! Just wax it to seal it in! Keep that factory look!

 

you should use a soap designed to wash your car with. dish soap tends to be too harsh, and removes your wax protection, also can dryout trim/paint. Meguiars NXT wash is a good car wash soap to use.

also you shouldnt use a sponge to wash your car with, as they tend to trap dirt and hold it against your paint and cause marring and scratching. I recomend useing a real wool washmit made from sheepskin.

for drying i recomend a waffle weave microfiber towl.

 

I've been using Meguiar's products for years, so I can vouch for their stuff. I use the NXT car wash liquid with a nice California Car Wash mitt. I find those longer lasting and holds suds the best. For drying, I use a California Water Blade and The Absorber rag for finishing touches. Detailing, I use NXT tire spray, Speed Detailer and Glass Cleaner(however, I use a microfiber cloth to clean windows dry first if I can). For waxing, I use the NXT wax. I also use the Meguiar's Claybar, but I have also used extensively the Mother's Claybar kit. Oh, and I use the yellow microfiber cloths from CostCo. When I dust, I use the California dash and outside dusters.

 

Nice to see someone else uses Zaino. I have used it on my mr2 since I got it. It has a great deep shine. It shows off because it is dark green and shine looks really deep.

I did my red fit and looks and feels really smooth. I have four coats of z2 on it. That should last a good long time. It also gives a great uv level of protection to your car. After reading about Hondas thin layer of paint it seemed very appropiate.

RJM161....Once you use the ZFX additive you no longer need to use z1 base coat.

 

I am curious as to how long before you first washed your Fit ? Also how long did it take (excluding waxing). ?

For me it was 1 week as I was out of town. And it took me about 2 hours as I opened the doors, hatch, and hood and wiped up all of the exess water.