I bought a used 2007 LS that is Labrador Black. It seems that if I even look at the car funny, it gets scratched. Of course, these scratches show up very well against the black paint! I've already spent a couple of hours with Quixx (the stuff that Consumer Reports found to be the best scratch remover) and lots of arm power, but several of the scratches are too deep to just buff out And, it seems every time I look at the car I see a new scratch or ding.

Do any of the polymer coatings out there help reduce scratching? I just have Megiuar cleaner wax on the car right now, I was wondering if something like Meguiar NXT Generation Tech Wax helps at all. I know it won't help with severe scratches caused by things like my husband leaning his bike against the car (bad husband!) but might it help cut down on some of the scratching?

 

I've used Meguiar's NXT on my 08 ES from the beginning and I only have one small scratch that most likely was caused by a rock hitting the car. The NXT does create a very slick surface so it may help some if a small rock hits with a glancing blow, but its not going to protect on a direct hit.

Also I only hand wash my outtie because the brushes at car washes can cause swirls and scratches especially if small rocks or grit gets caught in the brushes from previous cars then end up scratching your car when it goes through. Don't know if you use car washes, but if you do that may be a big part of the problem.

Finally keep in mind that darker color cars will show scratches and swirls more than lighter color cars.

 

Thanks!

I'm washing the car by hand. I'll try the NXT wax next time I wax.

 

One other thing I didn't mention in my first post. Some members on this forum have said it seems because of the body style of the outlander it is more prone to getting dings and chips in the paint from rocks, sand, salt, etc you may drive through. Mud flaps do seem to help some from having these things thrown up on the side of the car.

I'm lucky living in Phoenix because it doesn't snow so I don't have to worry about driving through all the crap on the roads in winter.

 

One of the biggest sources of light scratches is from washing. I get more of the swirls over summer when I wash it every week or two versus winter where I'm lucky to get it through a machine a couple times

You're not going to avoid it..just take steps to minimize or correct it.

If you must use an automatic, use only the touchless type.

Use a quality soap, it's seriously not worth skimping. I like Meguiars Gold Class, NXT, or Duragloss wash, i have some Poorboys stuff that seems pretty good too

Use a good washing mitt. Something like Sheepskin or I use a microfiber dreaded looking thing...don't use the same mit to wash your wheels or tires.

Rinse your mit often and agitate it well to remove any dirt. Don't let your mit hit the bottom of your bucket, or get a grit guard

I'd also consider investing in a machine and using a polish or cleaner wax (or even your scrach remover)..you can seriously spend anywhere from 20 to 200 bucks..obviously you can accomplish more with the heavier duty stuff.

Wax may prevent and hide some very minor swirls.

 

You need a good coat of wax or polish to prevent the scratches. I recommend Zaino products.

 

I've been reading quite a bit of good stuff about the Zaino products, as I read some recommendations for them elsewhere. Looks like their routine is a bit more complicated, but luckily I find waxing the car relaxing :>)

I've been washing the car entirely by hand, but the last owner swirled it up quite a bit- be interesting to try the Zaino products that are supposed to take care of the swirls and see if they work!