Should I Wax My Truck, Or Pay Someone?

[smoak352]

My truck is about 2 weeks old and being black I really think I should get a coat of wax on it. I have waxed many vehicles and every time I do it I remember thinking I am going to pay someone next time. Well I can have it waxed at a very professional family owned business for $60. Would you pay someone or just bite the bullet?

[huero626]

I would do it myself, then again I try doing all the work on my truck.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Speaking as someone who is a professional detailer, I say give the business to a fellow pro!

[5-0stank]

Depends what you are getting done. If you are just getting a basic hand wax for 60 bux, I say do it yourself. If they are gonna claybar and polish w/ a buffer or something, then it might be worth it.

[GPSilverado]

My own opinion is to do it yourself. I use Turtlewax ICE on my truck, and it is super easy to use. So far the results have been way better than I expected. But then again, my truck is white, so that may make a difference.

 

I once had a new black truck, and let a detail shop clean it several times, always telling them that I didn't want a machine buffer to ever touch my black truck. But then one day they used a buffer on it, and I could never get the swirl marks out of it. They were not bad, but if you looked, you could find them. With black, I always try to hand wash only (myself) and hand wax. In fact, the clear coat finish may make the black much easier now than then.

 

I am sure there are detail shop guys that do a very good job, and the technology has changed with machine buffing quite a bit since the mid-80's, so just make sure you know what quality of work the detail shop does before handing over your black vehicle you choose to go that route.

[brandon_guzzo]

I am also a detailer and I would say if it is just a coat of wax to tackle it yourself but if you want it claybared or polished I'd leave it to a detailed to do...

[fcknmaw]

Stimulate the economy

[Stevens03]

Stimulate the economy

 

$60 is cheap enough.

[illMATTic]

Do it yourself. You will have plenty of wax for a couple apps. Then, spend a portion of the $60 on beers.

[Stex]

I would do it myself and at the least clay bar the hood, top and front fenders to get the rail dust off. Seems if you mention zaino around here some fluff up but their web site has some info on how to do a good clean and wax…you can use what ever product you like…

 

now if they are going to clay the truck and wax for 60 and know what they are doing I might go for it even maybe 80-100 with clay and good wax…but if you have the time, like said above, you can save some serious brew money and enjoy a job well done..…

[takevin]

I do everything on my truck, get the satisfaction of doing it myself right and how i want it done. Might as well as ask to have someone pump your gas, drive your truck etc

[chev1guy]

In my opinion, do it yourself.

[Luvbelly]

With a cold beverage, some good music, and decent weather this can be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Other benefits of doing it yourself include a bit of exercise and there is no better way to get a close up inspection of your ride. I agree that for more in depth work (buff, etc.) a professional may be appropriate but not for the day to day stuff.

[vikinghogue]

If you know how to wax fairly well then do it your self, if not I would just take it somewhere and have it done since they do it all the time. I waxed my truck 1 time and the last time I'll do that its a big truck and there is a few places around here that will hand wax it for 35

[Spurshot]

If your truck has set outdoors on the dealer's lot for a significant time, it may have contaminants inbedded in the paint. Wash it and run your hand over the paint on the hood. If you feel a little roughness, it has contaminants in the paint surface. The best way to get it out is claying. Claying, polishing, and waxing is the basic process to a finish. My local place does it for $130. I don't do this work anymore.