Clay Bar - Safe to use all over vehicle?

[ripto]

I will be claying my '12 Focus this Spring, and I've been wondering if it will be safe to use all over the vehicle, and not just on the paint. For example, my windows, the moon roof, the head lights, grille, wheels, etc. Has anyone used it on these surfaces before?

[Sponsor]

[ProSilverVT02]

Clay bars are great for all smooth surfaces of the vehicle.

Like you said, glass, moonroof, headlights, grille and wheels.

Try to avoid rough surfaces, the clay will get caught and tear, as well as it getting stuck on these surfaces. (Think of surfaces similar to rhino lining)

The key to clay barring is to make sure the bar is CLEAN and to use plenty of detailer spray. You don't want to use it on your wheels and then go and use it on the headlights.

Clay bars do not last forever. After many uses they become more difficult to keep clean. So as long as you are aware of how much tar/bugs/road grime you are taking off the car, you should be ok.

Hope this helps.

[ripto]

Awesome, thanks for the info. I can't wait for it to warm up so I can get out there and fully detail the car. I've never clayed before so I'm looking forward to the results.

[Jaketet]

You might be surprised on how much debris is stuck to the paint! You'll get better reflections and it is easier to wash/wax after you clay the car.

[Mile30]

if you drop it in the driveway; it's trash, too.

Don't reuse a bar you drop.

[HCAutoDetail]

One more note of caution, make sure you buy a mild version. Meguiar's labels theirs "Mild" and "Aggressive", and Clay Magic uses "Fine" and "Medium". With either of the latter two versions, you very well may marr your surface slightly causing you to need a light polish to remove the damage.

Since your car is new, the Mild and Fine versions should do the trick. Just don't get to "aggressive" with your pressure. ;)

[ripto]

Thanks for the info guys. I did end up picking up the Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit the other day. Also, I read somewhere that you should NOT do the headlights. ProSilver (or anyone else), would you know why? And yes, if I drop it, I'm chucking it. Will you be able to feel how much pressure you need to apply?

[RonMaiden]

Don't do it on the plastic headlamps as most debris shouldn't adhere on the plastic the same as it does with the paint and the headlamps can be cleaned with a good glass cleaner. Just the paint is really what it's designed for but it will work on glass but I would only clay the glass if you have some stubborn debris on them otherwise just use a regular cleaner. With the wheels if you regularly clean them and take care of them they should never need a clay bar job.
It's mostly the flat surfaces of your car that are collecting the majority of paint damaging contaminants when parked and the crap in the air settles on the car.

With my glass I haven't used cleaner in months and when I'm drying them I use my synthetic Chamois and the windows come out perfectly clean and free of water spots.
I clay my car once a year and am about due here in a month or so.

[ripto]

Gotcha. I'll looks like I'll be sticking to pretty much just the paint.

[popwarhomie]

Use 0000 steel wool for glass.