I've now been the owner of a Tesla Model X for almost 8 months, and during that time I have washed the car AT LEAST once a week with no exceptions (yes, even in sub zero freezing ass Colorado). With that, I feel qualified to give my opinion on what you need, and what you can skip from a product point of view.
I've been a car enthusiast my entire life. I grew up around muscle cars thanks to my dad and his blown 69 Camaro. When I was 25 I was fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to be in a financial position to spend recklessly and purchase a new 2005 C6 Corvette, so i'm no stranger to cars. Last December my wife and I got extra crazy, moved to the city and decided to trade in our Subaru STi and WRX for a brand new Tesla Model X. After I was done freaking the eff out over what I was about to spend on a car, I started researching proper car care. This led me down the path of car wash equipment. I prefer to maintain my own vehicles instead of paying someone else to do it. I think it builds pride in ownership and hopefully sets a good example for my kids at the same time.
My research was clear, a two-bucket car wash setup was the way to go. The second bucket contains a dirt trap that helps prevent paint scratches and other unwanted disasters from ruining your day. Beyond that, you can go online and hear an endless debate between the Meguiars, Chemical Guys, and Adams Car wash camps. Personally, it's all probably about the same quality, in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if one company manufactures most of this stuff for all three companies, so don't be a brand snob, but the general idea remains the same.
Get a dual bucket system, and make sure you have a dirt trap in one of the buckets, that is unless you like scratches in your paint….. You don't, right?
Chemical Guys HOL133 Best Detailing Bucket Kit (5 Items), 16. Fluid_Ounces
The soap gun (whatever they call them), look, maybe it just makes me feel like a pro, but the thing foams like crazy, and the vehicle comes out sparkling after, so i'm sold. Bonus, you can spray your kids and they think it's funny. (Don't forget the gallon size soap)
Get an interior cleaner for general purpose cleaning. I like a flat matte finish rather than high gloss, but that's personal opinion.
For the glass, I'm not convinced one glass cleaner is superior to what you can get in the grocery store. I do however use newspaper on my interior glass for a streak-free clean (I guess newspapers are good for something after all?!?)
Towels…. The waffle towels are my go-to. I use microfiber on the interior of the car, but for the exterior, a pair of large waffle towels are an absolute must. The entire roof of the Model X is glass, so I'm able to quickly run the first towel over the glass, then follow it with the second for a streak-free dry in seconds.
Each company has their version of the butter wax. It's fast to apply and makes subsequent washes easier. You likely can't go wrong with any of them.
Own a Tesla with white interior and afraid you ruined it by wearing those new jeans? Me too, but relax, orange degreaser is going to be your new best friend. Seriously, this stuff is amazing!
Finally, if you are like me, and you are always chasing behind small children that are trying to ruin your beautiful vehicle, having a case to carry the essentials in your car is a nice to have.
With all of the above said, in a couple weeks I'm getting the car wrapped in XPEL Stealth PPF, so stay tuned for my car care tips after that happens.
Don't forget about that sweet time lapse
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