Hey everyone... I just joined this forum because I just bought my first car - a 2011 Black Granite Metalic Malibu LT1. I got the chrome grille, door handles and exhaust tip added, and I want to really make sure that I keep the outside looking crisp and shiny. But I've only had it a week and due to the winter weather it's already real dirty... Anyone have any advice? Is having a black car really as bad as some people say? I have a feeling I'm going to end up driving myself crazy.

Welcome to CMF!

I had an '09 BMG. I always took it through the touchy car wash (not touchless - they don't get the dirt off). Yes, it leaves swirl marks. Last summer I did the clay bar, ScratchX, and SwirlX, then waxed it. (Took 6 hours.) It made the car look better than new!

I now have an '11 RJT (see sig). I take it through the touchy ones as well. This spring or summer I'll do the clay, ScratchX, SwirlX, wax treatment on this one.

Just be sure to get the under-body sprayer every once in a while. If you have access to a hose and driveway (I don't) you can do a lot of this yourself.

Head over to the User CP and get a signature made up. Include a pic, too!

Thanks for the advice. I think I might take it through a car wash soon, I just wanted to make sure if i did that a few times before summer it wouldn't ruin the finish. I've never driven a black car before so it's all new to me. After I get the snow and salt off I will post a picture.

Moving this to the New Member section. This doesn't belong in How-To.

Welcome to the forums, non the less.

Ok no problem, I'm still trying to learn my way around the site. I'm still waiting on my grill, handles and exhaust tip - the dealer had to order them and they should be in soon. Can't wait. Now if it would just stop snowing/raining....