I recently said goodbye to my 2010 cx7 and purchased a 2024 cx5 on November 3, rhodium metallic white. Is there a waiting period to wash a brand new car, whether by hand or taking to it to car wash? I live in NJ so washing my car by hand in the winter months is not an option. I will also take suggestions of when I can wash at home by hand, what products and cloth type is most recommended. I've seen waterless cleaners for cars but not sure if that is a great option. I appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks!|

 

Welcome to the forum

When its dirty you wash it. No time period. You have to remember it is already almost a year old from the time it was manufactured.
I don't use a car wash and hand wash mine only.
As for what to use EVERYONE has their own preferences. I suggest for that you go do some research about HOW-TO wash your new vehicle from suppliers of car detailing products.

Don't forget if you travel on roads that are treated during the winter months to at least rinse off your suspension and Chassi and by all means come summer wash the engine.

Here is my thread showing a few times washing all of the above that I mentioned as well products I prefer. There is nothing you can harm by washing your new MAZDA and keeping it clean!
Lots more pictures
Mazda3 Things I like to do - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums

 

Same with me, hand washing in winter is not a possibility here either.
I use touchless car wash systems only, though they can be closed too, if temperatures are too low.
The only thing that "touches" your car is liquid and air and the chemicals in the wash/wax fluids.
All I would advise to ask what the car wash uses for cleaners, soaps, waxes.
A reputable one will tell you exactly what they use, and then you can make the determination if those are suitable for your vehicle or not.

 

I am not endorsing this business, and my only experience is from friends that like to use them, having seen a good selection of their products I can at least comment that their products are not bad for the DIY.

Holiday Gift Guide | Chemical Guys

My go to for clearing supplies that are great quality is Protect -it, which supplies many car wash business and dealerships in CA.

Protect It Inc.

 

Bought my 2024 Carbon Edition 5 weeks ago. Had PPF put on full hood, front bumpers and fenders 2 weeks ago. No more autcar washes for me, hand wash or touchless only. With the PPF the water rolls right off. Easiest washing ever.

 

Make sure you do the proper care of the PPF. If you did not get the care how to you should get it from the company that installed it.

 

Thanks. Cost me $1K so I certainly did that!

 

Yup that's about right! $$$ 15 years ago we use to cover those areas and side mirrors and the first 3 inches of the top just above the windshield and it was 750+ then using 3m