What are the approaches to preserving a car's finish? The old standard is wash and wax. Recently I heard about paint protection and diamond gloss.

My RX-8 salesperson recommended Ziebart; these are approximate results from a phone call with them:
- Wash and Wax, $70
- Paint protection, < $200 to put on, and then $30/year
- Diamond gloss, >$200 to put on, no yearly service

I am OK spending the money if it works and maintains the finish. Any comments on how/if these work, or ways to preserve the finish (those listed above or others), would be appreciated.

Also, what about rust proofing? I haven't used that for my last few cars. In addition to (maybe) protecting the car, I think it reduces road noise; it won't make the car lighter, I don't know if adds significant weight, or if there are other issues.

I plan on keeping the RX-8 long term. I kept my last car 9.5 years. I don't know how long an RX-8 is keep-able. My winter drives include salt and whatever else is put on the roads.

Thanks.

 

I wouldn't trust any kind of protection the dealer sells you, especially for that kind of money. You can buy complete kits (Zaino for example) for well under half the price the dealer is offering his garbage for. It will last you much longer, as well. You'll have more product to put more coats on to keep your finish looking better. I've never heard of Ziebart or Diamond Gloss and cant imagine they outperform Zaino.

Rust proofing doesn't add significant weight, but is a a waste of money, IMO. All newer cars have a rubberized undercoating that should adequetely protect it and I believe Mazda has a 7 or 10 year/unlimited mile corrosion protection package.

 

I am in Michigan where the winters can be cold and the roads have sand, salt, and who knows what else. The car still has the factory wax, and as I was spray wash it, I can see the wax is marginal. I want to know it has a fresh layer of protectio. Even if I could get a good wax/coat job somewhere, I don't like the idea of other people driving, and by moving it twice it may flood.

Anyway its supposed to be 48 F degrees and sunny today, thats a heat wave compared to our recent weather. I will wash and wax early this afternoon in the driveway. At some point I will likely buy Zaino, but I figure the Murray-Zymol that I have now is better than the current wearing thin factory wax. The Zymol wax said not to use in direct sunlight. I wonder if that counts when its 48 F outside?

LOL: lets see, I just start it up, back it out, and turn it off; no way that could flood the engine!

2:35 PM, Its washed, dried, waxed, looks much better, and finally has a fresh coat of protection.