I just got a 2014 FR-S...
and it's pretty nice and new inside and out. I'd like to keep it that way as much as possible. What newer car protection products have you guys had success with?
Some stuff I'm thinking of using: Scotchgard on the upholstery, 303 Aerospace protectant on the interior plastics, fluid film on the undercarriage, and I'm considering clear plasti-dip to make sort of a disposable bra. I don't really have much experience with any of these, but I've heard good things.
Plus one on the 303. I like 3M clear film on wheel opening trailing edges and rockers. Haven't tried plasti-dip bra yet but prolly should, bulk film is too busy to work with.
Yeah, maybe I'll do a thread on the plasti-dip bra. Do some updates to see how it holds up. A six-pack of plasti-dip clear is in the mail!
WeatherTech (or Husky?) fitted floor mats, the kind that go up the sides of the footwells.
Here's all the protective stuff I have on my truck:
Fluid film on the underside (applied annually)
Weathertech floor liners
Mud flaps
Rear inner fender liners (probably mostly a pickup truck thing)
Clear plastic film covers for the headlights to keep them from yellowing
Menzerna Power Lock paint sealant
303 Aerospace on the rubber and plastic parts
In reply to Tom_Spangler:
Ooh, forgot to mention, I have OEM mud flaps in the mail. I thought about big rally armor ones, but they seem like they must be terribly un-aerodynamic.
I think inner fender liners is a p/u thing, but that reminds me that's probably a primary spot for fluid film.
Would a paint clear coat work on headlights? Right now used OEM FR-S headlights are so cheap (lots of popular aftermarket ones) maybe I should just buy an extra pair and put them in the basement. Ditto for taillights.
I've heard of paint sealant, but never really looked into it. Is it something I can apply myself without any major risk?
And thanks for the weathertech suggestion guys, I'm perusing my options on Amazon now, anyone ever heard of this company?
http://amazon.com/3D-MAXpider-Custom-All-Weather-Select/dp/B00IBOKTTO/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1453254537&vehicle=2014-91-21599-20--7-6-7-19613-3237-1-1-3698--2-0&sr=1-1&ymm=2014%3Ascion%3Afr-s
I bought those exact floor mats for by 2015 BRZ, and I highly recommend them. They don't get slick when wet, contain a good amount of mess and clean up really well.
I bit the bullet and had Xpel paint protectant film applied to the front of the car, headlights, hood, door edges, etc. it cost a decent amount, but with the commute mile I do, I felt like it was worth it.
I also use the 303 protectant on all the plastic bits, and chemical guys paint sealant around the rest of the car.
Paint sealant or wax will be your friend in keeping the car look new. From a detailing perspective I would do 3 things, was the car with the 2 bucket method, clay bar it, then apply sealant. My personal preference is to wax after sealant because the sealant in Texas has a tendency to not last long. I'd also recommend some sort of "clear bra" paint protection, my parents did it on their Fiesta for around $800 from a small shop they found through Yelp.
OK, I've bought clear plastic-dip, mud guards, and I'm eyeing Fluid Film now...
I'll let you guys know how it goes!