I just got a new Jeep Grand Cherokee but there's no garage space for it, so it's in my driveway under the Florida sun.

What products can I use on the paint to protect it from the elements? In addition to sun protection, I also just want to make it easier to clean. Sometimes, stuff gets on it from birds and trees that isn't always easy to get off.

A sealant + wax. There are various formulations, service life expectations and wild-assed claims, but most important is proper application.
For me, a good application will last a year, maybe 2. A shitty job will start to show in 4-6 months. FL sun might reduce those intervals.

What snidera said. I've had good results with Jet Seal, but no matter what the key is really good prep before putting that on. In your case dirt and swirls won't be a problem so you just need to clear off wax with a wash of Dawn, make sure the surface is super smooth and if not clay bar it, then seal followed by a good wax. Actual wax only, not cleaner wax combo.

Properly maintained you may need to hit it with wax every couple months but it will be easier than starting over. I have also had really good results lately using a spray wax every other wash or so over a really good clean/seal/wax job and extending the protection and avoiding swirls/dirt for a couple years. That stuff has come a long ways. Again, WAX, not cleaner.

the best protection will be shade

quote:

Originally posted by nhtagmember:
the best protection will be shade

Not really an option

I agree with keeping a top grade wax on it. But have you considered a cover as well? It should help with the heat also.

I live in AZ and have one car that lives outside and have, over the years used a lot of product on it.

Currently I am using the Chemical Guys "Butter Wet Wax" which goes on/off easily and has some degree of UV protection. They also offer an "Extreme Top Coat" but I have never used it so I cannot speak to it.

My old favorite was Klasse All In One

I'm currently into Chemical Brother's products right now--so I'm using JetSeal with Butter Wet Wax on top.

Previously, I've used Meguiar's NXT and Ultimate Products with good results, but those are just consumer grade products and my policy was frequency of application trumps quality of product.

These days, Ceramic Coatings are all the rage. You can get a consumer grade ceramic kit on amazon for like $75. https://www.amazon.com/CarPro-...ramic+sealer+for+car

South Florida sun and humidity?

Shoulda just bought a used one.

Ceramic coating is the best protecting longest lasting.....but you pay for it. Every new car I get has paint correction done (yes, really bad paint these days on new cars) and a Ceramic coating. It costs me over a grand (about 4 hours paint correction) but it lasts at least 2 years no shit. Great UV protection and water rolls off for two years. There are a number of coatings out there. The best ones are dealer applied only. My guy tells me there are some self-healing products out or coming out that last up to 4 years.

Oh yeah, no garage for my trucks either so they sit outside 24/7. The paint looks pretty much brand new when I trade them in.

Yeah the FL sun kills cars and the interiors, I use ReJex on the recomendation of Jimmyundeuxtois on my HD motorcycle, buddy borrowed it, I"ll be danged if it doesn't out protect anything I've used. two years and the paint looks showroom new.

Get a cover and/or, tint the windows with UV resistant film, and a front windscreen shield.

Another vote for ceramic coating here. My son got me interested in ceramic coatings.

He bought a new Tundra in 2017. When he told me he was getting a ceramic coating, and that it was going to cost over $1200, I laughed at him. I was around during the 70's and 80's when car dealers were selling "Polyglycoat" which was really nothing more than a special wax job they sold for around $600 (back then - a real profit maker). I tried to get him to reconsider - after all, $1200 buys A LOT of premium wax coatings. But he insisted, and I figured he was 23, and old enough to make his own mistakes.

Nevertheless, when I saw his truck after the coating, I was absolutely amazed. Even though the truck was only a month old when he took it in, the paint looked *much* better.

Later in 2017, I took delivery of a new Lexus GS350. I went to the same detailer and had the same ceramic coating applied to mine.

Over a year and a half later, the paint still looks better than new, feels like glass after washing it, and repels water like you wouldn't believe. It shows no sign at this point of wearing off. An unexpected benefit - the car really seems to repel dirt. It eventually gets dirty, but only lightly.

I am completely sold on these coatings. The father has learned from his son.

It's very expensive, but unless you enjoy waxing your car, these coatings are awesome. My only advice is find a detailer with a top-notch reputation, and follow their recommendations as to the best ceramic coating for them to apply.

If you can't garage it, a cover will be your best bet. Sealants are great, tinted windows are good, but nothing will protect the paint and interior from the Florida sun like a nice custom fit cover.

If you choose to apply wax, pick up a quality dual action polisher and appropriate pads. So much easier than ‘wax on-wax off’
Mike

quote:

Originally posted by mcrimm:
If you choose to apply wax, pick up a quality dual action polisher and appropriate pads. So much easier than ‘wax on-wax off’
Mike

If the vehicle is going to sit in the Florida sun day in and day out, don't use a wax at all. Carnuba based waxes melt away very quickly in the Florida heat. Synthetics are the only products that can handle the weather here.

I live in South Florida and have been very happy with zymoil. However if you want to go synthetic I like Rejex.

Check out products from Zaino

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
If you can't garage it, a cover will be your best bet. Sealants are great, tinted windows are good, but nothing will protect the paint and interior from the Florida sun like a nice custom fit cover.

+1, and to add, make sure you have a good synthetic wax on the car and also when you use the cover, make sure the car is clean. If you can't clean it before you cover it use something like the California duster.

The reason for only covering a clean car is dust/dirt will act like sandpaper when installing/removing the cover. Or if the cover is not custom fit, then wind will move the cover around thus the dust/dirt could possibly scratching your paint.

+3 on the car cover. Any good wax will help, but a cover is your best option. Cover will also protect the interior and dash board.

No wax or sealant will last under those conditions for a year or two without cover.
Use a car cover when possible and some sort of wax/cleaner every few months as needed.