ORIGINAL: kenmer31
I don't want to come off wrong, but I'd like to put my 2 cents in about clay bars. I bought the Mequiers package and tried it on the new Challenger. One spot, about 1 ft. square. Didn't notice a licks bit of difference from the rest of the car. I also tried 1 side of my Harley tank, and a small area on my wifes 75 Mini Cooper. Did not find any improvements in either case. I know some of the members swear by clay bars. But I just think I've been ripped off for $20. A good wash followed by carnuba wax works fine. As I said, this is just my opinion but spending a whole day for questionable improvement doesn't justify the effort.
Kenmer, you're not really wrong. The purpose of the clay bar is to remove contaminants from the paint and it really is good at that. But if your car is new or you really keep up with the washing and waxing then you won't have much in the way of contaminants and won't see much difference. Wheels are a different story with the brake dust and all. Just remember to never use one without the surface being lubricated. I spray a little instant detail, then rub with the clay bar and wipe dry.
Take a car with a lousy finish that hasn't been kept up and the clay bar makes a huge difference. Haven't used it on my Challenger yet though. Surface feels smooth as silk. Lots of orange peel though, which obviously the clay bar won't help.