hey, thanks for all of the input and opinions...i don't know what i'll try yet, i really appreciate it, but i probably live in worse states than most of you guys, i live in wisconsin where i get all the seasons...hehehe...luck me, huh...are there any good tips for the winter season here, besides storing the car???

 

I live in the Chicago area, so I can identify. Use anti-seize compound on every nut or bolt you remove.

 

I would get other opinions on this, but I think it would probably be wise if you got an under-carriage wash maybe once a month around the times when they salt the roads. The thing is, I know you can get them at BRUSHLESS car washes, but I'm not sure if they recycle the water there. If they do, I'd imagine that could scrath your finish. Just a thought. Good luck. OHHH!!! one more thing, I was just talking to a friend today, I'm sure we're all aware of that 3M brand clear tape that works like a bra. Well apparently there is a company that makes something similar that you can wrap your whole car in. It sounds too good to be true but apparently it lasts the life of the car (yeah right, but that's what i heard) doesn't turn colors, doesn't hurt the paint, protects from rock chips and water spots. I'll try to get more info on that.

 

i have been using dri wash n' guard by envirotech for the last three years and it has been nuts! i was using it on my '93 grand prix and it totally gave me a brand new car look. now when i want to keep my car (protege5) looking showroom clean, i use dri wash n' guard. not only do you get solid results, you also do only half the work! as i am a lazy bastard, this is very important to me!

the only other product line i use is mother's. they are solid! however, your "problem" (if you can call it that) is that black is hard to upkeep no matter what you use. that's the price you pay for having a good looking ride i guess...