rounderjd

I start with the deep blue wheel cleaner. All over the wheels. 
Then a pressure washer and foam cannon to get the car shampoo and rinse. 
 
You're off to a good start though!

Welcome!
 
You're asking all the right questions and we're definitely excited to have you here! The only thing I would say is to start breaking them down into the other applicable forum areas to make sure they get the most exposure. The welcome messages aren't usually the best place to continue extended discussions...

@07stanggt showed some really good examples of how you can correct a vehicle, but the techniques are not learned overnight, just take your time.  One other point, don't try to chase perfection, it does exist except maybe on those few mega-dollar show cars.    
 
The kit you received should have came with Spray Wax, it does a good job and will put some shine on a vehicle, but more important than shine is protection.   This picture is from a couple of years ago and was the Wife's Malibu with over 100,000 miles on it.  Also, contact Adam's Customer Support, they are the best there is and they will make it right.
 
As for towels, there is no such thing as having too many.  Adam's Borderless Gray are my go to towels and my first purchase was just a couple of them and then I bought a 24 pack.  With the towels you also need to get the Microfiber revitalizer and be sure to follow the instructions: https://adamspolishes.com/products/adam-s-microfiber-revitalizer-brightener  With proper care the towels will last a long time and ensure you don't add additional marks when washing and drying.
 

Thanks so much! That is super helpful!
 
The white minivan is (and will typically be) relatively clean because we rarely use it. It also shouldn’t have too many scratches as far as I know (minus some black scuffs on the trunk door from when I accidentally opened it with a partially open garage door!) The black Tesla, however, is covered in sunscreen hand prints from my kids and has picked up some scratches (possibly from being keyed, some from a drive thru car wash.)
 
Great to know that I don’t have to wait for a wheel and tire kit to give them a wash! I saw a video where Adam said he never tries to wash the body until the wheels and tires had been cleaned, so I was worried I might someone mess up the car by doing them at the same time.
 
It turns out the buttery wax was missed from the shipment, so I’m going to try giving them both their first wash without it. Sounds like I’d use the Detail Spray for now, and then start the whole process again when the buttery wax arrives.
 
Here’s hoping for some shade!

Welcome to the forum! 

First, welcome. Second, start slow, and some advice, start on the white vehicle first. "Play" with that one first. Get used to what your doing before you touch the black Tesla. Black is not very forgiving and a mistake with the machine and you'll be chasing swirls for a while. Do a very small test area on the van first, get used to using Adams stuff as well. If you have never used a polisher be careful. Most don't just pick one and go to town on paint. It takes some getting used to but when you get good at it, there is not much more satisfying than a newly buffed vehicle ! And when you get really good, you'll get these type of results. Enjoy your new Adams stuff and welcome again !
 






 

 

Bonjour @rounderjd and welcome to the Forum.
 
You got yourself a really good starter kit and you'll be able grow the product list from there.   The first thing is to determine how dirty your vehicles and the next step is the amount of imperfections that you need deal with.   
 
If the vehicle is pretty clean, you don't live on a dirt road or park at a construction site, then you should be able to start with going over the first vehicle with the Megafoam to get it clean. After washing each panel, you'll want to rinse the wash mitt, dunk it in the soap and do the next panel.  If at all possible, you want to be in the shade while doing the wash.  
 
Once you've washed all the panels, give the vehicle a good rinse and walk around it to see if you missed anything.  The next thing to do is the baggy test.  This is as simple as getting a sandwich bag, putting your hand in it and gently move it across a panel, if it feels like sandpaper, you need to clay the vehicle.  Once you've clayed the vehicle, then you look for any bad areas for light scratches or swirl marks and those can be taken care of with the Scratch and Swirl Remover.   
 
You'll want to clean off any residue from the Scratch and Swirl Remover, if you use it, and then you'll be ready to put down a thin coat of Buttery Wax.  Let it dwell for a bit and then using a single soft towel, buff it to a shine.   You can keep the vehicle look good for multiple weeks by using Detail Spray.  You can also use the Spray Wax, which can also be used on the side and back windows to keep the dirty off them.
 
As for the wheels and tires, get one of your garage rags and just wipe them off after you've soaped the vehicle.  Don't try to clean them and don't use that rag on another part of the car since it may have contaminants that can harm or parts.  Once you have the Tire and Wheel kit, you'll be able to clean them with dedicated products.