With my old car usually I'd get a $6 touchless car wash at the gas station to get most of the bugs and dirt off, then finish it off with a exterior detail spray at home to get it all sparkly and shiny streak free.

You were grinding all of the remaining dirt into the paint. Hand wash it properly or pay someone to do it.

Car Wash Guide, Car Wash how to - easy steps to shampoo and dry your vehicle using paint-safe mitts and towels, plus sponges, the Grit Guard and

How to Properly Wash & Dry Your Car - Proper Washing & Drying Technique Are you washing your car, or just damaging the paint? Most of the swirl marks that disfigure your vehicle are likely caused by poor washing technique. Thorough weekly washes and ...

www.autogeek.net

 

No machine, hand only, breathe dry.

Serial, there’s many threads about this...do a little research, it’s not rocket science. Personally I’ve moved from carnauba wax (mother’s) to turtle wax hybrid ceramic, less time consuming and easier on the back. Congrats on the 3 week anniversary 🤗

If you can believe it, there's a page in your manual for this (P. 562 in the Canadian manual)

Biggest tip though from one user to another:
■ After the vehicle has been washed or rained on
Before opening the panoramic moon roof, wipe any water off the panoramic moon roof. Otherwise, water may enter the cabin when the panoramic moon roof is opened.

 

I always hand wash. sometimes ill use a wand wash to clean the undercarriage rarely.(prefer not to use that soap on my car though).

I used chemical guys citrus wash for soap,
microfiber wash mitt.

I use Meguiars hybrid ceramic wax. its the easiest product I've used (you just spray it on a wet car and then rinse). though any ceramic spray these days is great i just prefer the one that I can spray on and rinse off with a hose.

I dry the car using Chemical guys wooly mammoth towel as water spots are bad!