that's ok wax doesn't protect either

I think the clay bar thing is a "touchy feely" thing. If when you wash your car and run the back of your hand over the car and you feel bumps/sticky then clay bar it. I did mine last year and I prolly dont need it yet but cause Camaro Superfest is this week, Ill do it anyway. Prolly once a year minimum.

I full wash/wax mine at least once a month, depends on travel time.
And I wash/quick detail once a week.

I think bottom line is it depends on how much time you have/want to spend on it and how fast it gets dirty.

Kind of "in the zone thing"

Ive never used a clay bar before, but it sounds like a need to.. What you described the bumpiness, Ive noticed my car was never like that last year when I wash/waxed, it was smooth as a mother.

Now this year, after I wash/wax, I can feel little bumps still, and its been driving my crazy... It looks clean as hell, but doesnt feel it. Ill have to clay bar it later this summer.

the bumps you feel are the remnants of anything that falls on your car and has a chance to bake on there ( sap, water spots, acid rain, tree seeds, bird droppings, etc). Ive heard bird droppings are the worst thing for your car finish and you should get off asap. thats one reason I wash my car weekly. unless my car is in the garage those ba***rds find it and dump all over it.:banghead: