does the first step ( the cleaner) of the meguiars three step wax process work the same way as a clay bar. If not that means I should clay bar....right?

 

Clay first, then clean/polish/wax -- whether it be the Meguiar's or Mothers 3-step -- or any cleaner/wax for that matter.

 

Always wash and dry before and after claying. I also get better results by letting the first coat of wax cure for 8 - 12 hours before the second coat. JMO

 

I don't get the reason to wash after claying. Am I missing something?

 

Washing and drying before and after claying cleans away the stuff that you may leave behind when wiping away the QD or lubricant. I made the mistake of not washing after claying only once. It took two hours to get rid of swirls on my rear quarter panel from something left behind. Better safe than sorry, the cleaner the car the better the shine.