How to wash a car?

[Shockwave]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: Shockwave
You have a Lightning?!?!
Niiice...... Pics?

Only have one pic on my webspace now, and I think I mauled it messing w/ some punk on here.

I think that's the url...

Very nice. Not feelin the funk on the rims too much, but otherwise.... Nice

I want an SVT Cobra. I should say, I'd HAVE one if not for 3 kids and a wife... :frown:

But, I wouldnt trade them for the car either so...

 

[Nebor]

Yeah, those little SVT things on the wheels get stolen all the time from what I hear. I only have 6k miles on it, and it's an 01, so I haven't really experienced all the stuff most of the L owners have.

 

[Shockwave]

You need the rims on this L

 

[RbSX]

Jeeze, you bought a kit?

How about just buying some car soap, dumping it in a bucket. Coating the car with water, then washing all of it with a towel. Just let the water dry on it's own, just make sure you spray the soap off.

 

[BadNewsBears]

ZAINO!!!!!!!!!

 

[DurocShark]

Nobody has told you the trick to using a chamois? Wow...

Ok, here it is. Ancient Chinese Secret:

Get chamois wet (soaking for a few minutes at least).
Wring out as well as you can.
Stretch it out.
Pretend it's a squeegee.

That's it!

Chmaois don't absorb water like normal towels and such. Stretch it against your car and use it to push the water off the car. No rubbing!!! If you squeegee all your water front-to-back you'll notice fewer swirl marks in the paint as well. A good waxing and you're set.

I used Zaino and it's pretty darn good, but I can get similar results with most commercial products IF I'M STARTING WITH GOOD PAINT. If my paint's shot, claybar and polishing compound and Zaino will get it to where I can start using whatever again....

 

[CChaos]

Personally, I use a California Water Blade followed by a nice microfiber drying towel. It sounds to me like the OP's car is drying in the sun before he can dry it.

 

[Murphy Durphy]

Originally posted by: DurocShark
Nobody has told you the trick to using a chamois? Wow...

Ok, here it is. Ancient Chinese Secret:

Get chamois wet (soaking for a few minutes at least).
Wring out as well as you can.
Stretch it out.
Pretend it's a squeegee.

That's it!

Chmaois don't absorb water like normal towels and such. Stretch it against your car and use it to push the water off the car. No rubbing!!! If you squeegee all your water front-to-back you'll notice fewer swirl marks in the paint as well. A good waxing and you're set.

I used Zaino and it's pretty darn good, but I can get similar results with most commercial products IF I'M STARTING WITH GOOD PAINT. If my paint's shot, claybar and polishing compound and Zaino will get it to where I can start using whatever again....

WTF is Chamois? Everyone talks about it like its cotten and I should just know what it is. Links?!?

 

[paulney]

Originally posted by: RyanSengara
Jeeze, you bought a kit?

"Car kit" is a brand of soap. No, I did not buy the whole kit for detailing.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: HajikuFlip

Originally posted by: DurocShark
Nobody has told you the trick to using a chamois? Wow...

Ok, here it is. Ancient Chinese Secret:

Get chamois wet (soaking for a few minutes at least).
Wring out as well as you can.
Stretch it out.
Pretend it's a squeegee.

That's it!

Chmaois don't absorb water like normal towels and such. Stretch it against your car and use it to push the water off the car. No rubbing!!! If you squeegee all your water front-to-back you'll notice fewer swirl marks in the paint as well. A good waxing and you're set.

I used Zaino and it's pretty darn good, but I can get similar results with most commercial products IF I'M STARTING WITH GOOD PAINT. If my paint's shot, claybar and polishing compound and Zaino will get it to where I can start using whatever again....

WTF is Chamois? Everyone talks about it like its cotten and I should just know what it is. Links?!?

??

 

[andrewjm]

Originally posted by: SeaSerpent
I used Mr Clean Auto Dry for the first time the other day. I had 0 water spots, including on the glass. Im very impressed with it.:thumbsup:

I got it last week, and finally tried it... it works!

However, make sure you wash every little part of your car... I missed a few spots with the sponge and it left dirt...

It's been raining here everyday in Texas, so I feel it's a waste to try again ;P

 

[SoylentGreen]

Lot's of good info.

Thoroughly wet the car. This avoids you needing a shady spot and you'll cool the car off.

Starting at top, liberally apply soapy water with sponge, don't rub just brush the sponge over the car. Rinse immediately the part you just soaped.

To dry, use a large DAMP towel. Never use a dry towel on your paint. Wring as needed.

That's it.

Now when waxing make sure you're in the shade.

 

[Nanotech]

Originally posted by: paulney

Aha! I need a separate glass lceaner. Thanks!

Windex work fine! Also, on particularly hot days (or if you cannot find any shade) it may be necessary to wash & dry one particular part of the car at time starting with the top. If done correctly it is not difficult to avoid getting the clean parts wet again and this will greatly reduce spots caused from the water drying too quickly.

I recommend The Absorber for quickly drying your vehichle. I have owned two and they last a really long time, can be thrown in the washing machine, and are great for other tasks as well.

Also, there is no need to use two buckets of wash & wax so long as you use a 4-5 gallon container.

 

[Chadder007]

Originally posted by: SeaSerpent
I used Mr Clean Auto Dry for the first time the other day. I had 0 water spots, including on the glass. Im very impressed with it.:thumbsup:

Same here....VERY VERY impressed. no matter what I did previously with chamois or towels it would still have spots in places. But with this it is clear.