car wash tips

[patrick1202 10+ year member]

the only thing i would worry about pressure washing a car is pinstripping and decals and stuff but as long the car has a proper clear coat you have no worrys. unless the pressure washer is just a BEAST.

i used to detail.. i still do some try washing dirty *** cars all day with a regular hose it sucks.

 

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

There's a difference between using a wand and a pressure washer even though a pressure washer is technically a wand. The problem with pressure washers is that they push the dirt off the car instead of lift it. Creates marring in the paint finish.

 

[SSS 18734 5,000+ posts]

pressure washer is fine if you have a clear coat...what do you think is at the car washes?? not as strong but the same thing.

A pressure washer induces swirls, as do car washes. Moral of the story? Car washes destroy your finish, brushless or not. I removed the swirls from a 2008 Escalade the other day that I could have sworn was 6+ years old. How'd it happen? Regular washes at Waterway.

Here's how I dry my vehicles:

1) Wipe off large areas with a California water blade. Much like a squeegee, but safe on paint.

2) Dab (don't wipe) remaining water with a lint-free, absorbant, drying terry cloth towel.

3) Wipe off the entire car with microfiber towels.

The result is a spotless finish that hasn't been swirled.

 

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

A pressure washer induces swirls, as do car washes. Moral of the story? Car washes destroy your finish, brushless or not. I removed the swirls from a 2008 Escalade the other day that I could have sworn was 6+ years old. How'd it happen? Regular washes at Waterway.

Here's how I dry my vehicles:

1) Wipe off large areas with a California water blade. Much like a squeegee, but safe on paint.

2) Dab (don't wipe) remaining water with a lint-free, absorbant, drying terry cloth towel.

3) Wipe off the entire car with microfiber towels.

The result is a spotless finish that hasn't been swirled.

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif If you get the tiniest bit of dirt left behind, you're ****ed.

I use only waffle weave microfibers after spraying the car down with a spray detailer or spray wax. Makes it so much easier to dry.

 

[SSS 18734 5,000+ posts]

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif If you get the tiniest bit of dirt left behind, you're ****ed.

That's why you make sure you clean and rinse right the first time //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

But you're right, it is a risk. I also make sure to wipe the blade off after every wipe. Waffle weave microfibers are great too. I just have a ton of nice terry towels lying around.

 

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

Rotary, cyclo or PC for swirl removal?

 

[caligirl2k 10+ year member]

Thanks 4 the info.

 

[denim 5,000+ posts]

Spam bot is spamtastic.

 

[Shinju 10+ year member]

Do not forget to use your SHAMMIE!

 

[got_focus? 10+ year member]

Rotary, cyclo or PC for swirl removal?

Cyclo without a doubt.