this question is for halloweenking, but anyone else with opinions in this, please respond.
HK, i thought you mentioned in a previous post that weekly washing of your car's exterior is not recommended. i wondered how often you would suggest. perhaps only when it gets dirty?
i've always washed frequently (weekly) because of fears that dirt may "bond" to the paint if let go too long. i usually use a system of half power wash & half hand wash at a nearby washing bay. here's my process:
1) pull into bay, roll up windows, get supplies (bucket, sponge, soaps, cloths, etc.) out of car.
2) deposit just enough $$ to get a minute or two of water out of the hose. i soak the car all over (gently), and fill up my bucket. i use the last of the water to blast my tires, wheels, and up under the bumpers, fenders and frame.
3) use concentrated cleaner on wet rag to get off tough dirt like bugs, tar, and oil.
4) remove fender skirts, and lay aside.
5) add soap to my bucket, then wash the entire car body, bumpers, and skirts with the sponge.
6) deposit more $$ and use the "foaming broom" to wash my wheels and tires, then use remaining time to jet water onto the body and skirts to remove soap and dirt, and clean my sponge.
7) get cursed at by carwash attendant, who points out that i should be using my bucket and sponge out in the sun, not in the bay - even though no one's behind me, half the bays are still empty, and i spend twice the $$ as everyone else during each visit.
8) point the hose in the direction of the attendant and point out the above facts, warning him that if he gives me a hard time, i'll write a letter to the owner, mention his name lots of times, and have everyone i know boycott the wash.
9) use squeegee to dry body, windows, bumpers, and skirts. then use westly's bleachwhite to hit the tires. wipe tires and wheels clean with fresh rags.
10) replace fender skirts. use chrome polish on bumpers. drive with pride till the sun sets.
i've done this every week during the summer months for 3 years. i'm worried about damaging the paint, as i already have a few small chips and some areas of oxidation.
HK or anyone else want to give some tips? paint jobs are expensive. i want my red coat to last for as long as possible. maybe instead of washing i should be dusting?
i also wax the car with zymol, usually once a year at the beginning of spring or whenever i notice the water not beeding up. i store her covered, on jack stands, in the garage during the winter.
any tips or help would be appreciated. thanks.
[ April 18, 2003: Message edited by: 98rocket ]</p>
HK, i thought you mentioned in a previous post that weekly washing of your car's exterior is not recommended. i wondered how often you would suggest. perhaps only when it gets dirty?
i've always washed frequently (weekly) because of fears that dirt may "bond" to the paint if let go too long. i usually use a system of half power wash & half hand wash at a nearby washing bay. here's my process:
1) pull into bay, roll up windows, get supplies (bucket, sponge, soaps, cloths, etc.) out of car.
2) deposit just enough $$ to get a minute or two of water out of the hose. i soak the car all over (gently), and fill up my bucket. i use the last of the water to blast my tires, wheels, and up under the bumpers, fenders and frame.
3) use concentrated cleaner on wet rag to get off tough dirt like bugs, tar, and oil.
4) remove fender skirts, and lay aside.
5) add soap to my bucket, then wash the entire car body, bumpers, and skirts with the sponge.
6) deposit more $$ and use the "foaming broom" to wash my wheels and tires, then use remaining time to jet water onto the body and skirts to remove soap and dirt, and clean my sponge.
7) get cursed at by carwash attendant, who points out that i should be using my bucket and sponge out in the sun, not in the bay - even though no one's behind me, half the bays are still empty, and i spend twice the $$ as everyone else during each visit.
8) point the hose in the direction of the attendant and point out the above facts, warning him that if he gives me a hard time, i'll write a letter to the owner, mention his name lots of times, and have everyone i know boycott the wash.
9) use squeegee to dry body, windows, bumpers, and skirts. then use westly's bleachwhite to hit the tires. wipe tires and wheels clean with fresh rags.
10) replace fender skirts. use chrome polish on bumpers. drive with pride till the sun sets.
i've done this every week during the summer months for 3 years. i'm worried about damaging the paint, as i already have a few small chips and some areas of oxidation.
HK or anyone else want to give some tips? paint jobs are expensive. i want my red coat to last for as long as possible. maybe instead of washing i should be dusting?
i also wax the car with zymol, usually once a year at the beginning of spring or whenever i notice the water not beeding up. i store her covered, on jack stands, in the garage during the winter.
any tips or help would be appreciated. thanks.
[ April 18, 2003: Message edited by: 98rocket ]</p>
