Car washing tips

[danuja]

I just finished washing and waxing (with Meguir's Liquid Wax). I started at about 5:30 and finished at 8:00.

I've been reading up on some tips and I figured I'd throw some down.

Washing:
Use 2 buckets, one with the soap that you dip into and another filled with water to rinse out your sponge between soap dips. Doing this will hopefully keep the accumulated dirt from the sponge after many swipes. I usually dump the rinse water after 2 dunks or so.

Drying:
I just read up on this technique where you use a normal hose with a low current of water and sheet off the accumulated water. Basically, the water that accumulates on the car after the final rinse clumps up and by running the water on the sheetmetal, the excess water will just "sheet" off and leave less excess water. After you've done that, just dab away the remaining water. Most carwash guru's use Microfiber towels, can be found at Autozone.

I also use an electric leaf blower to blow away water in the crevices and cracks. You can also used compressed air or something like that if you have it lying around.

*Don't use the same towels for the body of the car and the wheels!!!!! I've seen a gas station car wash that uses a big brush to scrub off the brake dust from the rims and in a big sweeping motion scrubs the rest of the car.
OUCH! That's not good for your paint.....but it IS an easy way to get deep scratches.


Please add some more helpful hints and tips if you have any.

[ej255impreza]

That all looks like exactly what I do when I wash my car. Don't forget one of the most important parts is to wash your car in the shade. If you wash it in the sun or while its still hot your soapy water will dry and leave ugly water spots!

I try to wash my car once a week =]

[david12]

I liked the tips..I want everyone to be follow.I really want my car to look clean and beautiful.

[CobraKai]

When I used to live in San Diego I used Mr. Clean Autodry car wash, Armor all interior wipes, great products btw. Now living in Mississippi, not so much, I live in an apartment complex and the public hose has it's connector cut off no more Mr. Clean . I live like 2 minutes from the coast so I have to deal with sand, put some armor all on your tires so the sand doesn't seep in. I work in the boonies and the bugs down, I don't know whats in the water (besides the oil) but these bad boys are huge, and they come in groups. So just know your area and what to keep in mind. I put rain x windshield wipers on my 7 and they are awesome, awesome upgrade

Edit: Forgot to add, get small brushes from a hobby store, great for those small areas in the interior.