proper cleaning

[edge2794]

ok guys, when washing a car....wat is the best way to clean a car???

[G_whizz]

There are many threads on this. Here are a couple directions in our "How to" section

http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=183170

http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=225181

Cliff notes on what I do.

Use a great Car wash soap eg. Meguires

Wash and dry car in sections starting with the roof. Always save windows for lastBuy a high quality lambskin chamois... DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON THISDry in 1 direction not in circles.

Hope that helps!

[SVTCOBRA]

I use all Zaino products including the soap!

When I dry off my cars, I have an all cotton towel in one hand and a 'high quality lambskin chamois' in the other. I use the towel to knock off most of the water and the chamois to get the rest for a spot free finish.

[Sentientbydesign]

I say save the whales and cut the drying time by a third.

Go invest in a California Water Blade. They just came out with a new one that has a flexible handle.

I can dry the whole car in 5 mins + another 5 mins with a towel to get into the crevices.

The device is amazing. It's basically a silicone squeegie with a "t-bar" at the end of it. When you go over a wet area, the surface is completely dry afterwards.

[G_whizz]

I say that the squeegee way of drying is a HUGE no no!!

I used one a few times on my 03 Maxima. Until the fateful day a small, tiny little rock, pebble or some hard piece of dirt got stuck to it and I was left with a large scratch down the hood of my car.

[joe603]

I recommend Zaino bros products for washing/polishing your car; use 2 white 100% cotton towel to dry...one to get the bulk of the water, and the other for a spot free finish.

The detail forum is a great resource for info!

[Sentientbydesign]

I say that the squeegee way of drying is a HUGE no no!!

I used one a few times on my 03 Maxima. Until the fateful day a small, tiny little rock, pebble or some hard piece of dirt got stuck to it and I was left with a large scratch down the hood of my car.

Sorry, Sean. Can't help it if you don't pay attention while washing/drying your car

[edge2794]

ive heard its a bad idea to take a black car to a car wash....is this true?

[joe603]

A touchless car wash is fine...but avoid those with brushes with any color!

[G_whizz]

Is it recommended... no.

But...

I take mine to a touchless in the winter to get the salt off because I can't hand wash it all the time.

I would NEVER take my car (no matter what colour) to a cloth car wash.

Mainly people say it's bad because the car wash soap is harsh on your paints natural polish and protection. as well as on a black car swirl marks will easily show.

[edge2794]

wen goin to a car wash would it say the difference between a touchless and a cloth car wash??

[G_whizz]

It should... just look through the window or ask the attendant if it is or isn't.

[joe603]

If you see brushes, don't drive into it!

[WDRacing]

Touchless is just high pressure rinsing...

All other car wash drive throughs destroy your paint...period. Think about the amount of dirt and grime that those rollers etc see everyday.

Hand wash, dry, wax monthly, detail spray weekly...done. If you can't wash your car, run a nice hot bath, open an artery and get in I'm joking of course...the water doesn't have to be hot

[SVTCOBRA]

ive heard its a bad idea to take a black car to a car wash....is this true?

Sorry, would not know. Have never used a car wash in my 30 years of car ownership. Have always hand washed my cars.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

1 + for hand washing!

The non touch less are horrable for black! I know Cuz infiniti of tampa put my car in their machine and it came out so bad! I was so pissed! I still have the marks!

DJ

[edge2794]

thanks guys!!!!! i appreciate all of ur imput guys!!!

[Beancooker]

...colour...

Goos advice in here, Listen to them.

I tried the Cali blade. Wasn't happy. The silicone leaves rubber skid marks when you swipe too fast with it.

[WDRacing]

Goos

[G_whizz]

Goos advice in here, Listen to them.

I tried the Cali blade. Wasn't happy. The silicone leaves rubber skid marks when you swipe too fast with it.

GOOS

[Jacko3]

A black G is terribly hard to wash---keep seeing swirl marks when drying. I usually try to get in shape before washing it because tons of sweat drips form everywhere in my body on washing day----takes away energy needed to be with GF. So, since last year, I let the car dealership wash my car so that I can use my energy for other happy and important things at home and with GF. And its free.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

I know... but do you wax it?

[Jacko3]

I ahven't waxed the car since last year. Probabaly need some wax soon---but car is always parked in shaded area---garage or in a parking deck---rarely sees sunlight except when I am driving.

[edge2794]

was the free cleaning just part of the deal u made or does all dealerships do that??

[Sentientbydesign]

was the free cleaning just part of the deal u made or does all dealerships do that??

I think it varies from dealer to dealer. Mine does it for just about any service I bring it in for, especially oil changes.

[Jacko3]

Even if a bed poops on my G, and I manage to drive to the dealership area, I get a free wash even if I don't have any service being done---partly a consequence of shmoozing and being nice to the Service Consultants.

Be nice to the Technicians and Service Consultant, and if you can have only one technician work on your car each time you go to the dealership---it pays plenty of dividends in the long run.

[C-Kwik]

I only use car washes that wash by hand. Every other part of the wash has to be touchless. Pure touchless tends to suck from my experience. It doesn't realy clean anything.

The dealer I had purchased my G from gave free washes. The sales guy told me one lady brought her car in several times a week. Unfortunately, this dealer was some 30 miles away and was not a convenient drive at all.