mikez28

I haven't posted or read from this board in a few months, so if this topic has already been discussed to death, I apologize and will use the search button. But I wanted to start this thread to pass along car care tips for those of us with black cars.

Every time I wash my car, it leaves water marks, whether I do it during the day or at night. I have tried various drying cloths and even got the Mr. Clean Auto Dry. But nothing seems to get rid of all the water marks. Thinking about trying a leaf blower next. As far as waxing is concerned, I usually use Meguiar's Gold Glass, but just purchased the new NXT Wax, although I haven't used it yet. In between waxes, I used to use the Meguiar's Final Inspection after I washed the car, but noticed that it attracted more dust afterwards.

So, if everyone can pass along various tips on washing, waxing, and general appearance care for black cars, it would be much appreciated. The more information the merrier. Happy Thanksgiving!!

ZaneO

Here is my general guide for caring for any vehicle:

You need good mitts, towels, soaps, etc. You also need to learn how to wash and dry your car the correct way. You also have to wash and dry your towels and mitts a certain way. Remember that process is more important that products.

First, wash your car. http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=9

Then, clay your car. http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=14

Next, polish your car. http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=17 http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=47

Then, seal/wax your car. http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=29



These are what I use and some tips:

Basic Weekly Wash Supplies

Wash Mitts - Viking wash mitts or genuine wool mitts.

Car Wash Soap - some popular ones are Meguiar's NXT car wash (cheapest), 1Z Perls shampoo, Zaino Z7, and Wolfgang auto bathe.

Drying - Waffle Weave microfiber towels from www.pakshak.com , California Water Blade (use with caution), and 100% white cotton towels, made in USA.

Washing, Drying and Waxing Tips

- Never use circular motions. Always wash, dry, and wax using front to back and top to bottom motions.

- Don't use the same mitt or bucket for wheels that you use on your paint. The brake dust, etc. from your wheels will cause scratches and swirls in your paint.

Caring for Mitts and Towels

- Wash on the Warm/Cold setting
- Use Liquid Detergent only w/ no bleach and NO fabric softener
- Add White Vinegar to the rinse cycle for added softness and soil release
- Rinse twice
- Dry towels on low heat w/ no fabric sheets

You should never wash when your paint is hot. My suggestion is to wash early in the morning. If your water is too hard, you may look into buying an inline water filter from Home Depot or Lowes. Mr. Clean is junk, IMO. Once your car is properly prepped and protected, washing and drying will be much easier.

Onyx Z

iTrader: (3)

Wash it and don't drive it.........unless you want it dirty as soon as you move it.

BTW, my back bumper gets extremely dusty as soon as I drive it anywhere......is there any way to prevent this?

ZaneO

An OXO Car Duster. http://autopia-carcare.com/oxo-1050580.html

sQuashed

The back bumper is a "daily duster".. Sucks but so true.

jammon46

Yeah man, the rear bumper never siezes to amaze me with its dust. something about the turbulance behind the car or something. I always have 2 towels in hand when drying, one to get the big beads, and one to do the final swipe. I also dust it everyday... I spray a light mist of water on it, then a light mist of E1 wax-as-you-dry crap on it, works awesome!