Post: #1Posted: May 23, 2008, 10:15 am Post subject: Advice please on best products to clean exterior
Hi all,
I've had my RAV4 for just a hair over a week and it isn't dirty yet, but it will be. What are the best products for washing and drying as far as mits/rags/towels/chamois or whatever? Looking to try to prevent micro scratches in the clearcoat, try to prevent water spots, etc. Thanks!
Post: #2Posted: May 23, 2008, 11:03 am Post subject:
A lot has been said on this subject, so I'll just provide you with a car wash tutorial link...
The main thing is to use a good car wash soap and good quality microfibers........
Post: #4Posted: May 23, 2008, 3:27 pm Post subject:
I haven't needed to wash my car with water. I've been using turtle wax products, one is a can of foam spray that washes the car and gives it a nice shine. I also use that with micro fiber towels and there are no scratches on my car. to keep the shine between wipe downs I put a coat of turtle wax ice. i keep it dust free on the outside with a california duster. my car is the shiniest in my apt parking lot and other guys wash theirs with a bucket of water.
Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 1751 Location: Spokane WA
2007 V6 Ltd 4wd
Post: #6Posted: May 24, 2008, 6:15 am Post subject:
I personally would never use a waterless system. There is just too much dust and grit on the roads and in the air around here, and it gets on the paint and _must_ be flushed with lots of fresh water under pressure before attacking it with an all cotton or microfiber wash rag. Otherwise it just becomes grinding compound!
You guys who use those systems successfully must live in a pretty darn clean environment... _________________ John E Davies
Spokane WA USA
Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 1654 Location: Nova Scotia
2010 Pacific Blue/ Limited/4wd/V6
Post: #7Posted: May 24, 2008, 9:15 am Post subject:
I have found that since I started using Meguiar's Ultimate Quick Detailer(Esthetique Rapide Optimum) the vehicles don't seem to get as dusty between washes.
_________________ 4ever
Old Age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative. (Chinese proverb)
Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Posts: 5609 Location: N'Hampsha!
2006 RAV4 Sport V6 4X4
Post: #8Posted: May 24, 2008, 1:48 pm Post subject:
John E Davies wrote:
I personally would never use a waterless system.
same here, I'd think it would increase the chance of swirls.
as far as drying, I'm using a leaf blower .... works great! _________________ To the BlackMobile!!!
R1 Concepts Cross-Drilled Rotors,K&N Typhoon Intake,Borla Muffler/Tip,Enkei's,H&R Spacers,BeneVento Hood Guard/Sunroof Deflector,WeatherTech Window Deflectors/Cargo Mat/Floor Liners,Debadged,and a pinch of Zaino
Post: #10Posted: May 26, 2008, 6:56 am Post subject:
I have used the Optimum No-Rinse on both of my vehicles and my wife's Echo. No new scratches or marring I could see. Although, I have yet to do some polishing to correct the surface. City bylaw restricts car washing at home.
Having said that, if the car was covered with dirt, I personally would be afraid to use the Optimum No-Rinse. I would first wash the car at a coin-op car wash center, drive the car home, and then use the Optimum No-Rinse again before I do any additional detailing work.
And when using the Optimum No-Rinse, I use the "two-bucket system". One bucket with the Optimum, one bucket of clean water to rinse the microfiber wash mitten after cleaning each section. I use a "waffle" weave microfiber cloth to dry the vehicle. If I have more time on my hands, I usually go over the vehicle again with a quick detailer (currently using the Optimum Instant Detailer) and buff/dry with a buffing microfiber towel (currently using "cookie monster" towel from eshine.ca)
Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 1375 Location: Vancouver
2008 PMBlue/BaseV6/3rdRow
Post: #11Posted: May 26, 2008, 7:31 am Post subject:
i'm still using the bottle of wash/wax that came with my jetta 6 years ago. _________________ If we had eggs, we could have bacon and eggs, if we had bacon.
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