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Car Wash Options w/Full XPEL Stealth & Ceramic Coating

Discussion in 'Model S: Interior & Exterior' started by Arjeezenberg, Oct 1, 2018.

  1. Arjeezenberg

    Arjeezenberg New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2018
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Burbank, CA
    Was wondering if anybody had experience washing their cars that have a full body XPEL wrap and ceramic coating. I live in a condo complex, and with under ground parking structures I don't have the ability to wash my own car at home. Wondering what some solutions you guys may have. Anything specific to inform car washes of and things to avoid?

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Tezzie

    Tezzie Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2018
    Messages:
    147
    Location:
    Southern California
    I have full body Xpel Ultimate Prime PPL and I don't take my car to a car wash. I don't use water to wash it, either.

    I live in Southern CA where water is a precious resource. So I use a waterless car wash solution and a detailing spray. I use them with microfiber towels, changing them often. I get NO spots with this method, and it takes WAY less time than going to a conventional car wash.

    Yay! Saving the planet in more ways than one! :)

    Griot's Garage Spray-On Car Wash
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F4PB9NI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Griot's Garage Speed Shine for quick detailing and spot cleaning pine sap, bird poop, brake due on wheels, etc.
    https://www.amazon.com/Griots-Garage-11146SP-Speed-Detailer/dp/B00F4PB8QQ/ref=pd_sim_263_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00J5CVMLU&pd_rd_r=bd9ccb46-c5d7-11e8-a82f-83519c3623e8&pd_rd_w=pxCWS&pd_rd_wg=ivF6V&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=4FV4FJT39DB507Z5C3EP&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&refRID=4FV4FJT39DB507Z5C3EP&th=1

    Lots of people also swear by:
    Meguiars Ultimate Quick Detailer for washing and spot cleaning cleaning
    https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G14422-Ultimate-Quik-Detailer/dp/B000RXNLK6/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1538439447&sr=1-2&keywords=meguiars+quick+detailer&dpID=41PNiE8DKmL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

    For windshield and windows, I use:
    Invisible Glass spray
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007OWD2M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    That said, if I didn't enjoy keeping my car clean or have time to do it, the XPel PPL installer offered to detail my car once a month to make sure the film stays pristine, to keep an eye on and to facilitate the "self-healing" of any scratches with a heat gun or blow dryer. Maybe your installer would do the same.
     
  3. Rockster

    Rockster Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2013
    Messages:
    3,007
    Location:
    McKinney, TX
    +1 for the waterless wash method. We in TX don’t (currently) have the water issue that CA has but it’s still very fast and convenient washing the car without dragging the bucket and hose around.
     
    • Like x 1
  4. Naekuh

    Naekuh Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2018
    Messages:
    400
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    call a mobile car wash service.

    They roughly cost about ~ 30 dollars for the complete job including vac interior and armor all.
    Let the detailer know you have ceramic coating and a full xpel so he knows how to use pressure washer.
    I use a mobile detailer once a month, and wash manually every other week with just water and a soap gun.
    The ceramic coating makes drying really easy especially with a lawn blower.

    Do not take your car to a regular car wash.
    The pressure washer from the machines will peel your xpel off, and your installer will void the warranty.
     
    • Like x 1
  5. EVS Motors

    EVS Motors Vendor

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2013
    Messages:
    1,922
    Location:
    Houston
    Without going into full essay mode, here's some basic info we inform our clients who just received clearbra installation & ceramic coating:

    - Avoid drive thru car washes (because of the bristles and potentially acidic soaps they use), if you have to use a drive thru wash, look for the ones that are touchless
    - use pH neutral cleaners
    - keeping your car regularly clean will help prolong the life of the clearbra and coating, plus it'll help keep the edges of the clearbra from collecting dirt
    - hand washes are better assuming the detailers are using the 3 bucket method system to avoid contamination of dirt/debris
     

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