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car wash time
- Thread starter @heist80
- Start date
joebruin77
Active Member
I do a rinseless wash once a week. I use either Optimum No Rinse or Mckees 37 N-914. All you need is a bucket, a grit guard, a wash mitt, a soft drying towel, and a spray bottle, I can wash the outside of my car in 20 minutes.
Anyone use Dove dishwashing liquid to wash your car? How important do you think are the warnings in the owners manual about avoiding certain products for car wash? Anyone use armor-all for interior non-leather surfaces? How about Maguires leather cleaner instead of recommended mild soapy solution on leather?
Got my Model 3 in December and haven't figured out my car wash plan yet. I used to go through the $10 gas station ones in my last car (a cheapo used Chevy Sonic), and never had any issues. Is Tesla paint really that much worse? I'd love to hear from the 3 (so far) respondents who go through such car washes with their Tesla. I feel like on a hobbyist board like this there will be a selection bias against doing it that way.
So far, I've only used "touchless" car washes, where you pull in and get a pressure washer wand to spray at the car, which works... okay.
So far, I've only used "touchless" car washes, where you pull in and get a pressure washer wand to spray at the car, which works... okay.
joebruin77
Active Member
Can You Use Dish Soap to Wash Your Car?
Never use dish soap to wash your car. According to Consumer Reports, dish soap isn't formulated for use on a car's paint. Even a detergent like Dawn is an abrasive cleaner and can strip away a vehicle's protective top coat.What Soaps Should Be Used for Washing Cars?
The best soaps for washing cars are ones that are specifically formulated for this purpose. They're milder than dish soap or laundry detergent ━ plus, they're designed to be used on car exteriors. For the best results, it's always advisable to use the recommended amount of water to dilute them according to the product's instructions.
Birdsfan
Member
I would even further that statement by saying the best car wash soaps are car wash shampoos.
SanCarlosJeff
Member
Same. Got my car in Nov 2021 and have washed the outside twice, it's due for another. Inside I vacuum and clean about every 2 months and do all the windows pretty often.
joebruin77
Active Member
There are a couple drawbacks to touchless car washes. 1) Because they do not make contact with the paint, they don't clean as well. 2) Because they don't clean as well, they often try to compensate by using very high pH soaps. High pH soaps do clean a bit better than pH neutral soaps, but the high pH soaps also tend to degrade or even strip waxes and sealants. So when your car comes out of the touchless car wash, your car wax or sealant may be weakened, leaving your paint less protected.
I would never use a commercial contact wash. Too much of a risk of them inducing scratches and swirls.
That is why I like to do rinseless car washes. As long as you use good products with the right technique, you can wash your car in 20 minutes without causing any scratches or swirls. Plus each wash costs a lot less and you save a ton of water. You can wash your whole car with 3 gallons of water.
PianoAl
Active Member
I've always done it myself, but on a trip used a touchless wash. Excellent job.
Two tips when doing it yourself:
Two tips when doing it yourself:
- If you use multiple wash mitts, sponges, or microfiber cloths, you don't need a two-bucket system. Nothing ever goes back into the bucket after touching the car.
- I recently washed the car then drove to a self-service and applied a wax. Quick and easy and only $2. Surprisingly good shine.
M3_Performante
Member
I have a membership to one of the new car washes here....$19.99 a month for unlimited washes
I do the touchless option than just wipe it with spray wax quick detailer with micro fiber towels I get from Costco ...they have high power vacs, air hoses and clean towels.
It is just so convenient..... in and out within 20 minutes and the car always looks new
I do the touchless option than just wipe it with spray wax quick detailer with micro fiber towels I get from Costco ...they have high power vacs, air hoses and clean towels.
It is just so convenient..... in and out within 20 minutes and the car always looks new
canasion35
Active Member
I do touch less or self spray and do a full detail myself once a year. Takes me most of a weekend to do a full detail. Always tell myself I'm going to do two a year but only end up doing it in the spring most years. They are starting to use salt here which I absolutely despise, so I should probably at least wash more often.
Hippo25
Member
Car wash, polish, and wax using Meguiar's products: Gold Class Car Wash, Ultimate Compound Paint Restorer, Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax, and Ultimate Black Plastic Restorer.
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