Car Wash Q?

jaspap · #1 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 08:29 PM

So, will I get swirl marks, even if I just go to a car wash, and only use the pressure washer? If yes, then I won't go, how does everyone feel about Mother's car care products? Thanks for the help.

qbmurderer13 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 03:54 AM

Mothers isnt that great. If your not willing to order online stick with meguiars. You wont get swirl marks by using only the pressure washer. Just dont use it too close to the paint.

jaspap · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 02:54 PM

Really, it's odd, cause my sister just got a brand new VW bug, and she took it to one of those automated touchless car washes, and she's got swirl marks all over? But your saying, doing it with the wand will be ok?

Super Mario · #4 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 03:33 PM

You'll be alright using the wand. Just make sure that the paint is 100% clean before you decide to hand dry it. Needless to say you'll scratch your paint if there's any dirt left on there.

+1 on Meguiar's Products.

qbmurderer13 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 04:14 PM

90% of new cars have swirls on them due to the dealer washing them and not having a clue what they're doing.

If your not using 2 buckets with grit guards, a soft wash mitt, and microfiber/waffle qweave towels you will get swirls.

jaspap · #6 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 07:04 PM

I'm guessing it's expensive to get the swirls out?

qbmurderer13 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009, 07:11 PM

Not really unless you want to do it yourself. The machine or porter cable which I use costs about 150, and most polishes cost around 40 bucks. Then again you need to buy clay and a bunch of other stuff. I usually charge around $130 for a full detail like the ones in my sig. Takes about 6 hours.

VTECJunkie · #8 (**permalink**) 04-14-2009, 09:07 PM

I would invest in a pair of buckets, some quality soap, a proper microfiber / sheepskin wash mitt, and a host of microfiber drying and buffing towels.

A pressure washer will make life easier to get the crap off your car, but to properly get it clean the dirt has to be agitated. That means you need to properly wash the car with your hand (no automated crap).

2 Buckets helps when rinsing your mitt so you don't put all the crap into the soapy water bucket (this reduces chances of scrubbing dirt all over the paint and putting swirls in).

If the car is really rough, i would invest in a nice medium abrasive claybar as well.

Hope this helps.