Need Help : Car Wash for Newbie...

[ah_Keng]

Hi,I been driving my E39 for about one month... truly the most enjoyable driving experience I ever had...For the first 2 weeks, sent my car to car wash center... then wash it my self a few times, first time realize even washing car can be so satisfying..Thus.. I want to learn more about car wash, browsed thru this forum... wah... even car wash can be so technical... like ONR lar...My car has no fancy paint coating or protection.. just normal paint...So, the first few questions from a car wash newbie...1. What car shampoo to use?2. Where to buy those shampoo? (been buying from Tesco..)3. What cloth to use?4. Need to wax???Thanks for the advice.

 

[KrisMas]

Hi,
So, the first few questions from a car wash newbie...
1. What car shampoo to use?
2. Where to buy those shampoo? (been buying from Tesco..)
3. What cloth to use?
4. Need to wax???

Thanks for the advice.

Glad to see that you're as passionate in keeping the look of your ride in order as well as driving one.

Here's my take on your queries:

1. Any car shampoo would do. And until you got to know the technicality of a good quality shampoo, one from a reliable brand (not necessarily expensive) would be a good start. Meguiars, Duragloss, Optimum, Mothers, Autoglym, Sonax and 3M are some of the well accepted brands and are available locally, and they all have a good quality shampoo in their line up.

2. You should be able to find Meguiars, Mothers, Autoglym and 3M at ACE Hardware, HomeFix and Parkson. You can only find Optimum on-line and Duragloss are available both on-line and on the shelf (although only limited to a couple of places in the Klang Valley).

3. I'd assume by cloths you meant for washing needs. I'll mention this later as it's a bit long.

4. Yes. But not every time after a wash (depending on how durable the wax is). Wax is a temporary sacrificial layer of protection. The car body is made of metal (majority), then there's the primer that prevents rust, base coat which gives the color and, last but not least, clear coat to protect the base coat from fading, oxidation, damaged, etc. But clear coat also can get oxidised and damaged in due time by the environment, namely rains, road grime, bird droppings, tree sap, etc. By waxing (or the upcoming trend is coating) you're protecting and minimizing damages that could be caused by these conditions, hence, the clear coat would last longer.

Now, back to washing. This is the factor that commonly caused most damage, as compared to environmental factors, especially if you wash your car regularly. Whatever product you use is only secondary, most important is your TECHNIQUE. Do a search and read up on the 'Two Bucket Method'. There's lots of information about it on the net and you can even find lots of videos on it.

My suggestion on tools and products to get:

Shampoo
Meguiars - any of their shampoo are good quality, but I'd suggest you get their latest Ultimate Wash & Wax
Duragloss 901 Car Wash Concentrate
Optimum Car Wash
3M Car Wash Soap
SONAX Gloss Shampoo Concentrate
AutoGlym Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner
Mothers California Gold Car Wash

There are other brands, but I only stated the above as I've tried all of them. My current favourites are Duragloss 901 and Optimum Car Wash

Wash Media
You'd need a good wash mitt. I'd suggest Meguiars Microfiber Wash Mitt or Mothers Genuine Lambswool Wash Mitt.

Drying Media
Look up for 'Waffle Weave Microfiber Cloth'. For this one, forget about getting the one from Meguiars as it doesn't last. Duragloss have some good quality ones. I haven't tried the one from Mothers so I can't commend on that.

Remember scratches or swirls are mainly caused by dragging the dirt particles on the surface so you'd need to minimize this from happening. So, basically, you'd need to make sure that whatever media you're using, may it be for washing or drying, as free as possible from any dirt particle every time it touches the paint. So work wise and work clean.

Oh...and a good quality wax don't just protect the paint, it also makes washing a breeze as dirt and contaminant would be easier to clean/wash off.

Best of regards.

ps. I also find washing my car is not just simply satisfying but also very therapeutic, especially to relieve those work related stress.

 

[vinesmaran]

good infor bro....

 

[evilnickwong]

hey krismas
which places have duragloss products on the shelf? anywhere near damansara area?

 

[KrisMas]

Hi Nick, long time no see ah?

Check your pm. Not sure about the rules of posting traders address here.

 

[M3ac]

Thanks KrisMas for a very well written car wash steps and tips. I really appreciate it. I do enjoy washing my cars and like you said, it is therapeutic and satisfying. The not so good part is, while washing, you get to see the exact "damage" on your car, eg. which door has been dinked, scratched etc, then I will try to recollect back where I parked this week, where could the "damage" probably occurred, how can I do differently to avoid it, etc... But nonetheless, its a rewarding feel, knowing that your car is clean, glossy and in immaculate condition with lots of TLC Thanks again... (bu the way, I use Meguiar's Gold Class Car Shampoo. It helps when I regularly maintain a good wax/sealant, the dirt n grime just washes away easily.

 

[KrisMas]

Yes M3ac, I always to the same thing, inspecting the paint after a good wash and normally during the drying and quick detailing. It's sad and really hurts when you'd always find some sort of new damage *almost* every time, no matter how careful you are. But on the bright side of it, it gives me a good reason to 'play' with my machine and polishes:rock:

 

[toiletroll]

Glad to see that you're as passionate in keeping the look of your ride in order as well as driving one.



ps. I also find washing my car is not just simply satisfying but also very therapeutic, especially to relieve those work related stress.

yes... i also enjoy washing car to rest n relax.... hehe

 

[Eggie86]

Krismas bro, you hit the jackpot...

Therapeutic indeed!

But I might have a OCD problem. Every morning without fail before heading off to work, I can't help but dip my hands in that ONR pail and start wiping the car... Especially in the current rainy weather...