dm2010nox said:
I got this gizmo called a microfiber mop ($10 at autozone), or something, that is basically a 5-foot stick with a microfiber mop head. I can wash the whole NOX in about 2 minutes without getting my hands wet.
I wouldn't run any color car through any car wash. Those high-pressure spray ones seem pretty harsh, but I guess I don't know specifically the type of wash that you are going to. If you've found one that washes gently, and effectively, without stripping was/dulling finish, I'd be interested in learning about that.
I have also found that waxing a brand-new finish is interesting. The wax seems to stick better than the finish on older cars that i have had. At least the first coat. the second and third coats are like usual.
I have a California Car Duster that you can also buy at auto parts stores but that only works on dust but of course not dried on grime. I started using these on Show Cars @ shows it does a great job for what it is and it does eliminate a lot of washes in the summer.
As far as an automatic car wash that I will (and do) use they are popping up all over (at least here in Ohio). The ones we have here are in the same buildings as the do it yourself hand car washes. You pull in and the whole apparatus is laser guided. It's has no brushes, nothing ever touches your car except for high pressure water & chemicals. If you can imagine a big upside down U wall system that goes back & forth over your car with moving spray heads, twice for the wash & twice for the rinse (it also sprays up from the bottom for the undercarriage spray). Your car sits still while the moving spray machine goes back & forth.
I was very surprised how good of a job it did especially on a jet black vehicle. The science behind it is the first pass uses an excellent prewash solution that really loosens everything off the paint. That allows the wash spray to easily remove the grime. Then the two rinse passes clears even that away. Then the blower comes on and goes over the car twice and you're done. I usually find a water spot or two I shammy just because I'm really picky but for a wash that has no brushes or anything except water & chemicals that touches your car... it's exceptionally great.
I'm guessing that their chemicals are a little harsher than using a hand wash solution but compared to leaving road salt on your paint it's nothing.
On your waxing I find it a little different on the first coat on a new car as well. It's probably just the difference of going over brand new clear coat paint compared to going over oxidized paint with old wax built up etc. I'm big on waxing a new car from the start just for that extra added protection. Best I've ever found is Liquid Lustre. It's a pink show car wax you can buy online.
Good talking with you. Hope this info was helpful.
