[225]

Now these days the car sits on the drive during the week and at weekends I rarely have time to wash her properly.

In 18 months of ownership I am the only one who has washed it, always with gtechniq gwash and the proper routine. It's now been a few weeks since the last wash and she is filthy to the point I considered using the local European car wash facility for a fiver.

I'm torn between the car looking good again vs risk of swirls.... HELP...

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by 225

Now these days the car sits on the drive during the week and at weekends I rarely have time to wash her properly.

In 18 months of ownership I am the only one who has washed it, always with gtechniq gwash and the proper routine. It's now been a few weeks since the last wash and she is filthy to the point I considered using the local European car wash facility for a fiver.

I'm torn between the car looking good again vs risk of swirls.... HELP...

Don't do it. Take it it a jet wash instead for a quick semi clean.

[MickyD'bo]

I slimply don't have the time at the weekends to do the cars properly. I'll do an 'at home' proper deep wash, with snow, and then repolish and wax, maybe twice per year. Inbetween they get washed weekly at the local hand car wash. They do a decent job for £5.

This works for me. I think I enjoy my at home proper washes more this way too. It becomes a therapeutic escape.

[SteveChester]

Don't do it!!! All that hard work undone by dirty sponges and crap wax stripping products!!!!

[225]

Originally Posted by SteveChester

Don't do it!!! All that hard work undone by dirty sponges and crap wax stripping products!!!!

Yes wobble over I'll live with a dirty but prestene car for now! Saw someone drying their car with a squeegy earlier and could almost see a massive scratch appearing...

[SkyJawa]

If I don't have time to wash them I simply spray with snow foam, then give it a good rinse off, comes up 80% clean and from more than a few metres away looks like it's been properly done....

[225]

Had to do an emergency jet wash instead. Still dirty with grime but looks cleaner from afar and wheels look better. It had been that long I was jetvwashing the front bumper and a massive moth flew out who had clearly been living there!

[hudson012003]

my own 2p worth would be to think of the wheels

I've just had mine replaced last week due to the 'white worm' corrosion - to be fair the dealer said they were unsure of what causes it but car washes were discussed but i said i rarely used them = I won't be from now on

Who knows what is in the spray they use once you pull up & they walk around the car with the plastic barrel & spray gun?

[Danny Fireblade]

Well it's definitely not a car wash that causes the white worm. Both my fronts have it, and I have only washed it 3 times in 25,000 miles.

[SportySpice]

If the car isn't too dirty, how about trying a quality waterless wash product? I was skeptical at first but now I'm a believer. It takes a little time, but not nearly as much as a full hand wash. Plus, you can do it anytime and anywhere.

[stefan4]

we have a guy round here that will do a proper wash, snow foam, was with lambs wool mitt, rinsed and dried for £14. I've used him Couple of times when the car was in a mess.

[vadimo]

I usually leave it in rain and once every 4 months take it to car wash - £7

Sorry

[sensible]

Originally Posted by SteveChester

Don't do it!!! All that hard work undone by dirty sponges and crap wax stripping products!!!!

...what he said.

[moff]

Your car's wheels will corrode over time due to the brake dust which isn't good.

The problem with the Polish car washes is that they use acidic wheel cleaners, they also use dirty MF mitts / sponges etc.

This is the best reason I can think of owning a white car. No issues with swirls with white cars as you can't fecking see them

White cars = use Polish car washes but ask them not to use their wheel cleaner.

Black cars = don't ask me that question

[Smee]

i take mine to the local place. went in and had a word. they got new sponges out and clothes for me. they do it everytime i pull in now.

[Manivxr]

Originally Posted by Smee

i take mine to the local place. went in and had a word. they got new sponges out and clothes for me. they do it everytime i pull in now.

sounds like a VIP service.

[jnismith]

Do it, my local place cleans my car up nicely. Never damaged it

[ronime]

Originally Posted by vadimo

I usually leave it in rain and once every 4 months take it to car wash

Yep, just leave it parked outside of the garage. Given that it is still UK summertime it is bound to rain before the week is out.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by moff

Your car's wheels will corrode over time due to the brake dust which isn't good...

I use Autoglym Wheel Protector. All it takes is a twice yearly application on cleaned, dried and polished rims - after that the brake dust easily washes off with a soft brush and normal shampoo.