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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs daily wash - good?
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      01-30-2012, 02:02 AM   #1
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daily wash - good?

I am lucky that my car gets hand-washed every day. Its a black Accord and I can definitely see swirl marks all over. My car on order is Sophisto Grey and here's what I want to know:

1. Are there any pitfalls in getting the car washed every day? I live in a city which gets a lot of dust so not washing it is not really an option, the car would just look awful.

2. What tools would be the best for a daily wash? I realize I may have to train the guy who does the washing, I know he uses the car wash cloth but definitely does not believe in disposing it once it wears out. Which brand of car wash cloth and which type (terry, micro fiber etc) is recommended?

3. What other material is recommended? Which car shampoo, wax etc? We don't have professional detailers here so whatever you guys recommend, will have to be procured and explained to the guy who does it.

4. Should the interior be treated frequently as well, the leather seats and dash? Any recommended cleaning solutions? We get a lot of sun and heat so I am concerned about the leather cracking.
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      01-30-2012, 03:21 AM   #2
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wow, why would you wash your car everyday? Thats a lot of water.

I am to wash once a week with a very mild non wax removing cleaner.

I use Swissvax products.

I would think your paint looks terrible if it was washed every day, or will eventually.
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      01-30-2012, 03:31 AM   #3
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Like I said, with the amount of dust we get.....not washing every day would just make the car look really bad. Think "third world country" next to Afghanistan.

So what other option would I have, other than a full body wash? I am open to ideas.
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      01-30-2012, 04:11 AM   #4
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I know the area and have spent time in the Middle East.

I think your fighting a losing battle.
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      01-30-2012, 04:19 AM   #5
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Dude! Help me out here, I don't wanna get swirl marks on my graphite beauty! I am definitely getting the microfiber automotive wash towels, I just don't know which brands are the better ones that really work like they are supposed to.

I also need help on selecting the most basic items which can help keep the car looking fantastic all year round. Do I need clay bars? Do I need wax? Which ones are good? I've never done this before and I don't want to leave my car in the untrained hands of the guy who washes it.
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      01-30-2012, 04:16 PM   #6
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Gatoman has a very good step by step guide posted on the forum.

I do a bi-annual Swissvax compete detail and supplement myself with weekly washing with Swissvax products. I am very satisfied but then again my 550i isnt in Karachi.
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      01-30-2012, 10:47 PM   #7
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Are you talking about the one on Detailed Image website? I saw the one, its very informative but most of the products are not available here. I can order them and get them but I was hoping to learn more about what is absolutely necessary to maintain the car on a daily or even weekly basis so I would only get whats required.

I wish we had professional detailers. Is it easy to detail your car by yourself? Are the products idiot-proof? So if I order Swissvax products online, can I do it myself?
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      01-31-2012, 05:41 AM   #8
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I dont do claying/waxing, etc myself I pay someone to do it then just maintain it with their own Swissvax car wash. I do this weekly and the car looks great.

You have a different situation, I would concentrate on enjoying the inside.
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      01-31-2012, 11:31 PM   #9
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I can't really enjoy the inside if I know the outside is all messed up, but I understand what you mean.
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      02-01-2012, 02:45 PM   #10
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I would put some coatings on there if you need frequent improper washes.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...cquartz-2.html
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      02-01-2012, 11:45 PM   #11
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First off buy your carwash guys some product and quality microfiber towels to use only on your car.
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      02-02-2012, 12:15 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HouseofPang View Post
I would put some coatings on there if you need frequent improper washes.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...cquartz-2.html
Unfortunately there is no one who offers this service where I live, at least not to my knowledge. I'd be very surprised if there was, people normally don't spend so much in maintaining their cars here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by LACSTER View Post
First off buy your carwash guys some product and quality microfiber towels to use only on your car.
Yes, this is what I intend to do but I would really appreciate some recommended brands of microfiber towers, what grammage, which products to be used on a daily basis. I can order in the required stuff from the US, that is my preferred option.
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      02-02-2012, 06:57 AM   #13
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I would get someone (why not you? ...or the dealer?) to apply a once off coating like this:

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/optimu...nt-coating.php

or a semi-permanent coating like this:

http://gtechniq.com/shop/3s-for-cars...-crystal-auto/

And then get your washer to just high pressure rinse of the daily grime. No touching. I guess if you live in Karachi, it's fairly mild to hot weather?

For drying, make the guy use something like this:

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/chemic...-.php?cPath=64

I own a sophisto grey F10, and I can tell you your car will look like sh1t after 365days of hand washing!!!
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      02-04-2012, 01:03 PM   #14
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Sounds like good advice, any personal experience with Elite Car Care or C2 Crystal?
Yes Karachi does get mild to hot weather, usually humid but pleasant in the evenings.

I looked around and found a limited range of the following brands of car care products available locally:

1. Mothers
2. ArmorAll
3. Sonax
4. Kangaroo
5. Turtle Wax
6. Formula 1

What's the recommended brand? Mothers has a Carnauba wax range, one with 50% and the other with 70%. Does a higher % mean better?
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      03-04-2012, 12:12 PM   #15
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It's just a Honda, so get over yourself.

You need a fine wax on your car to repell the dust a bit, and get wax for your wheels.

Other than that, you live in the desert man. "The dust is hurting my car" - Don't drive in the damn dust.

Same goes for the rain/snow/sunlight. LIFE.

Quit crying in your beer man.
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      03-04-2012, 11:06 PM   #16
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Wow....I'm not sure how to respond to this but thank you for your extremely helpful insight on life in general especially my personal favorite: "Don't drive in the damn dust". I wonder why I never thought of that, now how do I cancel my $130k F10 so I can totally avoid having to deal with a dusty car? You, sir, are a genius.

Btw Karachi is not a desert, look it up. And I obviously wasn't looking for tips to fix my Honda.
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      03-10-2012, 05:15 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by darrko View Post
I am lucky that my car gets hand-washed every day. Its a black Accord and I can definitely see swirl marks all over. My car on order is Sophisto Grey and here's what I want to know:

1. Are there any pitfalls in getting the car washed every day? I live in a city which gets a lot of dust so not washing it is not really an option, the car would just look awful.

2. What tools would be the best for a daily wash? I realize I may have to train the guy who does the washing, I know he uses the car wash cloth but definitely does not believe in disposing it once it wears out. Which brand of car wash cloth and which type (terry, micro fiber etc) is recommended?

3. What other material is recommended? Which car shampoo, wax etc? We don't have professional detailers here so whatever you guys recommend, will have to be procured and explained to the guy who does it.

4. Should the interior be treated frequently as well, the leather seats and dash? Any recommended cleaning solutions? We get a lot of sun and heat so I am concerned about the leather cracking.
1. Yes, there are pitfalls of washing daily. A wax coating lasts about 50 washes. I recommend using a California Duster if you only have dust on your car. It safely removes dusts without scratching your car.

2. A good microfiber sponge to wash, California Blade to get most of the water off the car, then use microfiber to remove water in tight places.

3. You can't wrong with a trusted brand like Meguiars for soap. As for wax, I use Zymol, it's easy to apply since it's water base.

4. Warm water bucket + a couple drops of dish washing soaps + micro fibre cloth on all hard surfaces. The leather can be treated with Meguiars leather conditioner, don't over apply - once every 6 months should be good. The dash should be conditioned every 6-months as well, to prevent UV damage.

You love your car a lot more than most of us.
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      03-12-2012, 12:44 AM   #18
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Thank you for the response.

I have now come to realize that daily washing the car is counter-productive, and I will now be washing the car every weekend. For daily cleaning I have purchased the Nenette brush, which I guess is similar to the California brush you have mentioned. I can only hope that it will be enough to keep the car clean through the week until the next proper wash.

As for wax, since I have never done any detailing before, I would be looking for the most idiot-proof materials available. Btw, what's the worst that can go wrong if a particular wax or sealant is applied improperly? Is there any risk of permanent damage to the exterior?

I was initially hoping to find an applicator of a proper paint sealant locally but have not been successful so far. That would have solved so many of my problems. I may have to apply one myself but I just can't figure out which one would be the safest, given my lack of experience with this kind of a task.
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      03-12-2012, 10:45 AM   #19
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The most idiot proof formula is Zymbol's Cleaner Wax.

http://www.zymol.com/new2012cleanerwax.aspx

You can go very very wrong with other formulas, if you don't know what you're doing. Example, some formulas will burn your paint when applying to a hot hood or in direct sun light. Zymol is water base and solvent free, so you don't have to worry about burning through your paint. It is also the easiest to use and require the least amount of buffing. Remember, only wax about 2 square foot at a time and keep your car away from sun light (if possible) during the application to prevent quick drying. Use a detailing (application) pad to apply, a slightly damp micro fiber cloth to buff off the dried powder, then clean completed spot with another micro fiber cloth.

Repeat every 50 car washes or 6-month to 1yr.
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      03-13-2012, 12:23 AM   #20
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When you say other formulas that may not be as easy to use, does that include Mothers Carnauba wax? I have good things about it so was leaning towards it.

My region is hot and humid, with a LOT of sunlight all year round. I do not garage my cars but usually cover them with a car cover for the night. I am planning to get a canopy for the car park so they are not exposed to direct sunlight. I mention this because I know I will be detailing my car under the open sky, and you mention some products may not be sun-friendly.

What is the best sealant to use with Zymol's wax? How is Zymol's wax as a finishing product, the shine and glossiness?
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      03-13-2012, 04:16 AM   #21
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I'd recommend applying a Nano sealant, followed by a Carnuba wax.

This creates a very slick surface which has depth and gloss - but more importantly it'll let the dust be rinsed easier and help get it all off.

I've spent thousands on car products of various brands, but currently I'm very happy Menzerna polishes, Wolfs Nano sealant, and Dodo Juice Supernatural wax (best applied with clean bare hands).
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      03-15-2012, 12:45 AM   #22
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So is the wax always the LSP? And is there a chance that a particular brand of wax may not play nice with another product? I am getting so many different recommendations that I am honestly a little confused about which brand to go for.
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