$3 and $4 car wash safe for tsx?
08-30-2011, 09:15 AM
#2
are these hand washes? or machine washes?
even if both, these places do multiple cars a day.
their water is filthy and not to mention their rags are probably filled with dirt that can scratch your paint.
What color is your TSX? if its a dark color, these scratches commonly known as swirls will show up.
Acura's are known for soft paint.
even if both, these places do multiple cars a day.
their water is filthy and not to mention their rags are probably filled with dirt that can scratch your paint.
What color is your TSX? if its a dark color, these scratches commonly known as swirls will show up.
Acura's are known for soft paint.
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sirjackiemiles (08-30-2011)
08-30-2011, 09:54 AM
#6
Acuras are no different from other modern cars. Most now use a water based painting process that is safer for the environment but results in "softer" paint.
The clearcoat on modern paints will get swirl marks that are more evident on darker paint and hidden better on light paint (but are still there.)
Any washing process will induce swirl marks but public car washes will leave you with many more swirls and (most likely) a proper scratch or two.
Give your car a proper wash, clay, polish and wash and gently hand wash it using a soap made for car washes and a high quality automotive paint safe sponge every few weeks. Re-do the clay, polish, wax steps about twice a year and your car will always look good - even when dirty.
The clearcoat on modern paints will get swirl marks that are more evident on darker paint and hidden better on light paint (but are still there.)
Any washing process will induce swirl marks but public car washes will leave you with many more swirls and (most likely) a proper scratch or two.
Give your car a proper wash, clay, polish and wash and gently hand wash it using a soap made for car washes and a high quality automotive paint safe sponge every few weeks. Re-do the clay, polish, wax steps about twice a year and your car will always look good - even when dirty.
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saucy (08-30-2011)
08-31-2011, 02:11 PM
#10
Touchless car washes are the best way to go. I mean any of the automated car wash where nothing ever touches your car except high pressure water. Once the finish is soiled, even hand washing will grind the dirt against the clear coat and produce scratches. Your better off to leave the dirt on the finish until you can pressure wash it off rather than grind it in with a sponge or a car wash that uses brushes. Machine washes that use brushes are absolutely the worst way to "clean" your car. Especially on a bright winter day when there's a line of filthy cars 20 deep waiting. All the dirt you see on those cars will be ground into your finish like a polishing rouge.
The problem is, unless you have a good coat of wax on your finish and wash regularly, the touchless washes don't remove all of the dirt and your left with a thin film of grime. So, when weather permits I run through the touchless or pressure wash first and then go at it with a sponge and car wash detergent. This method greatly reduces scratching and swirl marks. I also have a 10 year old black TL and that finish still looks great with a coat of wax on it.
The problem is, unless you have a good coat of wax on your finish and wash regularly, the touchless washes don't remove all of the dirt and your left with a thin film of grime. So, when weather permits I run through the touchless or pressure wash first and then go at it with a sponge and car wash detergent. This method greatly reduces scratching and swirl marks. I also have a 10 year old black TL and that finish still looks great with a coat of wax on it.
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justnspace (08-31-2011)
08-31-2011, 02:26 PM
#11
Touchless car washes are the best way to go. I mean any of the automated car wash where nothing ever touches your car except high pressure water. Once the finish is soiled, even hand washing will grind the dirt against the clear coat and produce scratches. Your better off to leave the dirt on the finish until you can pressure wash it off rather than grind it in with a sponge or a car wash that uses brushes. Machine washes that use brushes are absolutely the worst way to "clean" your car. Especially on a bright winter day when there's a line of filthy cars 20 deep waiting. All the dirt you see on those cars will be ground into your finish like a polishing rouge.
The problem is, unless you have a good coat of wax on your finish and wash regularly, the touchless washes don't remove all of the dirt and your left with a thin film of grime. So, when weather permits I run through the touchless or pressure wash first and then go at it with a sponge and car wash detergent. This method greatly reduces scratching and swirl marks. I also have a 10 year old black TL and that finish still looks great with a coat of wax on it.
The problem is, unless you have a good coat of wax on your finish and wash regularly, the touchless washes don't remove all of the dirt and your left with a thin film of grime. So, when weather permits I run through the touchless or pressure wash first and then go at it with a sponge and car wash detergent. This method greatly reduces scratching and swirl marks. I also have a 10 year old black TL and that finish still looks great with a coat of wax on it.
Since touchless car washes can only remove dirt with soap and water pressure, they often use harsh chemicals that may strip whatever wax protection you may have.
You should only use them if you intend to hand wash, polish and wax right after.
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justnspace (08-31-2011)
08-31-2011, 08:06 PM
#12
You see me, I CU2
In the winter I use the self serve car wash where its just coin operated and you use the hose provided, I never use the power brush tho, in the winter I use good ol' house water
09-01-2011, 07:29 AM
#13
Agreed, but during the winter you have no choice and eventually will have to wash to remove road salt buildup. A decent wax job will hold up through several or more washes.
09-01-2011, 08:51 AM
#15
09-01-2011, 10:45 AM
#16
Here is a writeup on ONR and the proper washing method.
http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...-no-rinse-onr/
http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...in-the-winter/
http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...-no-rinse-onr/
http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...in-the-winter/
09-02-2011, 08:29 AM
#18
These are great articles. I've been doing this for years without knowing it was called ONR. I've never used that product but I pretty much follow that process several times a season. I think one of the most important parts of the process has to be the use of the grit guards and if you don't follow the procedure exactly you'll end up doing more harm than good.
09-02-2011, 08:33 AM
#19
These are great articles. I've been doing this for years without knowing it was called ONR. I've never used that product but I pretty much follow that process several times a season. I think one of the most important parts of the process has to be the use of the grit guards and if you don't follow the procedure exactly you'll end up doing more harm than good.
You're right though that the basic concept is the same regardless of products used. Grit guards are imperative.
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