Which winter wash maintenance sounds better?

[fpalattao]

I tried washing my vehicle today at the coin op car wash station as its pretty cold here. I did the two rinse cycles one in the beginning and one at the end. In between the rinse cycles I use the 2 bucket approach. However, I dont see myself doing this everytime once it becomes extremely cold.

My two options are:

1. Use the coin op car wash but just use the rinse cycle and rinse the whole vehicle. No Soap in between maybe the soap that comes out of the hose but I heard it strips off wax (is this true?)Then continue with the rinse.

2. Go to a touchless car wash and use the basic package

I currently have 2x tech wax on my paint and 2x #16 as a topper for this winter.

Thanks guys for your suggestions and for reading this long post.

[Bill D]

I'd just use the coin op for extremely dirty conditions like wheel wells, undercarraige and wheels in the winter.
Otherwise, I would use Protectall Quick and Easy Wash. I just got in from washing my gf's car with it and my Dad's van. It's amazing!

I taught my gf how to use it and she got the hang of it very quickly.


This product was discussed here recently. I highly recommend it.

[fpalattao]

Thanks for the reply but I personally haven't used QEW, I still like to go to a car wash its just a matter of which option should I take.

[Bill D]

Take QEW with you to the coin op and mix and match options if you like

[fpalattao]

Will QEW work if my car is not garaged outside the cold with salt accumulating or should I wash it first at the coin op then when I get home QEW it.

[tguil]

I too have NXT times 2 on my black Hemi. This winter will be a good test of how durable it really is.

My plan. The coin-op carwash. Use both the detergent and rinse cycles. (Winter puts some mighty tough crud on a vehicle.) Immediately QEW at the carwash rather than just drying after the carwash rinse cycle. This should remove the scum left by the detergent and rinse cycles.

I'm also going to live with the dust my truck collects. I'll wash only when it is "crud covered".

Tom

[fpalattao]

Does QEW remove existing wax?

[TOGWT]

~One man’s opinion / observations~

QEW will not remove wax / sealant when used at the correct dilution rate(s)

Protectalls Quick & Easy Wash (QEW) is non-abrasive; it safely loosens, then the dirt-encapsulating ingredients will lift the dirt from the surface eliminating the need to use a water hose. QEW is as effective as a regular wash, whenever there is a water shortage, cold weather washing, as it takes less time, or a water hose is not available (condominiums, car shows, etc)

QEW contains a non-foaming surfactants [: a surface-active substance], which forms a very close bond to the surface and by chemical and/or electrostatic action between the dirt or hydrocarbon solids (which covers most of the soils found on a vehicle) These solids are encapsulated by the surfactants in the washing media (wash mitt /towel) once this media is agitated in the rinse water the solids are released.

Application Methodology: (a)
Mix 2oz of QEW thoroughly in the wash bucket.
·After saturating mitt, wash one panel at a time, wiping in the one direction only, and no circular movements.
·Work from the top down (i.e. cleaner to dirtier surfaces)
·Wash a section at a time then just chamois, towel or squeegee dry
·Use a Microfiber waffle weave towel, rinse in warm, clean water and wring out as much moisture as possible, fold the towel in half and then half again
·Dry panel with towel while allowing the first mitt to soak in wash solution and proceed to the next panel.
·Alternate mitts ensuring that they are rinsed toughly and wrung out before placing them in wash solution (this will avoid dilution of solution)
·Work your way around vehicle until all panels have been cleaned / dried
·Clean glass surfaces by using a damp Microfiber glass cloth on both inside and exterior surfaces.

Application Methodology: (b)
If your car is very dirty use a higher concentrate of QEW solution (2.5-3.0oz)
·After soaking mitt in solution, put solution into a spray bottle, spray panel with QEW
·Let panels soak before using the method outlined abov
·Change water as often as is necessary (dependant upon need/availability)

QEW dries clear but for a just detailed look, once washing / drying has been completed spray panel with a quick detailing spray with a clean damp towel and finally buff with a Microfiber buffing towel.

~Hope this helps~

Knowledge unshared is experience wasted [each one / teach one]
justadumbarchitect / so I question everything/ JonM

[94gpse]

I tried the bucket technique where you bring your soap and mitt and wash it at the coin op and just use the wand to rinse. Like I said I tried. I put a little water in my bucket and put some nxt soap in it then I went to fill it up and it sprayed all over me, and no I didn't pull the trigger... I also tried using the "presoak" button and didn't have any luck So after that I was mad and just used the car wash's stuff. My question is how do you guys fill your bucket with soap at the coin op wash????

[tguil]

Buy a plastic 5 gallon gas can. Fill it at home. Pour it into the bucket at the carwash.

Right now I'm washing my black Hemi at the carwash using their soap cycle followed by the rinse cycle. I quickly dry the hood when I'm done with the rinse cycle. (The hood seems to waterspot easly.) I drive home with the rest of the truck still wet and then QEW in the garage.

I don't think that the carwash soap is all that hard on a surface waxed with NXT. When it looks like it needs it, I'll simply lay on another coat of NXT. It's so darned easy to do so.

Tom

[RandallUmich]

Hi, I usually have my mits in the bucket and place the hose under them and keep the hose submerged in the water as it's filling up.

Originally posted by 94gpse
I tried the bucket technique where you bring your soap and mitt and wash it at the coin op and just use the wand to rinse. Like I said I tried. I put a little water in my bucket and put some nxt soap in it then I went to fill it up and it sprayed all over me, and no I didn't pull the trigger... I also tried using the "presoak" button and didn't have any luck So after that I was mad and just used the car wash's stuff. My question is how do you guys fill your bucket with soap at the coin op wash????