Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

[Expertcarpetcare]

I pick up a gallon of Simonize for 17.99, I see Meguiars for 33.99,
Another brand 12.99. Avon bubble bath works great and smells nice too, its 8.99

These prices are for Ontario Canada, I know U.S. get it a lot cheaper.

So my question is, with such a variety in pricing and with Meguiars being so much higher in price than other brands of car wash soap, is there really a difference? I know they talk about PH balanced, but I havent seen the bubble bath hurt anything yet.

Can anyone explain why I should put down the 17.99 car wash soap and spend 33.99 on Meguiars Car wash soap?

[Tuck91]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

What Meguiars car wash are you interested in?

[Expertcarpetcare]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

I was interested in the gold class car wash soap, or the Nex Tex, but they are double the price, so looking for justification.

[Murr1525]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

Gold Class is pretty nice, but does seem like a big price jump.

[Tuck91]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

I was interested in the gold class car wash soap, or the Nex Tex, but they are double the price, so looking for justification.

Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo and Conditoner is Meguiars' top shelf car wash in the consumer line. Gold Class also is known for its high lubricity and great finish it leaves behind.

NXT Generation Car Wash cleans better and has softeners in it to aid with hard water. Still leaves a great finish behind after washing but not as good as Gold Class IMO.


The main difference bewtween NXT Generation Car Wash and Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo and Conditoner is that NXT Generation Car Wash cleans a little better while Gold Class leaves a bit of a better finish behind.

I have tried all of Meguiars' car washes with the exception of the D Line Super Soap and the discontinued D Line Wash N Wax, and they really are all great car washes.

[Expertcarpetcare]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

Great description of how the two products work, although Im still looking for a reason to pay such a higher price over cheaper car wash soaps such as Simoniz or Avon Bubble bath.

[CieraSL]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

Great description of how the two products work, although Im still looking for a reason to pay such a higher price over cheaper car wash soaps such as Simoniz or Avon Bubble bath.

I think you're looking for an answer that isn't there. If you wanted to really save money, you could go with dish soap. But cheaper doesn't necessarily mean better. On the same token, more expensive doesn't necessarily mean better, either. But like the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for." I've tried some of the lesser quality car washes, and to me, the Meguiar's car washes leave more gloss, a better finish, and seemingly do a better job of protecting the existing wax on your car. If you want to use Avon bubble bath on your car, then by all means do so. Nobody is going to stop you, although nobody here on MOL is going to recommend it. Just remember, "Cheaper is not always better."

[Calais]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

I have used the Simoniz one (purple in a gallon bottle right?) and although it isn't the worst option in the world, I would say that it is not even close to the level of Gold Class. The gallon of Simoniz is $4 here while 64oz is $8.99 (both OTC) and I would pick the Meg's for 2x the price every time. Now, I just buy Gold Class by the gallon online, see if you can get it in larger quantities online for cheaper.

[Tuck91]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

Either way, your goal is to find a good quality shampoo that does not strip wax and has a lot of lubricity to reduce the potential of creating swirls or scratches, The Simoniz soap may not strip wax but I dont think it comes close in terms with Gold Class as far as lubricity, slickness, or overall finish.

[Expertcarpetcare]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

Some great answers here and thanks all for taking the time. I just want to clear something up here, whenever I ask why I should pay more for one item over another, it doesnt mean I want to be cheap, the question stands exactly as it is. I just want to know why it is better. If I know why one product is better then I have no problem paying more for it.

It goes much deeper for me on the car wash soap. I see you guys quoting a gallon of Meguiars for $8-$10, keep in mind that the same stuff is around $35.00 a gallon here. So Not trying to be cheap, but knowing the difference in products is important when paying that kind of money for car wash soap.

[Poki]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

I'd just like to say thanks for asking your question the way you did, responding to the replys the way you did and qualifying the way you did! That's what makes this fourm many soap bubbles above the rest!!!

[cnfowler]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

I think you're looking for an answer that isn't there. If you wanted to really save money, you could go with dish soap. But cheaper doesn't necessarily mean better. On the same token, more expensive doesn't necessarily mean better, either. But like the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for." I've tried some of the lesser quality car washes, and to me, the Meguiar's car washes leave more gloss, a better finish, and seemingly do a better job of protecting the existing wax on your car. If you want to use Avon bubble bath on your car, then by all means do so. Nobody is going to stop you, although nobody here on MOL is going to recommend it. Just remember, "Cheaper is not always better."

Very nice answer, Shane.

Car soaps are no different than any other product made in the world; quality costs. That's like asking why is this name brand computer better than this no-name computer? Sure they both have a power button, a monitor, a CPU, etc. However, the more expensive name brand computer is going to have better quality components, better manufacturing, quality control, etc. Same with soaps. A bottle of Gold Class Shampoo is going to have higher quality ingredients, more specialized lubricants, etc than a cheap bottle of brand x car wash soap.

Sorry for the terrible computer analogy. Hopefully you got what I was trying to say.

Colin

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

Some great answers here and thanks all for taking the time. I just want to clear something up here, whenever I ask why I should pay more for one item over another, it doesnt mean I want to be cheap, the question stands exactly as it is. I just want to know why it is better. If I know why one product is better then I have no problem paying more for it.

It goes much deeper for me on the car wash soap. I see you guys quoting a gallon of Meguiars for $8-$10, keep in mind that the same stuff is around $35.00 a gallon here. So Not trying to be cheap, but knowing the difference in products is important when paying that kind of money for car wash soap.

Very reasonable questions.

The main differences in soaps will be in the way that it effects your finish, your wax/sealants, how it leaves the finish, and how well it lubricates the surface while also effectively removing surface contamination.

A cheaper soap will likely not excel at doing these as effectively and delicately as a quality soap such as Gold Class. Gold Class is a HUGE seller and favorite because it is easy to feel how incredibly slick it makes the surface during the wash.

This slickness in turn reduces the potential for adding swirls to your paint - a very crucial quality for the serious automotive enthusiast looking to maintain a great finish.

You also have to consider how well the product will remove contamination without having to use force, which again will run the risk of adding swirls.

In the end, you will need to determine if it is worth the added cost. But hopefully this information will help you make that decision.

You may also want to consider some of the online retailer (e-tailers) that carry Meguiar's products as you may be able to get a break on price there. Also, on that same note, the professional soaps may help with cost savings as well.

[Expertcarpetcare]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

Thank you Mark, excellent response and with the info I was looking for

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Is there really a difference in Car Wash Soaps?

Thank you Mark, excellent response and with the info I was looking for

Glad I could be of help!