the bottom 3 inches

[the sybe]

When I wash my car I always try to avoid the very bottom portion of the vehicle because I am afraid of turning my wash rag into a sheet of sandpaper, for example, I will wash my car all the way around to the bottom of the doors, then I will go around the entire vehicle washing only that little bottom portion that is left. Is this appropriate or is there a better way? Should i, before washing the upper, go around the lower with a scrub brush? Tips and pointers are appreciated!
Joe

[wifpd4]

Re: the bottom 3 inches

Hi Joe,

I hope when you say "wash rag" you mean microfiber mitt or lambs wool mitt.

Your game plan is excellent. That lower area is full of grit, dirt, sand, salt. Doing it last is a good idea. Usually I use a residential grade high pressure washer on the car, concentrating on the lower portion. Starting at the top of the car and working downward. While that soaks a bit, I get started on the wheels. Often using a chemical from Meguiar's specific to the type of rim. I mix up a bucket of a cheaper auto soap and using a variety of brushes, I give the tires and wheel wells a good working over. Rinsing with the high pressure washer. Each wheel and wheel well takes 15 to 30 minutes each.

Next I have a Gilmour Foam Gun on a hose and foam down the whole car. Then I hand wash the car, using a bucket to rinse the mitt, but using the foam gun to keep the car soaped up. As you say leaving the lower section for last. Between the high pressure washer and all the soap running down the sides, the lower section is nearly free of the "enemy" when I hand wash it. Finally I rinse with the high pressure washer, follow with my rubber hose and drizzle rinse for a sheeting action to reduce drying. I dry with an artificial chamois, Absorber, and a Meguiar's waffle weaver. I follow that with drying with an electric leaf blower.

If needed, I will repeat the process washing and rinsing before drying. I want ZERO grit on the car for when I polish and or wax. In addition, I clay most cars before polishing. With the clay I can feel stuff washing did not get off the paint. Especially tar on the lower sections.

Keep in mind I work indoors and do not have to deal with the sun, nor wind, drying the soap foam on the car. If you work outdoors reduce the area you are working on and keep the car wet until you can dry it. NO water spots. I'm slow and old both, so the whole process takes three hours or so.

Oh one other thing, keep the scrub brush away from the paint. You will mar the finish and your goal is that like a doctor, "Do No Harm"!!

[the sybe]

Very nice write-up, thanks for all the good advice! Just seems like that stuff down low is so hard to get off, with all the tar and what not! Is there a better way to go about taking off the tar, or a particular method that works better than another? Sometimes it seems like a soap and water just doesn't get it,,,, thanks again in advance, Joe

[wifpd4]

Re: the bottom 3 inches

Joe,

Claying is one way to remove minor tar spots. Another is to purchase a product intended for tar and or bug removal. An example would be Taminator or as some folks suggest WD-40. Wash that area again, when done. Do not use gasoline, way too dangerous.

Venture into an auto store such as: O'Reilly's, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts or even WalMart to find a commercial product.

[STRIFE]

Re: the bottom 3 inches

Before I ever touch my cars, I usually blast my cars with a hose for several minutes especially the lower parts/ wheel wells...etc.
I usually wash the top/roof first with my MF mitt, and work down. The last foot from the bottom or so I usually switch to my Montana boars hair brush, I feel the hairs will not rub any grit into my paint.
I use grit guards in my buckets and when using a boars hair brush, I usually use a lot of wash solution and clean my brush often in the bucket.

I know boars hair wash brushes are a a personal preference, but when used properly, they are great for me.