To Wash, or not to wash?

[Drashnar]

In direct sunlight that is. I know that I'm not supposed to in direct sunlight, but basically, I don't have a choice. I don't have any options that will allow me to regularly wash my car out of direct sunlight. And for reasons I won't go into, washing early in the morning or in the evening while it's grey just isn't an option. Usually IF I get a chance to wash my car (which I don't always ), it is only right smack during the middle of the day.

So I ask you, is it better to wash in direct sunlight, or just wait until I get a chance to wash it during the proper time of day (even though that may take awhile)?

Oh yeah, this is for a daily driver, so it's not imperative that it be immaculate, but I still want to take care of my car.

[Detailing by M]

Re: To Wash, or not to wash?

You can go with a Waterless Wash in direct sun but there's a bit of a learning curve with WW.

But washing in the sun isn't a problem as long as do it in section and you cool the car down and ESPECIALY the windshield.

Only do a section at a time.
Start with the roof, windshield and back window, then dry the roof.
Next do the hood and front end, dry
Trunk, rear, dry
sides.
Rims & tires.
Then go over it with a QD
Also a detailed car will react better so make sure you have wax on it.

[Drashnar]

Re: To Wash, or not to wash?

Thanks for the response. I didn't think of it, but I see your point about drying right after every section.

Also a detailed car will react better so make sure you have wax on it.

Can you explain what you mean by this? A detailed car will react better to what exactly?

And to be frank, I haven't even gotten into waxing yet. Is it worth waxing if I haven't even used any clay on the car yet? Due to personal reasons I don't usually have as much time to spend on my car as I'd like, when I even get a chance to work on it I only get an hour or 2 at most anyway, so as much as I wish I had more time, I need to know what will give my car the best treatment in the shortest amount of time. Thanks!

[dwg51357]

Re: To Wash, or not to wash?

Yes, it is definitely worth waxing. Wax will protect your finish and also make it easier to do the section-by-section washing that Please Wash Me refers to. Washing, rinsing and drying a waxed car will be much easier.

Claying is not critical. Since time is an issue, you'll probably get the best bang for your buck (time) by waxing with a synthetic like Meguiars Ultimate; it will protect the longest. If you have more time to spend, you could polish prior to waxing; this will bring out the beauty of your finish and remove minor imperfections. If you have even more time, you could clay, then compound (if your finish needs it), then polish, then wax.

Hope this helps.

[Christopher.Brown]

Re: To Wash, or not to wash?

Cant you drive it somewhere nearby with a large tree or shaded area and wait 10 min then Waterless Wash it that way?

Anything to cool the paint off and not be in direct sunlight..

[Detailing by M]

Re: To Wash, or not to wash?

Wax repels water so it's easier to wash N dry

Get a spray wax easy to use and you can do the whole car in 5 mins.

Quick Wax is also great to use as you dry so that sounds perfect for you.
Wash, rinse, spray wax N dry, DONE!