washing in the rain

[KIA HYBRID]

We have heavy rain here.I just want to know if I go out in the rain,soap(uww) the car down and don't rinse (rain can do it).Of course I can't dry it.Will use 2 bucket method.Can I do harm to the paint?Call me crazy or cheapo.But I like the rain and don't mind getting wet.

[The Guz]

Re: washing in the rain

It's best to just wait until you have a clear day to wash the car.

[Blueline]

Re: washing in the rain

I really don't think you will do any harm. Not being able to properly dry it, however, might leave some water spots, just like a normal rain would do even not washing in the rain. So, in my opinion, washing in the rain, would be almost like not washing it at all when it dries. As previously stated, it is better to wash when it is not raining, for no other reason other than you will get better results. That said, don't worry about being called crazy. My neighbor down the road thinks I am crazy washing my cars so much, but he might just call the hospital if he saw me washing them in the rain.

[C8N]

Re: washing in the rain

Just note that rain is not only water..... then again, same can be said about tap water.

[KIA HYBRID]

Re: washing in the rain

Thanks all.I'm waiting on a clear day.

[larry0071]

I've done exactly what your taking about, go out in the rain and do a Meguiars rinse less wash and let the rain finish it. It works amazingly well! I'll throw a couple buckets over the roof, hood and trunk (clear tap water) and just allow the rain to finish it. The next day, it looks marvelous!

[The Guz]

Re: washing in the rain

Well you do learn something new everyday. I had no idea some of you guys were doing this. Although it doesn't rain that much here in So Cal so this is good to know.

[Murr1525]

Re: washing in the rain

I'll definatley wash in the rain... esp during pollen season, why not.

[davey g-force]

Re: washing in the rain

Yep, I've washed in the rain many times before. Put on my rain jacket and go for it! I've gotten some strange looks from the neighbors though.

The rain does the rinsing for you too, so you save water.

If the car is going to be driven again soon, I won't dry it. Once the rain stops, it still ends up much cleaner than if I hadn't washed it (though slightly spotty).

But usually I'll wash in the rain, pull the car into the garage and dry / detail it and don't use the car again until the weather has cleared up.

[larry0071]

Well you do learn something new everyday. I had no idea some of you guys were doing this. Although it doesn't rain that much here in So Cal so this is good to know.

We average 146 rain days per year here in the Pittsburgh area. The 7 day extended forecast shows rain every day currently.

[BillyJack]

Re: washing in the rain

I've done exactly what your taking about, go out in the rain and do a Meguiars rinse less wash and let the rain finish it. It works amazingly well! I'll throw a couple buckets over the roof, hood and trunk (clear tap water) and just allow the rain to finish it. The next day, it looks marvelous!

I've done the same. I don't know the science behind it, but a rinseless wash works better than a soap wash for me too.

Bill

[larry0071]

I mix a 5 gallon of the rinse-less wash by Meguiars and do a Microfiber wipe down of the car with the MF literally saturated in the mix. Then I'll toss the few quick buckets of clear water over the flat surfaces and I walk away and let rain go. It's barely spotted at all once it dries and it looks damn near like a fresh full hand wash. When is raining for days and weeks at a time, it gets you where you want to be. Less crappy looking.