NXT durability using hot water

[fpalattao]

does hosing your car with hot water strip nxt/#16 off?

It winter here in Canada and most of the coin op bays use extremely hot water. I dont mind but how does it affect the layer of wax.

[TOGWT]

Re: NXT durability using hot water

Originally posted by fpalattao
does hosing your car with hot water strip nxt/#16 off?

It winter here in Canada and most of the coin op bays use extremely hot water. I dont mind but how does it affect the layer of wax.

Hot water is used to get the vehicle clean- three types of energy are required; Chemical energy- provided by the synthetic cleaner, Mechanical energy - (agitation) provide by machine or hand, Thermal energy -provided by warm or hot water.

Heated water breaks down water-soluble soiling faster as it reduces overall chemical usage because it reduces the surface tension of the fibre. Heat acts as a catalyst promoting quicker reactions between chemicals and the soil thereby minimizing dwell time.

These types of energy interact and should be in proper balance. Let's look at how they work together.
Let's assume we have an oily, greasy soil on the vehicle. Water alone will not remove this soil. One important reason is that oil and grease present in soil repel the water molecules.
Now let's add soap or detergent. The surfactant's water-hating end is repelled by water but attracted to the oil in the soil. At the same time, the water-loving end is attracted to the water molecules.

These opposing forces loosen the soil and suspend it in the water. Warm or hot water helps dissolve grease and oil in soil. Machine agitation or hand rubbing helps pull the soil free.

Hot water from a car wash should not harm a wax as its melting point is usually 180oF, which is (hopefully) a higher temperature than the water they are using, or a polymer as its melting point is 350oF.

JonM

[fpalattao]

Thanks for the reply and well said.

I guess now it comes down to also how strong is the force of the water hitting the car. The agitation and force of the water in theory can strip the wax right?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by fpalattao
Thanks for the reply and well said.

I guess now it comes down to also how strong is the force of the water hitting the car. The agitation and force of the water in theory can strip the wax right?

Anything making physical contact with the finish/wax has the potential to wear it off. This would include a strong spray of water, wash mitts, mechanical brushes, and even chemical cleaners.

Touch-less car washes in order to clean well without physically touching the car typically rely on stronger chemicals to do the cleaning and will probably remove some of your wax protection.

Mike