Well; had the car a week and it is pretty dirty. Is it normal to get so much dirt and tar on the side sills right up to the lower duct? By far the worse areas affected. Anyway, my anxiety is worrying about the paint quality. I am already thinking of: Wheels: Rinse Spray with wheel cleaner and leave for 1 minute Agitate if required Rinse Body Gentle rinse Foam cannon Gentle rinse Foam cannon and bit of agitation Gentle rinse Air dry Window cleaner, if required, on all glass including engine cover Do I foam and rinse the vents above the engine and also the other larger vents on the side of the car or should I avoid getting too much water in the engine bay itself? Anything else I need to consider? Thanks in advance. Why is the very first wash so scary
Nothing scary about washing a car… don’t overthink. I just rinse, use a bucket with soap and water and a microfiber sponge and sponge it off, then rinse then dry with micro fiber towels. And no, that much dirt and tar is not normal for my car. Rarely ever see any tar. the side vents have a drain so no need to worry about water getting in them. The engine vents just drip down on the water channel on the covers inside and are also designed to handle water so not really a big deal to get wet when washing. I wouldn’t put the hose up close and blast either of them but normal washing and rinse is no issue.
Don't over think it its a car. Been in the auto detail industry my whole life. Rinse, Foam ,wash ,rinse ,dry. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yeah, great. I hear so many stories and the dealer carried out paint correction on the car and it looks like new! Waiting for the sun to disappear
I foam my engine bay routinely to keep it clean. Detailing brushes for all of the intricate parts. No fear. Just make sure you dry it out completely. I use a Air Force master blaster to blow it dry and touch up with a microfiber towel. Then start the car and let it get to operating temperature with the rear deck lid open. I leave the lid open overnight if I’m not going to drive it. I have a video on my Instagram account of me doing it. @Petrolheadtexas Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
I followed this closely and was very pleased with the results I would recommend placing towels under the engine hatch vents to catch any water that comes through So it doesn't trickle down onto engine and electrical bits https://fb.watch/ex7YpmYNLs/
I think we’ve suffered more from tar in the UK recently because it’s been so bloody hot and the roads have melted a bit. My Mercedes is covered in the stuff.
I do a garage bucket wash with just clean water, never really much more than dust on the car from my rides.
I've had my car for three years and three thousand miles and have yet to wash it with water. For some magical reason, it stays clean. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Beautiful! Ceramic coat by chance? My 360 had that applied a couple of years ago so I think that helps with my surface cleaning with just fresh water and a big sponge and chamois dry.
Recently got an F430 black spider. Got it last Oct. Came with a detail from the dealer (waxed for sure). Over the last 10 months no dirt to speak of just light dust. I just buff it occasionally with McGuires quick detail spray and a microfiber towel and it looks perfect.
... and never use a sponge to wash your car. Always a soft brush of some kind. Sponges tend to absorb the sand and dust on them, and drive it on the surface, creating small swirl marks... don't believe me until you will. I love this boar brush, the hair is extremely soft and still strong enough to hold when wet... unfortunately it has tripled in price in the past year or so https://www.autogeek.net/boar-hair-brush.html Else just use a soft car brush from amazon, I used this one for years: https://www.amazon.com/Carrand-93062-Deluxe-Brush-Extension/dp/B00HFL4CK6/ref=asc_df_B00HFL4CK6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312105316935&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10975275962790542062&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002082&hvtargid=pla-491762935904&psc=1 I used to own a detail shop back in another life, did ceramic coatings, detailing, leather restoration, etc.
Since we are on detailing I only use Micro fibers towels from the rag company. Along with there micro fiber sponge for washing in a 2 bucket method. Most of my stuff I get at obsessed garage. Detail products have come along way.
I tried to run my 360 through an automated wash one time. The staff said, (and I quote): You. Have lost. Your mind. :-D
