Between wash routines?

Ok,so you've washed and glassed your ride and you take it out for a spin.you pick up a little road dust and some bugs.you obviously aren't going to detail it every time you go out.please post some of your routines/ products for light clean ups.

 

Use a detailer like Griots Speed Shine or Pinnacle carnauba mist spray between washes. These are just to handle very very light dust between washes. Anything more I wash the car. The idea is to prevent clear coat stratching or swirls. So it's a judgement call as to how fastidious you want to be. Unfortunately I am a fanatic so I stay on the safe side.

 

I spray a little Chemical Guys EcoSmart RU Waterless Wash & Wax on one of their gold microfiber towels, and it works great with no waxy buildup. (never wipe a dry towel on a dirty car)
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I used the above mentioned sprays for years but I have streaking so I went over and over the car. I got a big spray bottle and lately I have been spraying water and wiping off and no streaks. Also the nozzel on the sprayer keeps breaking after a few sprays so I buy a new one to break again. Not sure why it pisses me off so.

 

Three words:made in China

 

Eek. I gotta be totally honest here. Wiping down the car after it has become lightly dirty with any sort of spray and towel gives me the heebie jeebies.

Here's my honest advice: Leave the car alone until you're ready to wash it fully. If your surface is prepped well, and maybe if you've got a coating or sealant, you won't be doing any harm by leaving the road-dust on the car until you're ready to wash it. Conversely, a couple of wrong moves with the towel and spray could land you in swirl-mark city.

I confess that I don't do anything in between washes, except for dust off my wheels if they need it. During the driving season, I wash every 2 weeks, but only drive the car about 2 days per week plus weekends (if I'm lucky). So, my typical usage is probably very different from yours.

Dead bugs on the nose? I leave them sit. Road dust behind the wheels? I leave it. Anything gets left on there until I'm ready to wash - and I wash it carefully as I've learned from Todd C. Nope, I'm not gonna do any between-wash-business.
Also, my car gets detailed each season at Esoteric and it has a coating. New coating going on tomorrow as a matter of fact!!!

 

What about these or the like?

California Car Duster Company - Home Page

 

Ohhh The good Doc is gonna get it now. He mentioned the car scratchers.

 

+1

 

Leave it as is. Do not cover. When time permits drive to a you squirt it. No soap just pressure rinse to remove the bugs etc. Drive home wet. Garden hose spray at home. Wipe dry micro fiber towels. Spritz polish finish. Remove McDonalds wrappers and beer bottles. Cover. Gts Bruce

 

At least the non-ferrari , import dealer detailed my car inside and out when I had my tires put on today. It seems they just wanted to work on it

 

Never had a problem with Griot's Speed shine or Prima's Hydro. Never attempt when the car is warm or in the sun. Use the thick Griots Micro fiber towels. Keep a good sealer on the car.

 

Absolutely not. Use a quality microfiber duster instead.

For between wash cleanings have a look at Optimum No Rinse Car Wash. It can be used for its eponymous purpose, as well as mixed for use as clay bar lubricant and a QD (Quick Detailer). When used as directed and with the right type of microfiber cloths it will not scratch your paint, as I have proven firsthand on my black 348.

If you're truly interested in properly caring for the cosmetics of your cars I'd suggest spending time on the Autogeek forum. There's a tremendous wealth of info there-- sort of the F-Chat of the detailing world.

 

There is no routine between washings as far as the paint is concerned! You simply wait until the next wash...unless you like swirls! I don't care what spray you want to use, what waterless solution, or what "quick detailer"...you significantly increase your chances of swirling your paint.

And when washing your car, please see the following article / video on how to do it properly: How to wash your car | Esoteric Car Care

All of your proper detailing needs can be found here (from the Ferrari detailing experts!): Auto Detailing Supplies | Esoteric Car Care

 

My car has 3M clear bra on the nose and hood and mirrors. As soon as i get home i spray with Windex and soak the bugs while they are still juicy. While soaking i clean the windshield with Armour All or Meguires glass cleaner. Then i wipe off with clean micro fiber towels. The i wipe off the 3M with micro fiber towels. If other parts of the car need cleaning i use MeGuires Quick Detailer and micro fiber towels.

If the wheels and tires are dirty i use Lemon Pledge and wipe off with regular towels. Do not spray on carbon ceremaic brakes/rotors cuz your car wont stop and you may have to replace your brakes/rotors.

This will usually do me unless i get caught in the rain...then i use hot water and the double bucket method. Meguires Gold soap.

 

I use Meguiars Quick Detailer & a microfiber cloth, but only when it's lightly dusty, anything heavier I'm afraid it would scratch.

 

Agree.

 

Thanks