The importance of washing your car correctly

whenever I wash my Mondial I use an aircompressor to blow out every bit of water from all of the seals, hinges etc. Apparently, the prior owner was not so fastidious. I removed all the seals after getting the car and found some minor surface rust underneath the rubber trunk seal that had begun to form there and near the corner of the trunk. Yesterday, I brought the car in to two different well respected autobody shops, who both told me the rust was very minor and could easily be repaired for about $500.00. Apparently the location and me catching it early played a factor in the price. I was going to wait on it, but I've always been told that rust is like cancer, you either get it early or it spreads. Anyway, I say this to remind everyone to take the time to go over every detail when washing and drying your car. If not for the advice on this board I probably would not have known to use the air compressor and probably would have further aggravated the problem.

 

Truer words have never been spoken. For that reason, I don't go anywhere near the engine compartment. However, similar perils await you in the front of the car if you are not careful. Make sure the fusebox cover is sealed tight and be careful not to aim the hose directly at the car for fear of blasting any of the electrics. Driving a car in the rain and washing a car are two entirely different things. Rain does not induce any significant water pressure and volume...both of which, apparently the Mondial and other ferraris of this era are allergic to (from what I have read). This is why it is not only important to wash the car correctly, but make sure you have gotten the water out of every nook and cranny before patting yourself on the back for a job well done.

Personally, I wash the car as infrequently as possible and only when she REALLY needs it. Otherwise, I use a spray wax after every drive to keep her shiny and fresh.

 

Good idea...will try it next time

 

Try not to wash your car in direct sunlight--bad for the paint.
I wouldn't use a high pressure water jet on a Mondial because a moment's misstep and you could blast water into an area full of electronics or into the engine bay itself and have all sorts of problems. Also, if water pressure exceeds what the seals are designed to handle, you could be inviting rust if you are not careful to get all the water out from underneath them.

As for the interior-- most people recommend Leatherique or Zaino, among others. I have been using Leatherique and it works quite well, superior to Lexol and other mainstream products. However, I don't know if either are available in your area.