Washing the f355

Paul, thank you for creating the thread that will most certainly bring the weekend entertainment

If you want to reduce the inevitable micro scratches, a wet water wash is the only option.

/flame suit on/

You will soon hear that your 355 will melt if you get it wet - don't believe it

 

Quick detail is no bueno, especially with the soft paint of Ferrari, if keeping clear swirl-free paint is of concern. A nice sudsy 2-bucket wash with a quality mitt and gentle hose rinse is the way to go. Now, I wouldn't go spraying the engine bay out with a pressure washer, but indirect dripping through the engine lid should not be an issue. If you want to take an extra measure of precaution, cover your connector junctions. Otherwise, the engine bay can be cleaned by hand, with a deep cleaning during major servicing.

Washing your car should be no sweat.

 

Don't over think it, it is paint care. It doesnt matter if it is on a Ferrari or a ford pinto it's paint.

If you actually drive the car and splatter bugs, pick up dirt and road grime then you need to wet wash or you will just grind all that stuff in.

If you keep it under a cover, take 10 mile an hour cruises around the block and park it then spray detailer might work for you.

I've also power washed the engine of every car I've ever owned and never had a problem. I did it on the 355 at least a dozen times and never had an issue. Maybe I was just lucky but it never melted.

You WILL get differing opinions so just take it all in and do what you think is right for you.

 

Step 1: Cover engine in plastic.
Step 2: Suds
Step 3: Rinse
Step 4: Air Dry (I use a leaf blower)

Completely touchless.

Here is my VIN: ZFFXR41A5V0107704
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Congrats on the new car, Paul. Very nice choice. I know what you mean about the CSL though-- all the steel on that car is just sitting there waiting for you to give it an opportunity to rust.

Your 355 is not that way and will withstand rain and water washes just fine. That said, I never water wash my black 348 because I don't want to deal with having to clean up the engine bay afterward. Fortunately, there is no reason to water wash the car unless you drive it in the rain and/or get it filthy.

As a hobbyist detailer I've tried a number of different spray cleaners over the years. I would not use any quick detailer, including Griot's-- I like most Griot's products and have found a couple that are awesome but a QD is not the best way to go when cleaning a car.

I can think of a few safe ways to clean a fairly dirty car without fear of scratches, but in the interest of brevity I'll just tell you what I use, which is Smartwax Smartone: Amazon.com: Smartwax 20105 SmartONE Waterless Wash Wax and Sealant In One - 16 oz.: Automotive

It has both clay and carnauba in suspension-- you can see it collected on the bottom of the bottle, so *lots* of shaking is a must in order to get that stuff into suspension so it can do its job. The provided sprayer is junk, so you'll want to pour the product into a better spray bottle, again making certain that you transfer all of the solids along with the liquid.

The secret to success with this and similar products is to use the correct towel and method to clean the car. I've tried a number of microfiber towels for this application and so far have had the best luck with these: https://www.detailersdomain.com/collections/microfiber-towels-applicators/products/special-buy-10-pack-uber-quick-detail-microfiber-towel

Fold the towel to where it is 1/4 of its original size and keep turning it to avoid abrading the paint with the dust/grit it's picking up. I typically use one towel per panel. The initial passes with the towel should be light and in one direction only. Keep changing sides of the towel and eventually polish out the surface using medium pressure. It will leave a "just-waxed" feel and appearance and absolutely will not scratch the finish if used correctly. My black 348 has reasonably soft single stage paint and this method does not leave microscratches at all.

Like I said, there are other "waterless" methods that may be more appropriate in different use cases but this works well for my garaged driver 348. The pic below shows the car, which has never been washed with water while I've owned it.

HTH and enjoy the car!
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Agreed with Dave and I also like Erics method.

I have well water so just picked up a CR spotless setup to rinse the car after washing.

 

Here are a few pics of mine 3 seasons after a paint correction (and 22PLE) and wet water washing

I do need to do a touch up polish as I'm starting to get some mild micro scratches again...
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That's because you use water & a mitt...

In all seriousness, the car looks great. Black is an awesome color, although I gotta say that the 355 is one of those cars that looks great in almost any color. The 348 is much more color dependent IMO.

What do you polish with? I'm a fan of Menzerna products myself.

 

This, only I use a clean mit to gently clean it.
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All within this thread. Mike:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/408492-my-exterior-adventure.html

I'm going to try Gtechniq C1 (coating) for the 95 Berlinetta I'm paint correcting now.

 

I like those Ferrari covered in suds pics. Looks like something that came out of Jack Sparrow's ghost pirate ship!

 

Yes, buy a shower curtain liner and place over engine. Then go at it.

 

Oh no, don't wet it. It's a Ferrari and it will melt!!!

The advice above is optimal. 2 buckets, soapy water, rinse mitt often. spray rinse, not power. Use leaf blower. Dry in shade. Detailer after. I use Griots Spray Detailer, about the best I've found.

 

I'm a heathen - I use Griot's detailer between washes with a microfiber cloth, mostly to get the kids' fingerprints off the doors and the dust out of the door intakes. Dry, wispy dust and pollen is most common here, it's not like I have to pull clods of mud off of the fenders.

They don't melt in the rain, but if the rain hits your hoses just right when running hot they can pop and cost you $2,400! Ask me how I know!

 

I have only wet washed mine a few times, we have very hard water so I literally used bottled water to rinse it, very posh. Mine has a clear sealant on it so I use Griotes Garage speed shine and microfiber and clean it every single time I drive it so it never gets that dirty.

 

Guys, how critical is it to cover the engine bay with plastic?

Can it be dried after washing with like with a metro vac air blaster?

Thanks

 

Optimum No-Rinse.

Only those who have not tried it will say its absurd. It's insane how well it works and how over time the paint gets better and better when using it in combination with their quick detailer.

 

It's not. It's paranoia setting in

I wet wash my car after every second time out as it's black. Never covered the engine and don't intend to start. I've been caught in the rain. The car runs like a top.

 

+355 a hundred times, complete paranoia. Like I said I've gone to the extreme and power washed my engine and bay over a dozen times and it was perfectly fine. Don't get into the whole mental distortion of it being a Ferrari.

 

My car hasn't been wet in the six years I've owned it.

My method is:

Low psi compressed air for any loose dust.

Wipe one direction only with a soft duster, no pressure, only the weight of the duster.

Spray detail and a microfiber for any fingerprints or stubborn spots.

Carnauba wax.



I'm always receiving compliments on the cars finish.


I'm not a fan of water because I can't see where it all goes so I can't be sure I dried it all. Also I leave the windows down always to prevent the need to ever replace the window actuators. Lol.


Rob

 

You're right. That's great stuff. Smartone is better for everyday cleaning IMO, but ONR is a nice way of cleaning a really dirty car, especially in the winter. Plus, it smells like a cheerleader.

BTW, if you haven't tried it their spray wax is awesome. I use it after every wash on the cars I wet wash. Holds up really well for how easy it is to apply. You do need the correct MFs for it though.

 

I wash mine like dave every second or third drive. Its the only way to get the bug guts off. I could drive slower or never drive but not really an option for me.

I also wash the engine bay every time with a pressure washer it ensures all the fine dust from the clutch gets out of the hard to reach areas.

After washing I then start it and let it warm up completely this dries out the engine bay while I dry off the outside.

Never had any issues in about 12 years.

 

Now that is an endorsement, I will have to order a bottle based on that. I always thought Griotes speed shine smelled like angle food cake. But I suppose Smartone did one better.