Newbie wash job

Dec 4, 2004 | 08:56 PM

topgun

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From: Victoria, BC Canada

Newbie wash job

Hi Guys,

I am brand new to this forum and my car is brand new to me. (A previously owned 2003 sedan...loaded) The car has "Diamond coat" on it and I'm concerned about washing it. I need to know what products to use and how to dry it properly. It seems to get a lot of water marks on it. I almost forgot...it's jet black and has a sun roof and aero package. Also can you recommend a good oil to put in it...right now it has "Castrol GTX 5W30"

Any help/pointers would be appreciated. This is a great site...I'm spending way too much time here already!!! Thanks in advance.

Dec 5, 2004 | 05:59 PM

GR8TG35

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From: western New Jersey

topgun.....welcome to the forum...
Water spots can be a pain to remove, especially if they are "sealed" under your wax/sealant.

some people use distilled water and a mild abrasive/polish...

You may want to try using a clay bar as well...make sure you keep the surface area your working on well lubricated, with a detail spray or a solution of car wash soap and water or you may do more harm than good..

Any quality car wash soap and a good soft wash mitt will help to keep the finish damage to a minimum.
The key is to use two mitts, one for the top of the car, and one for the lower sides....
Two buckets helps...one with your car soap/wash, the other with clean water to rinse the wash mitt to release the dirt....thats what ends up scratching or swirling the finish of your car.....
I have found when you do your final rinse, remove the nozzle and just flood the surface of your car, starting with the roof and working your way down to the sides....
this will "sheet" the water off the car and leave very little water to towel up....this will add in keeping you wiping to a minimum...
Use a soft 100% cotton towel or microfiber towel to dry your car....Just a few pointers from years of cleaning my cars.....hope this helps...

As far as oil goes, and quality Motor oil will suffice, some have switched to snythetic Oil, but it seems to burn faster.
In my area I use 5w 30w. I do my oil changes and filter every 3,000 miles.....Check your owners manual for more information regard oil types/weight for your area and driving habits....

Last edited by GR8TG35; Dec 5, 2004 at 06:03 PM.

Dec 6, 2004 | 03:05 AM

TedRuxpin

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What is the impotance to use 2 mitts?

Dec 6, 2004 | 06:57 AM

GR8TG35

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From: western New Jersey

Since the top of the cars' panels show the most swirl/scratches, I use only one for the top portion, and use the other mitt for the lower rocker panels and wheels......

Dec 7, 2004 | 04:21 PM

g35girl

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From: Midwest

topgun... nice color choice.

i use crystal guard on my black G after i wash with this soap (i think it's the meguiar's that will not strip wax) and dry with the cali water blade and microfiber towels. i do the same as gr8tg35 -- using 2 different mitts. also, be sure to not use circular motions when washing or drying or cute swirl marks will be staring back at you.

as for oil, i've read about a lot of people being partial to mobile1, but also stating that it is kind of "pricey" compared to others. castrol gtx 5w30 is what my infiniti dealer uses for their oil changes.

welcome to the forum and enjoy your G!