M
Mike1
Guest
Good Morning fellow fanatics
Welcome to another installment of the BMW Maintenance & Car Care Guide.
In this thread we will be focusing on Basic Wash techniques and the importance of using the correct methods to wash a car.
Todays test mule will be my step moms old MK5 Golf GTI. :fencelook:
Lets start off with some before pictures of the car and what we have to work with.
So quite a fair amount of dust, road grime and dirt all over the little Golfie.
Step Number 1: Mag Wheels, Tyres and Arches
To begin with I usually start with the mag wheels and arches.
Using a light detergent or mag wheels specific cleaner I give the wheels a heavy spraying and allow it a minutes to dwell before using brushes to agitate the brake dust on the face of the mag wheel.
For those feeling brave, delve deeper cleaning the inside of the mags for a cleaner look. Whilst at it give the tyre itself a good scrub with a different brush to remove any dust or staining.
When using brushes be gentle so as not to scratch the metal service especially in the case where the car has a Diamond Cut finish like the GTI Monza Wheels. Also ensure there is no metal finished on the brushes which can accidently scratch or harm the finish.
I tend to leave the degreaser on the rims whilsts I do the others as it gives it a bit more time to do its work. If the car is in direct sunlight I do not recommend this, in this case rather spray down each wheel as you complete it.
If you have the time, give the arches a thorough scrub too which will remove grime and leave a nice finish under the arches.
Step Number 2: Engine Bay and Exhausts
These are generally two places where your average BP car wash will not pay attention to and in most cases neither will you.
Usually with the mag wheels still soaking I grab some more degreaser and attack the engine bay using brushes to agitate dirt and dust.
Try not to forget to give the underside of the bonnet a thorough scrub too but whatever you do, make sure you do that last unless you fancy having grime and degreaser dripping all over you. :nonono:
I also like to give the exhausts a good clean at this point just to remove any loose dirt and build up around the exhaust.
Step Number 3: Washing the paintwork
For this you will require some decent car shampoo - Anyone off the shelf will do if we are honest.
What do I clean the car with?
This is an important question as often we are the culprits causing the damage to our cars. I always recommend you use a microfibre cloth for washin and drying as apposed to a Chamois, here is why.
A Chamois, although good at absorbing water has a very rigid surface with little to none absorbing properties. This means that when you have a surface with dust or dirt the Chamois will drag the dirt across the paintwork inflecting swirls and marring the clearcoat which as explained in the Polish vs Wax thread leads to a poor finish.
The same applies to sponges and rags. :yuck:
With a microfibre cloth you get the same absorption as a Chamois but a much reduced risk of causing swirls and scratches. The reason for this is the plush nature of a microfibre cloth which absorbs dust, sand and grime rather than dragging it along the paintwork.
Alright, so I must use a Microfibe cloth instead? Yes!
I also suggest you colour code your cloths. Most cloths come in packs with three colours. I like to use my red cloths for general cleaning (Mags, arches, door shuts) and my yellow cloths for the paintwork whilst my blue cloths deal with the interior.
It sounds silly but it keeps your cloths cleaner for longer and the best thing with a microfibre is you pop it into the washing machine afterwards and it comes out spotless.
How do I wash the car?
This on its own is a bit of a problem because there are two methods of washing cars.
1. One Bucket Method
2. Two Bucket Method
After hosing your car down thoroughly you get to choose.
The traditional one bucket method involves using a single cloth and one bucket of water to wash the entire car.
The two bucket method, considered superior by certain detailers involves two buckets, one with soap and the other with clean water. The idea being that after each time you touch the car you rinse the cloth in the plain water before putting it back into the soapy water before continuing.
I hear where these guys are coming from, but I see no difference in the paintwork, I see wasted water and time wasted.
You guys can choose which method works for you.
I also suggest you grab a brush whilst cleaning and gently clean the badges, weather strips and grilles on the car.
Spray the car down thoroughly, if you have a High Pressure Hose or Karcher use this as it makes cleaning absolutely effortless.
Continue to dry the car with a microfibre cloth focusing first on the main body panels, then the door arches and then the mag wheels.
Your should end up with this result:
Do not use this cloth on the paintwork again as it will cause damage to the clearcoat.
I also suggest you open all the doors whilst drying and once the door is more or less dress also open and close each door a few times so that trapped water is forced out. Especially on the boot where water likes to sit under the window until you open the boot when it soaks you.
Once the car is completely dry grab a fresh dry cloth and go over the paint again, gently though making sure all the water is removed.
Step Number 4: Focusing on the finer details
This is where your BP garage falls flat on its face. This is the difference between a wash and perfection.
1. Trim Dressing
Using products like Meguires Trim Detailer, Extreme Tyre Endurance Gel, Chemical Guys Trim Dressing (you can decide) apply a layer of evenly applied dressing on the plastics and tyres.
Whilst at it, give the engine bay some attention and go around the car applying some dressing to the window beadings, door rubbers, arches and even the plastic kickplates on the doors.
Notice the difference this makes? The car suddenly appears much more uniform, it looks fresh and sharp. Never ever underestimate the power of tyre dressing and trim detailer. This is a must have for your collection!
2. Give the glass a wipe
Not only is this useful in ensuring your safety it also adds a huge amount to the overall finish of the car. Your paint can be in ruins but with glossy windows and shiney trim and tyres the car will look brilliant.
You can either use a dedicated window cleaner or simply take a damp microfibre cloth, wipe and then straight away wipe again with a dry cloth.
You see how awesome these cloths are?!
3. Is that it?
Thats the exterior pretty much complete, you may want to also have a go at the exhausts with some metal polish or just give them a wipe (maybe use the same cloth you used for the arches etc here) so that they are shiney.
Also give the lights on the car a quick buff with a dry cloth so that the plastic is clear and shines like new. If you feel like it, do the same with the badges:
Step Number 5: Braving the interior
This car is used for lifting kids back and forth and as such as suffered dearly. :fishwack:
To be continued...
Continued...
To begin with, use a damp cloth to wipe down the dials, dash and airvents.
Continue then to wipe the seats down also focusing on the buttons on the seats and edges of the seat base and the plastic strips on the sills.
Continue then to buff the cluster and glossy finishes with a dry cloth before vacuuming the seats, carpets and vents.
I also suggest you take mildly damp cloth and rub down the carpets after vacuuming. This fluffs up the carpet and makes it looks plush and fresh.
Dont forget to clean in all those little places!
If you are a smoker, empty the ashtrays, wipe the lighter and clean out the door pockets as there will be cigarette ashes in all of them.
If you have the time, clear our your glove compartment, the boot and get rid of old sweet wrappers. You may also want to (especially if you have children) put the rear seats flat and inspect for stray Astro's, Wine Gums and small change.
If you are washing someone elses car... Just be careful, you may find used condoms, a bottle of lube and anal beads. :thumbdo:
Just saying.
If you have some, I would recommend you treat the leather with a conditioner. Not only does this add a fresh/new smell to the interior but it also helps maintain the leather and increase the strength of the leather.
Be careful of putting trim detailer etc on the dashboard as this may cause a lot of reflections and for at least a week you will struggle to see out your windscreen.
Step Number 5: Bragging Rights
With your BMW shining, your back broken and your kids tired of being told to scrub that engine more you can grab a drink, sit back and admire your hard work.
This may sound like a hassle and a lot of effort, but once you get into a routine you will find that you will be able to do a clean like this in under 45 minutes without even breaking a sweat.
I also find that putting some music on through the cars sound system also helps as you get into a rhythm and the work is more fun and time passes quicker.
Just remember to drink loads of water and to pace yourself!
Oh! Dont forget to post pictures up in the Detailing Section!
Mike
Welcome to another installment of the BMW Maintenance & Car Care Guide.
In this thread we will be focusing on Basic Wash techniques and the importance of using the correct methods to wash a car.
Basic Car Wash Process
Todays test mule will be my step moms old MK5 Golf GTI. :fencelook:
Lets start off with some before pictures of the car and what we have to work with.
So quite a fair amount of dust, road grime and dirt all over the little Golfie.
Step Number 1: Mag Wheels, Tyres and Arches
To begin with I usually start with the mag wheels and arches.
Using a light detergent or mag wheels specific cleaner I give the wheels a heavy spraying and allow it a minutes to dwell before using brushes to agitate the brake dust on the face of the mag wheel.
For those feeling brave, delve deeper cleaning the inside of the mags for a cleaner look. Whilst at it give the tyre itself a good scrub with a different brush to remove any dust or staining.
When using brushes be gentle so as not to scratch the metal service especially in the case where the car has a Diamond Cut finish like the GTI Monza Wheels. Also ensure there is no metal finished on the brushes which can accidently scratch or harm the finish.
I tend to leave the degreaser on the rims whilsts I do the others as it gives it a bit more time to do its work. If the car is in direct sunlight I do not recommend this, in this case rather spray down each wheel as you complete it.
If you have the time, give the arches a thorough scrub too which will remove grime and leave a nice finish under the arches.
Step Number 2: Engine Bay and Exhausts
These are generally two places where your average BP car wash will not pay attention to and in most cases neither will you.
Usually with the mag wheels still soaking I grab some more degreaser and attack the engine bay using brushes to agitate dirt and dust.
Try not to forget to give the underside of the bonnet a thorough scrub too but whatever you do, make sure you do that last unless you fancy having grime and degreaser dripping all over you. :nonono:
I also like to give the exhausts a good clean at this point just to remove any loose dirt and build up around the exhaust.
Step Number 3: Washing the paintwork
For this you will require some decent car shampoo - Anyone off the shelf will do if we are honest.
What do I clean the car with?
This is an important question as often we are the culprits causing the damage to our cars. I always recommend you use a microfibre cloth for washin and drying as apposed to a Chamois, here is why.
A Chamois, although good at absorbing water has a very rigid surface with little to none absorbing properties. This means that when you have a surface with dust or dirt the Chamois will drag the dirt across the paintwork inflecting swirls and marring the clearcoat which as explained in the Polish vs Wax thread leads to a poor finish.
The same applies to sponges and rags. :yuck:
With a microfibre cloth you get the same absorption as a Chamois but a much reduced risk of causing swirls and scratches. The reason for this is the plush nature of a microfibre cloth which absorbs dust, sand and grime rather than dragging it along the paintwork.
Alright, so I must use a Microfibe cloth instead? Yes!
I also suggest you colour code your cloths. Most cloths come in packs with three colours. I like to use my red cloths for general cleaning (Mags, arches, door shuts) and my yellow cloths for the paintwork whilst my blue cloths deal with the interior.
It sounds silly but it keeps your cloths cleaner for longer and the best thing with a microfibre is you pop it into the washing machine afterwards and it comes out spotless.
How do I wash the car?
This on its own is a bit of a problem because there are two methods of washing cars.
1. One Bucket Method
2. Two Bucket Method
After hosing your car down thoroughly you get to choose.
The traditional one bucket method involves using a single cloth and one bucket of water to wash the entire car.
The two bucket method, considered superior by certain detailers involves two buckets, one with soap and the other with clean water. The idea being that after each time you touch the car you rinse the cloth in the plain water before putting it back into the soapy water before continuing.
I hear where these guys are coming from, but I see no difference in the paintwork, I see wasted water and time wasted.
You guys can choose which method works for you.
I also suggest you grab a brush whilst cleaning and gently clean the badges, weather strips and grilles on the car.
Spray the car down thoroughly, if you have a High Pressure Hose or Karcher use this as it makes cleaning absolutely effortless.
Continue to dry the car with a microfibre cloth focusing first on the main body panels, then the door arches and then the mag wheels.
Your should end up with this result:
Do not use this cloth on the paintwork again as it will cause damage to the clearcoat.
I also suggest you open all the doors whilst drying and once the door is more or less dress also open and close each door a few times so that trapped water is forced out. Especially on the boot where water likes to sit under the window until you open the boot when it soaks you.
Once the car is completely dry grab a fresh dry cloth and go over the paint again, gently though making sure all the water is removed.
Step Number 4: Focusing on the finer details
This is where your BP garage falls flat on its face. This is the difference between a wash and perfection.
1. Trim Dressing
Using products like Meguires Trim Detailer, Extreme Tyre Endurance Gel, Chemical Guys Trim Dressing (you can decide) apply a layer of evenly applied dressing on the plastics and tyres.
Whilst at it, give the engine bay some attention and go around the car applying some dressing to the window beadings, door rubbers, arches and even the plastic kickplates on the doors.
Notice the difference this makes? The car suddenly appears much more uniform, it looks fresh and sharp. Never ever underestimate the power of tyre dressing and trim detailer. This is a must have for your collection!
2. Give the glass a wipe
Not only is this useful in ensuring your safety it also adds a huge amount to the overall finish of the car. Your paint can be in ruins but with glossy windows and shiney trim and tyres the car will look brilliant.
You can either use a dedicated window cleaner or simply take a damp microfibre cloth, wipe and then straight away wipe again with a dry cloth.
You see how awesome these cloths are?!
3. Is that it?
Thats the exterior pretty much complete, you may want to also have a go at the exhausts with some metal polish or just give them a wipe (maybe use the same cloth you used for the arches etc here) so that they are shiney.
Also give the lights on the car a quick buff with a dry cloth so that the plastic is clear and shines like new. If you feel like it, do the same with the badges:
Step Number 5: Braving the interior
This car is used for lifting kids back and forth and as such as suffered dearly. :fishwack:
To be continued...
Continued...
To begin with, use a damp cloth to wipe down the dials, dash and airvents.
Continue then to wipe the seats down also focusing on the buttons on the seats and edges of the seat base and the plastic strips on the sills.
Continue then to buff the cluster and glossy finishes with a dry cloth before vacuuming the seats, carpets and vents.
I also suggest you take mildly damp cloth and rub down the carpets after vacuuming. This fluffs up the carpet and makes it looks plush and fresh.
Dont forget to clean in all those little places!
If you are a smoker, empty the ashtrays, wipe the lighter and clean out the door pockets as there will be cigarette ashes in all of them.
If you have the time, clear our your glove compartment, the boot and get rid of old sweet wrappers. You may also want to (especially if you have children) put the rear seats flat and inspect for stray Astro's, Wine Gums and small change.
If you are washing someone elses car... Just be careful, you may find used condoms, a bottle of lube and anal beads. :thumbdo:
Just saying.
If you have some, I would recommend you treat the leather with a conditioner. Not only does this add a fresh/new smell to the interior but it also helps maintain the leather and increase the strength of the leather.
Be careful of putting trim detailer etc on the dashboard as this may cause a lot of reflections and for at least a week you will struggle to see out your windscreen.
Step Number 5: Bragging Rights
With your BMW shining, your back broken and your kids tired of being told to scrub that engine more you can grab a drink, sit back and admire your hard work.
This may sound like a hassle and a lot of effort, but once you get into a routine you will find that you will be able to do a clean like this in under 45 minutes without even breaking a sweat.
I also find that putting some music on through the cars sound system also helps as you get into a rhythm and the work is more fun and time passes quicker.
Just remember to drink loads of water and to pace yourself!
Oh! Dont forget to post pictures up in the Detailing Section!
Mike
raise:
