Starblaster

Never use a leaf blower. They have no filter and suck in dirty air. Last year my secretary had a small pebble shoot out and cracked her rear windshield. I use the Master Blaster (8hp)and it gets the water out of the crevices instantly. Then I use it on the tires and a micro fiber towel like Chucky said moving it slowly across the car.

23/C8Z

was the leaf blower on the ground? Or was it in the middle of 50 mph wind gusts?

I've used an electric leaf blower on my cars for year never once had something like that happen.

I wouldn't use my backpack blower on it as it is way more powerful plus get the roof would prove difficult.

having said that, I cough my Z06 in October and it has about 850mI on it. Still have yet to wash it. Just quick detail after I applied Zaino to it when new and ceramic coated the roof panel. Been hiding off on rest till I decide if I want to lose the usefulness of a good polishing now and then. The coatings are great but I feel like I'm giving up something I love to do...Polish my car and see results.

for my black 16 GMC pickup I ceramic coated that because who gives a crap lol.

Dfwz06

I wash it like it's any other car. It's not an Italian super car. It's a chevy and silver, so 30 minute wash for me.

davepl

Really depends on the color. Silver and white you can abuse pretty harshly and they'll not show it.

Black, on the other hand, requires care and attention not to look like crap no matter what the brand.


I've got a $275K black restoration that's now 10 years old and has only been California Car duster cleaned (except for waxing and polishing). No scratches or swirl marks from it.

So in my opinion they don't scratch. I assumed too that they might. But they don't.

Darkvet

I'm going to do the duster and spray wax from here on out and see how things go. Should be pretty easy considering it's white. I'm thinking the wheels will need a bit more than that thought due to the brake dust.

Dfwz06

100% agree with you the black, Dave.
My C6z was black and I swore I'd never buy black again.
I washed it in the garage with filtered water and then polished with a DA.
Took like 2-3 hours each time.

Dfwz06

I drive mine about 10k miles a year, so it gets filthy.

lordofwar

first thing to do is install powerstop brake pads.only about $150 and they get rid of about 90% of brake dust.a must for black wheels.if you don't when you come back from a 40 mile ride your black wheels with look crap brown.easy job.then after that when wheels get dusty clean them with a old soft tshirt and a $1 bottle of windex from the dollar store.

azcanuk

Yup, I've been using my shop vac in blower mode for years and years.. gets the water out of all of the crevices.

I wipe the car down with a chamois, then go around blowing everything dry..

azcanuk

HUGH improvement over the OEM brake "dusters".. put them on and now I can drive a couple hundred or so miles and not even notice the brake dust.

mickey3

I agree, the car is hard to wash by hand. Plus hand washing, even with the two bucket method and grit guards, will swirl a dark color up eventually. I use a hot water pressure washer, and a foam cannon. Cold water to wash, but rinse with the heated water. BTW the pressure washer I use has adjustable pressure regulator, so I always use a low setting. Then dry all the nooks and crannies with a leaf blower, finish with a synthetic chamois. Invisible glass the outside windows and mirrors and the car looks great. Takes only a few minutes. I know many people will disagree with the use of a pressure washer and a leaf blower, and they maybe right, but i have been doing it this way for years and have had no problems.

Paulchristian

Joke? Please tell me you are joking.

BMadden

I'm sure he's being sarcastic. There's barely enough clear coat on these cars to get them wet sanded once, let alone once a week!

bigsapper

Lol

bigsapper

Mine goes thru the local car wash about once a week. About once a quarter I have them do a swirl buff and Zaino. Only problem is the undercarriage spray throws soap in the engine compartment and makes it look like ****.

Life is too short.

Stentplacer

Same thing.....XPEL then OPTI COAT.....PAINT GLASS WHEELS.....car does not pick up dirt.

Wash with foam gun clean water....just beads off.
You just got new Z.....PROTECT IT. worth the cost.

DevilDog II

It takes me about 3 hours to wash and dry my car. I use Zaino car wash and CMagic wax and detail spray. I had my '98 for over 15 years and never washed it or drove in the rain. I',m not being that picky with my Z06.

FAsnakes

I take it to a basic car wash up the street and have them hand wash it. It's difficult to eff up as the entire car is wrapped in a clear bra.. .

upcharger

I wash mine at the coin op place. Takes 15 mins, then I drive up n down the freeway to dry it off. I shouldn't be as surprised as I am that some people take this mega seriously

RangerZ

I second the use of Adams detailing products. The car wash soap and detail spray are awesome. Adams also has a wheel cleaning tool that allows you to access the inside of the barrel and also the caliper. While the car is still wet, I apply the detail spray then micro fiber towel dry. This eliminates all water spots and leaves a great shine.