Must_Have_Z

This is how I wash my Z06:



Fine scratches are inevitable, no matter the method you use. That's why I do machine polishing once a year:

Jughead

EVILFACE

Its a car. If it's dirty, I'm going to wash it.

RobLo

I bought one of those Master Blasters to dry the car (and especially the bike, a real PIA). I wanted one with a hose but the smaller one didn't have a hose. I went on their website and saw they made a "Pet Dryer" version with a hose. Looked and saw it was the same as the auto M/B'er but cheaper and with a hose, same exact specs, motor, etc. I bought it at Bed Bath and Beyond, used their 20% off coupon and paid about $75 for it, works great. Not sure if they still make them...

Corvette_Ed

I've seen way too many threads started by vert owners who had their back window blown out while in a drive-thru car wash for a car wash ad to tell me it's safe.

Corvette_Ed

Not if you're using decent microfiber cloths it won't. You should also switch to waterless wash instead of the soap & water method; you'll have fewer scratches and no water spots.

Welker1

I've owned several black vehicles and also detailed cars for cars shows and other events part time for several years. If care is taken when washing, drying and waxing/polishing, you can avoid and even eliminate most light scratches and swirl marks. One thing I would not use is a rubber squeegee on any vehicle; they can and do pick up almost microscopic pieces of dirt and can cause more damage then any microfiber towel. This is not an opinion, I've actually seen and removed the fine scratches they've caused on other's vehicles.

Carvin

I kept the squeegee for use on glass. Have just discovered Wolfgang Uber. Have been diluting it to use as a detailer. It leaves the car more slick than anything I have tried.

C6 Snowboarder

What do you keep in the 2 buckets Beer?

I have owned many black cars including my 2013 GS... never use a bucket...dont even own one. and my GS has no swirls - looks great even under florescent light. use water out of the hose - not a bucket - use it for ice and beer - that is all they are good for.

airmed2

It's rocket science. This thread proves it.

dmk0210

That's what I do except I use "Optimum No Rinse Wash & Wax" (ONR).

I use 1/2 gallon of water in a bucket with four microfiber towels soaked in it. I fold the towels and use a quarter at a time for each panel just like described above. After wiping down a section, I use a microfiber waffle towel to dry it. (just one for the whole car, it doesn't get dirty)

I can use the towel for eight passes. Once both sides of the towel are dirty, I get a fresh one. the towel never goes back in the bucket of clean solution. In fact, I always save the left over solution at the end. Since it's clean, I can reuse it next time.

I like the ONR since I can use it on the car's body, the windows and even the interior. I can also clean the car right in the garage and out of the direct sun (or rain).

Here's a video of the technique:

dmk0210

You use very little pressure. You don't scrub. Barely drag the MF towel across the surface, rotating it as you do to present a clean towel surface as you wipe.

I also pre-treat the panel by spraying the ONR on (like a detail spray) and let that loosen and encapsulate the grime before I wipe the ONR soaked MF towel across.

Travlee

been rinseless washing my cars for years, initial cost to buy all the proper towels kinda sucks. i get most of my supplies from detailedimage.com.

recently switched from ONR to Wolffgang Uber... hate to say it, i like it better.

Jughead

door2416

You know, just from your posts I can see your life is miserable. I hope it gets better down the line.

Batman75

What are you, clairvoyant? I don't blame him for his replies. I bought my first car in 1955 and have always kept them clean. I was more of a fanatic when I was younger but a 35 page thread on how to wash a car is ridiculous.

As if washing a Corvette is any different than washing any other car.

enventr

100%

amlarson2001

Get a wrap and never worry again. Dry it with a bath towel if you want.

Turbo6TA

After washing my car, I got real tired of all the work removing all the water on the car when I was finished.

Now I blow all the water off with my gas powered leaf blower. And I can tell you that it does a great job too (even blows all the water out around the wheel lug nuts).

After that, there is very very little water that needs to be removed by hand.
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BTW ... My gas powered leaf blower don't spit oil on the car's finish either ... at least not that I can see.

door2416

This thread isn't just about washing a car it's about washing a " Black" car without scratching it. If you have never had a nice black car you just don't know. And yes washing a black car is different than washing another color car.