Winter Washing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 413
Likes: 9
Winter Washing
During the winter when I’m not able wash the car with a hose I have been using Z-6 to wipe the car down each time I drive it. That way it never really gets dirty. My vette is only driven on weekends and I’ll only take it out if the weather is good.
A month ago, I had used my flex on it and have removed the majority of swirl marks off the paint. I started wondering if I could have potentially caused some of the swirl marks by these regular winter Z-6 wipe downs? Since the paint has recently been corrected, I do not want to introduce new swirl marks by doing the Z-6 wipe downs after each drive.
I also recently bought a product which I have not used yet called ONR (Optimum No Rinse) that I have heard is a great multi use product that works really well when a hose is not available. My plan would be to use this product in the winter with the 2 bucket wash system and grit guards in lieu of Z-6 wipe downs.
Appreciate any other suggestions, as I’ve learned a lot of things on our forum.
A month ago, I had used my flex on it and have removed the majority of swirl marks off the paint. I started wondering if I could have potentially caused some of the swirl marks by these regular winter Z-6 wipe downs? Since the paint has recently been corrected, I do not want to introduce new swirl marks by doing the Z-6 wipe downs after each drive.
I also recently bought a product which I have not used yet called ONR (Optimum No Rinse) that I have heard is a great multi use product that works really well when a hose is not available. My plan would be to use this product in the winter with the 2 bucket wash system and grit guards in lieu of Z-6 wipe downs.
Appreciate any other suggestions, as I’ve learned a lot of things on our forum.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake Va
I was wiping my car down with MFs and Meg's Spray Detailer after each drive in order to keep it looking its best and not let dirty accumulate. Like you, I noticed swirls after several months. I do not know if they were all from a car cover or a combination. I corrected using the Flex and discontinued the daily wipe downs settling for wahings when I can and if the car is dirty, it's dirty. Better temporary dirt instead of permenent mars.
I have ONR and use it on occaision. I think it's beauty lies in how it's used compared to spray detailers. Your wash MF/mitt/sponge is filled with water and ONR instead of just a mild misting. I think that in itself helps prevent dirt from scratching. If the car is heavy soiled, it needs hosing to rinse the heavy particulate off and away.
I have ONR and use it on occaision. I think it's beauty lies in how it's used compared to spray detailers. Your wash MF/mitt/sponge is filled with water and ONR instead of just a mild misting. I think that in itself helps prevent dirt from scratching. If the car is heavy soiled, it needs hosing to rinse the heavy particulate off and away.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 169
From: Highlands Ranch CO
I was wiping my car down with MFs and Meg's Spray Detailer after each drive in order to keep it looking its best and not let dirty accumulate. Like you, I noticed swirls after several months. I do not know if they were all from a car cover or a combination. I corrected using the Flex and discontinued the daily wipe downs settling for wahings when I can and if the car is dirty, it's dirty. Better temporary dirt instead of permenent mars.
I have ONR and use it on occaision. I think it's beauty lies in how it's used compared to spray detailers. Your wash MF/mitt/sponge is filled with water and ONR instead of just a mild misting. I think that in itself helps prevent dirt from scratching. If the car is heavy soiled, it needs hosing to rinse the heavy particulate off and away.
I have ONR and use it on occaision. I think it's beauty lies in how it's used compared to spray detailers. Your wash MF/mitt/sponge is filled with water and ONR instead of just a mild misting. I think that in itself helps prevent dirt from scratching. If the car is heavy soiled, it needs hosing to rinse the heavy particulate off and away.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,059
Likes: 1,260
From: Central Ma
I use both a Ca duster and Z6.
IMO these two products are drastically over used. They both have very limited instances where they can be safely used without inducing minor problems.
Z6 or any QD after every drive will result in some swirls/scratches.
IMO these two products are drastically over used. They both have very limited instances where they can be safely used without inducing minor problems.
Z6 or any QD after every drive will result in some swirls/scratches.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 14,104
Likes: 244
From: South Florida
Unfortunately most detail sprays or quick detailers are designed for light cleaning and mostly sprucing up a small marking. They often are not qualified or provide enough lubrication for washing and removing soil and other contaminents.
I would highly suggest using ONR or our DP Rinse/Gloss for washing. Its a multi-use product that actually works well especially in winters and area where water use is challenged.
I would highly suggest using ONR or our DP Rinse/Gloss for washing. Its a multi-use product that actually works well especially in winters and area where water use is challenged.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 169
From: Highlands Ranch CO
what i would reccommend to anyone is after washing with onr to use a gloss enhancing spray like megs uqw, pinnacle souveran spray wax, Optimum instant detailer, fk425 etc to give the car that just waxed look!
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