Washing Recommendations

[oldcro]

This information found after a quick Google seems to contradict your advice on tyre washing.

Don't use the pressure washer closer than 12 inches / 30 cm from paint, feel free to use it 2 inches / 5 cm from tyres and bare metal.

According to a recent survey by TyreSafe, it was revealed that over 80% of drivers were unaware of the impact that pressure washing can have on their tyres and the danger posed.

In fact, German safety group DEKRA has discovered that if a washer nozzle is held close to a tyre at very high pressure, serious damage can occur in just five seconds! Even tyres that appear normal after being subjected to a pressure washer may have microscopic perforations, which can weaken the sidewall and cause a possible blow-out.

Other contributory factors to sidewall damage are the width of the water jet and the strength of any soaps or detergents used. Strong soap can remove protective chemicals that are embedded in the sidewall - usually resulting in the visual indication of brown watermarks - which can result in a significant reduction in durability.

For worry-free washing, TyreSafe has the following tips for motorists:

Ideally, a light-to-medium duty pressure washer should be used (110 bar or less)
The washer jet nozzle should be kept at least 20 cm from the tyre surface
Always use a fan nozzle to clean tyres, rather than a circular nozzle
Prevent prolonged exposure to a specific area of the tyre
Avoid aiming the water jet directly at the join between the tyre and the wheel rim

 

[The Pan Man]

SPONGES AND BLACK PAINT WORK DO NOT MIX. LAMBSWOOL OR MICROFIBER MITTS OR CLOTHS.
I was using microfibre cloths in 10 or 11 years ago when they came from the states. My motorbike was BLACK and the MERC was VIOLANE No swirls. Always use 2 bucket method followed by what ever you want to spend your money. Autoglym has been mentioned but there are lots of other choices just what you fancy. As a little aside athe the moment my E 270 CDi has bonnet roof and boot all wearing different waxes to see which last the best.

 

[iscaboy]

Ideally, a light-to-medium duty pressure washer should be used (110 bar or less)
The washer jet nozzle should be kept at least 20 cm from the tyre surface
Always use a fan nozzle to clean tyres, rather than a circular nozzle
Prevent prolonged exposure to a specific area of the tyre
Avoid aiming the water jet directly at the join between the tyre and the wheel rim

A pukka industrial (petrol/diesel powered with a CAT pump) pressure washer with the right nozzle will damn near cut a tyre sidewall.

A old karcher with a fan nozzle couldn't pull 100 bar if you paid it. Plus, you don't ever stop moving the wand, plus the wands are designed to give a wide fan for elf n safety for when you run it across your foot.



My "insulation tape" test was mentioned for a reason.

 

[tylerdurden]

Like the OP I have an obsidian black E350 saloon.

IMHO It's almost impossible to avoid swirls. With the volcanic dust settling on our vehicles, scratching is verging on unavoidable.

Given this volcano is going to carry on for a few years I have resigned myself to a basic and cheap hand carwash costing £5-10.

I'll wait 2-3y then get a professional detail.

I just dont have the time to spend doing a proper detail almost every week!

 

[Aoraki]

To dry car quickly after washing use a 'leaf blower'! Water will bead and roll off...plus avoids wax being gradually removed by chamois.....

170+mph wind conveying fine grit etc, don't think I'll be trying that one

 

[moonloops]

I'm sticking to the local BP carwash

*shakes head in dismay*

 

[cheffy]

Have to agree with most here re noodle or lambswool washmits, sponges are too fine with nowhere for grit & dirt to go, hence swirls.

Just another word on jetwash brushes at petrol stations, it may often be the case that this brush has been on the ground, people us them, and for reasons known only to themselfs, chuck brush onto ground at some point during use, thus picking up dirt, grit and even small stones, next person that uses it may get some serious paintwork damage !!!

 

[tylerdurden]

So if like me you're a cheapskate, what is better

Petrol station car wash vs migrant hand job?

 

[buccal]

Petrol station but don't use the brush.

My local polish lads just scratched (fortunately lightly) my paintwork and of course denied all knowledge when i went back for a quiet word