Tip of the Month- October 2004

Attention to Detail: Washing Your Car

(As printed in the Porsche Club of America- Golden Gate Region December 2004 Monthly Magazine: The Nugget)
(As printed in the BMWCCA New York Chapter- Novemeber-December 2004 Monthly Magazine: Die ZugSpitze)
(As printed in the FerrariChat.com April 2005 Newsletter)

Last month, we cleaned our wheels and now we move to the next step of washing your car. You'd be surprised at how well you can preserve your car's finish just by washing it properly. On the other hand, improper washing can dull, deteriorate and scratch you car's paint.

First, we need to choose an appropriate car wash shampoo. Most of the over-the-counter soaps to stay away from contain solvents, sodium, or harsh detergents that will erode the wax. Dishwashing and laundry detergents are inappropriate because of their high alkaline content (I still have people insisting that it's ok to wash their car with Dawn every week. My reply to that is "Would you wash your dishes with car wash?). The finest shampoos are biodegradable, pH balanced, and will not strip your car's wax nor dry its vinyl and rubber. Some of the better shampoos also contain natural oils to reduce the possibility of minute scratches by suspending small particles above the surface and water softeners to prevent those dreaded water spots. Even microscopic dust particles take on the characteristics of sandpaper when rubbed across your car. Realizing this, by the way, should dispel the old-timer belief that it is best to wash using only plain water (in the "old days" some hot rodders put a few drops of vegetable oil in the car wash to give it lubricity). A quick way to test the lubricity of a shampoo is to rub a small amount of it between your fingers - it should feel very slippery. When we were formulating our exclusive DyNA Paintwork Shampoo™ (see Fig. 1), we tested it under the strictest conditions - back then we were offering mobile detailing services and were washing black cars in the high noon August sun. It was then that we perfected the perfect blend of lubricants and water softeners.

(Fig. 1)

Second, we need to choose the correct washing accessories; the choice of which is just as important as selecting the right shampoo. Dust and dirt particles become embedded in synthetic sponges and wash mitts. This grime buildup eventually causes serious surface scratches that are often blamed on other sources. We strongly suggest that you use (in order of preference) only the highest quality natural sea "wool" grade sponge, genuine sheepskin mitt (not the one with polyester - to check if it's genuine sheepskin just turn the mitt inside out and it should be leather) or 100% chenille cotton mitts (see Fig. 2, 3 and 4 respectively). When using a natural sponge, use the softer flat side for your paint while the curved side can be used for glass.

(Fig. 2, 3 and 4)

Third, we need to employ the correct procedure:

Lastly, we need to dry the car. Make sure you hand-dry your car immediately after washing. Cod-oil-tanned chamois, synthetic chamois or the new DyNA Superior Drying MicroWeave™ Towel (which we prefer) are the best choices. These new MicroWeave™ towels are safe and will not leave streaks like other synthetic or natural chamois. If you own a drying chamois, you may certainly continue to use them but always make sure they are clean. Then use a window towel (we recommend a microSuede specifically made for windows) to finish your windows to prevent streaking and spotting. The secret to getting a "wow" car wash is to go over the paint with the DyNA Liquid Gloss™ or an equivalent instant detailer spray with a cotton microfiber to remove any remaining water marks and to bring out the shine. The Liquid Gloss™ also contains a solution of our DyNA Brilliance™ paint sealant so it will prolong the protection of your paint and is great for in between waxing.

Washing your car should be a pleasurable experience and done at least weekly for a regularly driven car. Now here I go with some preaching. Customers always ask me to share the "one big secret" of how to keep their cars looking pristine. Well, hang on to your fuzzy dice; here it is: Do not take your car to a car wash! I don't care if it's brushless, touchless or uses holy water. Don't do it! Many car washes use odorless ammonia or phosphate-based soaps with very hot recycled wash water. You not only risk swirls, spider webbing, scratches or chips on your car, but also it removes your wax. So, wash it yourself or employ a professional detailer you trust to hand wash it. If however you live in an urban area (such as Manhattan) and don't have a place to wash your car yourself and go to a hand carwash, at least take your own sponge and drying towel for them to use. This way they won't be scratching your car with someone else's dirt.