gnar-evo

Within 24 hrs of a bad storm, I wash my car, last time the water was freezing upon contact with the car- but I had to get the salt off of it. CT has some of the worst salt use in the nation, it's really bad here. I didn't realize I may be harming more by doing that, but man, getting that salt off sure seems like it's a better idea...

Blast83

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I'm going to have to tuff it out and try to hand wash my car. It will suck but I need to get some of that junk off. Car came with that 3M protection stuff and it looks pretty good but I noticed it was starting to peel on one of the sides when I got the car =/ Don't think a power washer is going to help.

And ^
Too hot coming from SoCal? Midwest does suck though. Get the nice -10 to 100 extremes in a single year. A lot of places are colder and a lot are hotter but the wild yearly temperatures are fun.

FJF

iTrader: (18)

You're probably referring to my comment on the first page, so let me expand it a bit. Clearly, it's better not to have the salt on the paint. The difficulty lies in getting rid of the salt, while avoiding the negative effects of the process. If the car is rinsed thoroughly before the wash, and I mean thoroughly, and even more thoroughly afterwards, if all the excess water is picked-up from the door jambs, trunk, engine bay - did I mention the part about rinsing - everything will work out well. In the OP's case, he used a power washer to try and knock-off the salt; it's a horrible idea for the reasons that I described earlier.

The 2-bucket method holds a huge advantage when dealing with salt, and the choice of mitt/pad is crucial, as we're interested in trapping the salt in the soft fibers of the mitt/pad and leaving it in the rinse bucket. If anyone wants to know more about this, please see the links on the first page. Too, a high-lubricity soap is very important. Meguiars Gold Class is good OTC option.

To kill two birds with one stone, a product like Duragloss' Aquawax can be sprayed on a wet surface, and the car can be dried as usual, while gaining a booster shot of protection. This will not replace winter prep that typically involves protecting the paint with a very durable sealant/wax, but the AW will help help that protection last longer, while adding to the look of the car.

To say it again for emphasis, rinsing is key. Begin rinsing with the roof using a shower-like stream, rinse during the wash, and rinse, rinse, rinse after you're finished. Once the car is dried, grab a utility MF and go over every surface to pick-up the remaining water.

JKD

iTrader: (10)

Hand-wash is always best. It is nice outside today so I went out and hand cleaned the Evo. In the winter months, I try my best to keep it clean (avoiding mud pits, salt mounds, puddles, etc) so the wash will not be so difficult the next time I do it. When the temperature is very low, I tend to go to the car wash and spray the car off with water and soap. It does a relatively decent job when that is the only option.

Hand-wash is always best though.

N3VO

iTrader: (14)

its also nice to have high pressured guns and all the soap someone could dream of to get it clean. thats the plus of working at a carwash

FJF

iTrader: (18)

Please don't use a high-pressure gun on your car; it's only a matter of time until it causes damage. Too, car wash soap is very harsh and its quality is dubious. Spend ~$7 on a 1/2 gallon of Gold Class at Walmart.

FJF

iTrader: (18)

It sounds like you use a foam gun. It's a good way to go, given the circumstances.

hytek369

iTrader: (81)

i think i am gonna give ONR a try
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-no-rinse.html

FJF

iTrader: (18)

You won't be sorry and you'll kick yourself for not doing it sooner. While you're at it, grab some waffle weave MFs, and well as some utility MFs. Shoot me a PM if you'd like some recommendations. Even better, post the question on the detailing forum. Too, do a quick Youtube search for instructional videos, if you haven't already. If you buy from Autogeek, shoot me a note for a discount code.

stryderlis

iTrader: (17)

I'm currently using ONR on my car during the winter. I went ahead last winter and bought the big gallon jug. I usually go to the car wash to spray off my car before using ONR rinse. And the good thing about it, you don't use much ONR, 1 gallon water to a cap full of ONR. Going through the touchless wash is pretty good but it's $$$(usually upwards of 8-10 bucks for the top of the line wash) and it usually does not get my car as clean. Now I just rinse for like 1-2 dollars then drive home and do my ONR. My car is just as shiny as during the summer until I drive it (very frustrating during the winter).

hytek369

iTrader: (81)

ygpm. thanks again.

PSI NRG

iTrader: (2)

If you really just wanna get away with spraying it off use the pre-soak let it sit for a few seconds after its all covered then use the high pressure to spray it off Works great on my black evo

OwnedEvo10

iTrader: (5)

Just hand wash it..Im in jersey and it def gets cold here but I just go to the store and get those big yellow dish gloves and put some hand warmers in them and the hands are fine lol....I look goofy as all hell but they work...Ugly yellow momma gloves ftw lol...

PureDsm

iTrader: (1)

make sure that if theres tons of salt around where you live... make sure to wash with nothing but cold water because hot water makes the salt corrosive property happen faster

EvoJoeIX

iTrader: (16)

ha thats a good idea. it get cold here in maryland too. luckly last week it was like 60 degrees for a couple days, so i washed mine then. now its back down to the 30's.. i dont understand the weather around here