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There is some logic here... those brushes that get the dirt off cars will be used to get the dirt off your car. See my previous post about using two buckets. Automatic car washes are terrible for any car but devastating to black paint.
When the sun returns to your locale, take a walk in a parking lot when you can see the sun reflected directly on the hoods of a row of cars. Notice the swirl marks around the sun's reflection on any color. I'll bet you will find it challenging to find a car without them. I noticed this recently and couldn't believe the difference when I finally got to my car.
I'm not a Zaino user but I love what I use so I won't be changing. There are other quality products out there as well. There is a forum here for Zaino that you can peruse. You also may want to look at the Store Bought Waxes forum.
Of course, there are whole websites dedicated to auto detailing.
That was interesting, I had no idea Datsuns were based on a Fiat design. They are also nicely designed cars. I like the design of these cars more than a lot of todays fancier designs, like Focus, Cobalt, Civic etc.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
Not the waxes, just the forums on specific cars. I'll have to come up with a plan. I'm not going to spend my life waxing and washing the SRX every week. I can always have one of the detail guys to do the waxing. As a teen, I waxed and washed cars as one of my summer jobs. My customers were thrilled because I tend to be a detail person. I'm just not fond of doing it now at this point in life. With antique hunting, restoring a plantation house, church, and Tea Party activities, my schedule is full enough. Who said that retirement was boring?
Richard
I don't think that's quite right. He doesn't "use" it. They "sponsor" him. :P
Richard
Richard
as to the wax, reminds me I need to do my fall waxings on both cars. I try to do a spring and fall (protect for winter, get winter crud off). That seems to be plenty to me.
I like Maguires wax. I think I was using tech wax for a while, but at somepiont switched back to their regualr cleaner/wax (hey, it's cheaper!).
Other than that, wash when needed. I also have a california car duster, and it does a great job getting dust (not heavy dirt) and pollen off. Can cut your washes needed in 1/2.
Oh, if you need a drive thru wash, they have touchless ones (one is right near me). No brushes or straps ever touch the car. Just spray water, and a air jet to dry it off.
Not perfect, but great for winter to get the salt crud off.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Don't think they were. In my never humble opinion, the original Datsun 1600 was based on the BMW 1602.
Either way, it was a great car. I drove mine well over 100K miles, and I bought it used, with 163K on it. Many modifications, but all had to do with either suspension or air conditioning.
Once sold a old Maxima to a guy who turned out to be a retired Datsun dealer. Talked about how the 510 was the making of Datsun - Nissan.
I would love to do that one day. But, really, I think you will be much happier with the SRX than you would have been with the Town Car. It is pretty remarkable too, because the guy who owned it before you, loved it...that's why he got a new one, and it only has about one years mileage on it. But, the real kicker is...you got about $8000 for a 2003 Explorer that they are going to lose on big time.
There must be a huge difference in the ride and handling of your new car, compared to the old one.
The trip was fantastic and I think going on a cruise ship was the way to do it. Rome is so busy and interesting, Rhodes is beautiful, Athens and Ephesus are fascinating, Kusadasi Turkey is a beatuful port city, and the magnificent pyramids and sphinx were the hilight of the trip. However, the most fascinating part to me was the poverty of Egypt. 40% of the people live on less than $2 a day. Most of the homes and the apartments are crumbling, and there is garbage piled everywhere. We all have to be greatful, for the lives we can live in our great countries. I did not see one Cadilac in 16 days!
Typical street scene, from Alexandria:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I was amazed to discover this morning that he never took the plastic cover off of the dvd player in the rear and the earphones are still wrapped in the unopened box. He even left the sample leather piece describing the Ottawa leather seats tied to the headrest as it came from the factory. The headrests for the third row power seats were still wrapped in factory plastic and placed in the cargo area. The leather case for the manual appears to have never been opened. There was one sheet of paper in the glove box that indicated that he had done his 15K maintenance check about a month ago. Talk about a flawless CPO. I keep searching for something wrong, but it just isn't there.
"There must be a huge difference in the ride and handling...compared to the old one."
I can't begin to describe the difference. It finally stopped raining and I decided to drive it to the bank and grocery store. It's strange. I get the "feel of the road" somewhat but with such comfort and smoothness. You don't float; you just feel at ease. Cornering feels tight, not loose. The lumbar seats and adjustable pedals are a dream. The Bose sound system is so clear and has a mellow tone to it. It also has nice visibility backing and turning. The instrument panel has nice symbols and seems easy to operate. I don't know how to use the nav yet, but the pictures look pretty. (Grin here.) I can't believe that I am bragging on a Cadillac. I may grow to like this car.
Yes, Turkey has beautiful port cities; I loved Istanbul. I see that Egypt hasn't changed in 20 years since I was there. As you say, the poverty will blow your mind. I would like to do Rome again and I haven't done Greece at all. You had a really nice trip and I would think that the cruise ship was a good way to do it.
Richard
It brought them many hours of enjoyment.
Now that they are older and can drive, sometimes I am the one watching the movie.
As matter of fact, on the way home from getting the kids set up at school last month, we picked up my mom, 80 years young, from my sisters.
She watched a movie on the player and she really enjoyed it.
If you want to watch a movie on a trip, I recommend 'Driving MR. Daisy'. (winky emotorcon)
It like a new Christmas toy, isn't it.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The 4 cyl was a copy of the Mercedes 6 cyl with a couple of cylinders missing.
They added those cylinders and created the 240Z.
Then they lost the bulk of the market to Toyota and a Japanese motorcycle company that finally decided to build cars.
Ok, I called that number; the guy is a stroke. Put the yard sign back on that beast. :shades:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Welcome to my world...ah...my ex world!
And here I thought you let what I say go in one ear and out the other. It does begin with a “C” but let me tell you how I came by this stuff before I give you the name.
For years I have gone to a local discount place for odds and ends. I like this place in particular because you can buy hardware (bolts, nuts, nails and the like) by the pound, just like an old fashioned hardware store. OK, I’m there to buy this stuff and decided to walk down their car care isle. Wanted to get some stuff for tires and car wash soap. Let me digress for a second here. I don’t use car wash soap or any other soap on my cars other than the first washing in the spring, prior to waxing. After that I use only water and with this new wax that I’m eventually going to name, believe me, you only need water because nothing seems to stick to it. FWIW, I was going to use this soap on Mrs. j’s XG 350. The Genny was already clean and awaiting a wax job.
Now back to my story. As I’m perusing the line up of products I see this one plastic bottle that has a price on it of $11. That is a pretty high price for the items this place carries, even well known name brand stuff that is heavily discounted. A guy that works there is passing by so I asked if this stuff is any good? He said he didn’t know but then says, “at that price, in this place, I’d say it must me”. He calls over another employee and asks him if this stuff is any good and this second guy says, “OH, we got that in again we were out of it for about a month. I’ve never used it myself but when we get it in we can’t keep it on the shelf. That’s all I can say about it”. I’m a softy for an honest answer so I bought it.
Now for the name it’s Collinite’s No. 845 and it’s also labeled Insulator Wax (they have a web site). The bottle mentions its use for high voltage power lines to prevent “flashovers” because nothing sticks to it. When I was in Advance Auto Parts I saw it on their shelf for about $17. I ask the guy at the auto parts if it was any good just to get another opinion (after I had already used it for several applications on the Genny) and he said, “people who have bought it swear by it”. That was my experience too.
So there you have it. I like it a lot and as I’ve said before, “if Zaino is better than this stuff it must be illegal”. :surprise:
‘verdugo’ would you say this is a good enough endorsement to warrant Collinite sending me a free lifetime supply for Genny waxings?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Again, the more you explore the SRX, it sounds like the more you're are pleased with it. That's outstanding.
j......I've used both Collinite and Zaino. Both are good. Can't go wrong with either. If someone put a gun to my head, I'd say that Zaino holds a bit of an edge in the shine dept. They both last a long time, though. And both offer that "slickness" you refer to.
You can get as in-depth or as casual as you'd like in doing a detail job, no matter what wax you use. If you decide to do the "wash-dry-clay bar-wash-dry-wax (in multiple coats), you're in for a full day's work".
However, if you only are looking for a nice wax job to protect the paint and make the vehicle look nice, a simple wash-dry-wax job should only take an hour or two. Black is the most difficult color to keep looking good, without a doubt. But, no amount of "care" in the cloths, mitts or wash/wax products you use is going to totally guard against swirlies.
At some point, you'll have to do a light buff to get those swirlies out of the paint (if you care). Could be a couple of years down the road, could be 5 years down the road. Swirls are inevitable, however.
Stay away from those "soft cloth" or "brush" automatic car washes. Those are the worst. Plus, chains like "Mike's Car Wash" use detergents that are very caustic, and will eventually (sooner than later) dull your finish and eat away at your alloy wheels. For a quick wash (always dry by hand), try a touchless place, especially in the winter time to get the salt removed.
Either Zaino (their AOI product is very good, easy to use, and lasts a long time) or the Collinte products will give you about 5-6 months of good protection for your paint job.
Decided to let my Acura dealership detail my car for the upcoming winter. Dropped off the Zaino to them, and they're doing it today (after the oil change and tire rotation from yesterday). Service manager told me to go ahead and hold onto the loaner vehicle while they finish it up. It's and RDX.
This RDX is a nice little SUV. It has Acura's SH AWD, which makes it quite the little handler. Can't match my TL, but still, for an SUV it does quite nicely. Plus, the little turbo 4 cyl motor in it is quite a gem. Spools up very quickly and is quick. Comfy, too.
If I was in the market (but I'm not)..................................... :shades:
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I hope this doesn’t carry over to not doing a vacuum sweep a time or two per year.
Those Mc Donalds wrappers must be piling up over the dash.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I can't tell you how many people have looked at/gotten into my car and remark how clean it is. I never understood people who keep their car filthy with trash inside etc. Would you allow your house to look like that?
Even if you don't do it yourself, shake out the mats every couple days, have it washed twice a month and throw out the trash.
I don't even keep anything in my trunk and take out the rubber liner and hose it down in case it gets dirty. I guess wiping down the engine is just a touch over the top
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I can tell you how many people have made that remark about my car... I can give you a round number.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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I never understood that either. I know ‘isell’ has mentioned in the past that no one ate in his car/s. I did the same thing when I was raising my 2 sons. I can still hear ‘you know who’ saying, “you don’t have to be a tyrant about not eating ANYTHING in the car. After all they’re kids, you know”. My come back to that was, “I’ll let them eat in the car if you let them eat in the living room”. Got something back like, “it’s not the same thing”. :sick: Since I was the one who cleaned the cars, I made that call. The kids understood it but I still had trouble every now and then with 'you know who'.
I guess wiping down the engine is just a touch over the top
Hey, I do that. Not a steam cleaning but a quick pass with a damp cloth (lint free of course) every now and then. I ALWAYS wipe down the door jams. I’ve always maintained that ‘it is easier to keep something clean than to get something clean’. This applies to almost everything except the grass.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Good gosh. It is a powerful sucker. The speed limit in the village is 35 mph max. I had to go over to the village hall this morning, and discovered that I was up to 50 mph before I knew what happened. I'll have to be careful with this baby.
You gave me a good wax idea. When the time comes, I'll just take the Collinite over to my dealer and let them do it. As for the wash and dry, I'll do that myself. I notice that my wife's offer to keep it washed hasn't been mentioned again. (Grin here.)
Richard
I do listen whether I follow the advice or not. (Grin here.)
I agree about keeping a clean car: no eating in the car, nothing left in the car except an umbrella in the door pocket, glove box contains car manual, registration card, and a little travel tissue pack. Glad to hear you say that you do door jams. When I washed cars for a living as a teen, my father taught me that part of the process was door jams plus rolling down the windows and cleaning the top edge of the glass. People forget that part now. Also, the dash and instrument panel need to be cleaned with a separate damp cloth with no soap on the cloth. When I used to clean white wall tires, I never left a black mark on the white part. I'm not talking about those narrow whitewalls; I mean the big wide whitewalls.
Now you see why I nearly had a stroke over the wife spilling that cup of tea in the convertible and getting the mud and dog poop on the carpet. She's been good here lately---no recent events; knock on wood. I've had a talk with her about the Caddy. Heaven forbid that she has bad luck with it. Still, we're all human. Things happen. At least we need to be mindful of what we are doing. When we haul small antique pieces, I carefully wrap them in clean moving quilts that I purchased from a friend who ran a U-Haul service. I keep the quilts folded in a garage closet with a piece of plastic over them to keep the dust away.
Richard
I bought that car before I retired and my secretary told me about a place that she swore by so I looked them up on the web and bought a bunch of stuff online. Then I found out they were local and I didn't have to pay shipping charges.
The name of the place is Griot's Garage They have a great catalog and a big web business. They just opened up a new headquarters in Tacoma, WA that is pretty impressive. I haven't made it to any but they are able to have car events and invite people to bring their rides in once a month or so. Isell will have to come down sometime.
I started using their paint sealant (different from regular sealants) and apply that once a year with an orbital... after using the clay, of course. They have a spray-on wax that I use after I wash it. Very nice shine. The water still beads up on my car after a year. I put some pics up on my carspace page after someone asked me about it a while back.
The Griot's Interior Cleaner is amazing. I've had to clean up some friends' cars and vans that have had years of kids, food, and general gunk. A stiff brush and that stuff worked wonders.
The jury is still out on their leather cleaner. I liked the Leather Master kit I used at first and I've heard that Lexol is good stuff.
I agree that wiping down the door jams, around the trunk, hood and engine area are musts. I like to think that service folks take better care of your car if they see that the engine area is clean. The service guy complimented me on it the last time I took it in.
Recently tried it out for the first time. It does a great job its two products a cleaner, then a conditioner. The bottles should last a while, I've done my car twice and it doesn't take that much.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
I try to hand wash my TL weekly (when New England weather allows), but the last few years I've slowed that schedule down a bit. I Zaino when the spirit moves me, but a couple of coats of Z-5 (which does seem to hide very light swirlies and scratches, that would be the choice for black. I ran out of Z-2, won't order again till I'm done with the Z-5) go on in the spring and fall. With touchups in between. I find the Zaino shine to last quite a long time, after cleaning off a New England winter, the shine still amazes me. It's quite a mirror-like finish, vs. a deep shine.
Zaino isn't inexpensive, can be time consuming (using the "classic" products, I've not used Z-AIO or Z-CS...), but it's not difficult to apply or remove. It just gives a great shine and lasts...
But, on my wife's car, I use Black Magic (after a favorable CR review) and it also seems to do a nice job. Her car stays shiny white, not that it matters to her. But, she is a beautiful woman who should be seen in a beautiful car!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I'm surprised that a spray-on wax would do as well as a compound, but it certainly sounds easier to apply and wipe off. I might be willing to do that kind of wax job myself. I'm getting so lazy in my old age. I had a lawn care guy here this morning to help me clean up from the three day torrential rain storm. He's young and worked circles around me. It was worth the $35 bucks he charged me.
Yes, I agree. If the service guys see that you care for your car, they tend to be a bit more careful.
Richard
Richard
I am on your schedule tjc. Wash the outside about twice a month (I was told a do it yourself wash place is better because you don't have those swirling brushes scratching the paint off), and the inside is kept neat and tidy so just a bit of a cleaning up and dusting when necessary - about once a month.
A car is to be enjoyed, not be a slave over.
Seems grandchildren can get the back of the seats pretty scuffed up. When I was a kid, we were told not to kick the back of the seat.
It reminds me of the 10 hour flight back from Rome. The lady behind me has to yank herself up by hanging on to the top of my seat each time. After the 4th time I told her that it wasn't necessary to grab onto the seat in front of you to stand up, you just push yourself up from your own seat. I was a bit obnoxious, but at least it didn't happen again.
When the airline attendants tell you how to use your seatbelt, they should tell people how to get into or out of their seat, without yanking on the seat in front.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Oh no, we finally got you to slow down and you are saving all that money, and now you are back to speeding again.
Slow down and enjoy the ride, getting there is half the fun, especially when you enjoy your car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
With modern clearcoats, waxing really doesn't do much.
Nobody eats in our cars. That is what home and restaurants are for.
I took in some trade ins that were total pig stys. Minivans and SUV's were the worst. Like rolling restaurants. Our detail guy once vaccumed what he said was a box of Cheerios out of a car. These cars stink inside and sometimes the stains were impossible to remove.
The WORST thing a person can use on ANYTHING is Armor-All!
I have to show this to my 17 yr old daughter. While on our 8-state vacation this summer, I had to work hard to break her of the habit of pulling on the back of my seat when she wanted to move around.
When I was a kid, my dad used to get on my case for sticking my big feet under the seat and poking him in the... er, seat.
For the SUV's I use Meguiar's Spray on (kind of an aerosol) because they have tall sidewalls.
On the Fusion, I use Meguiar's Spray on liquid that I put on with a foam applicator.
The Mustang gets my favorite, Eagle One Concours Satin Finish.
The other 2 have a high gloss wet look.
Well the Sebring I keep up on. Its newer and a lot nicer. I wax that thing twice a year, steam clean the carpets and floor mats at least once a year and so on and so forth. Now the Saturn, well its going on 13 years old, has about 160K miles on it and it's not worth much any more. I am not to interested in how it looks but more about how its been running.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D