How Do You Wash Your Av?

[Nightshift]

Mine gets it in the driveway. I've been known to spend an 8 hour day washing and detailing. Only when it's too cold or I'm short on time does my Av visit the local hand car wash.

Just a note for completely streak free windows:
A clean wet rag with plain water, wipe down the glass followed by a paper towel to dry, inside and out. You will not see a streak.

WW

 

[NJAV]

I normally do the carwash thing as well..especially now during the winter....I would have to be insane to go outside and wash by hand......so it's the carwash for me....not to mention with the street salt they lay down here frequently lately....I always powerwash the chassis right away...

 

[otisboy]

Well I do a couple of things. Sometimes I take it to one of those coin operated places and sometimes I wash it at home. It all depends on what my goal is. In fact, I live close enough to a coin operated place, I sometimes wash it there and drive it home to dry it and dress it up in my driveway.

CA-AV

 

[mmdavidw]

Bottled water?

Cotton terry towels?

Wow, that is one spoiled AV!

I should print your post and show it to Mrs Spectron.

"See, honey? Some folks treat their trucks better than you treat me. Can we pleeease call the doctor now? I'm bleeding pretty bad!"

One use cotton terry towels at that. Once they're dirty or touch the ground they get tossed. I usually keep 1-2 bottles of water in the side storage bin so that I can touch-up whenever needed.

However, there are reasons for both. When I had my last truck, I used to keep some cotton terry towels inside and would wash and reuse. One day somehow there was a little piece of something on one of the towels and I put 3 nice big arse scratches in the side door. After that, towels became one use.

Plus, we have two types of tap water. Virtually untreated water for watering your lawn and things that is pretty much canal water.... and smells like canal water. Blech!

The other type of water is like the kitchen tap water, which they've added cholorine <SP?> (which you can smell really well) and tons of other things... and even flouride. <SP?>

Bottled water still has chemicles and stuff I'm sure, but at least it doesn't have a repulsive odor like our tap water.

David

 

[sponger]

Front-Driveway, Every-week... its a labor of love

then the photo session...

 

[wonder91178]

Wash my AV? goo would expect nothing less than a dirty AV from me!

I think since I've had it it has gotten....oh.....4 washings, since July 24, 2002.....

1. At the shop after all the repairwork (I didn't have to wash it myself then, hehe.)

2. Before a work related get together (through one of those brushless deals.)

3. Before the Dec. 1 cruise (Where I got the "You did an ok job" compliment from goo himself. )

4. Ok, maybe it wasn't 4 times.....and if it is, I can't remember the 4th one....Alzheimer's you know....

Kim

 

[baron138]

I wash the Av at home in my driveway. I have used only Zaino wash and products on it. My wife thinks I am crazy for the time I spend on it. The coldest temp. I washed it in so far was about 42 F. It had snowed and the truck looked white from the salt. I turned the water back on outside, and pulled out all the ritual equiptment. She just stood in the window shaking her head. My son was pissed because he wanted to help. He is two. My wife said " Oh great, he wants to be you!" He even knows what brushes, sponges, and mitts are for what truck part.The ritual in the summer of just washing takes about an hour. Thats just the wash and dry without any detailing. I had to cut it to that because I can only count on about an hour nap out of my son. If I go full blown on it, it's anywhere from 3 hours to 9 hours. I have even gone to the extent that I ran out of daylight so I went to the local Cosco. They had great lights in the lot. They finally kicked me out of their lot at 11:30. I have thought of bringing all the toys to the coin-op and using there water for the winter. That way I don't have to turn the outside water back on at the house. I then thought to myself that I must really be over the edge. Thanks to all of the rest of you Avaholics, I can now show my wife that she didn't find the only nut in the world, there's a whole tribe of us ?!!!!

 

[wonder91178]

I wash the Av at home in my driveway. I have used only Zaino wash and products on it. My wife thinks I am crazy for the time I spend on it. The coldest temp. I washed it in so far was about 42 F. It had snowed and the truck looked white from the salt. I turned the water back on outside, and pulled out all the ritual equiptment. She just stood in the window shaking her head. My son was pissed because he wanted to help. He is two. My wife said " Oh great, he wants to be you!" He even knows what brushes, sponges, and mitts are for what truck part.The ritual in the summer of just washing takes about an hour. Thats just the wash and dry without any detailing. I had to cut it to that because I can only count on about an hour nap out of my son. If I go full blown on it, it's anywhere from 3 hours to 9 hours. I have even gone to the extent that I ran out of daylight so I went to the local Cosco. They had great lights in the lot. They finally kicked me out of their lot at 11:30. I have thought of bringing all the toys to the coin-op and using there water for the winter. That way I don't have to turn the outside water back on at the house. I then thought to myself that I must really be over the edge. Thanks to all of the rest of you Avaholics, I can now show my wife that she didn't find the only nut in the world, there's a whole tribe of us ?!!!!

9 HOURS!?!

I'd have to nap in there somewhere....

Geez, I'd pay Colonial Carwash for the deluxe wash and detail inside and out that's $27.....

 

[midlifecrisis]

In the past month or so, the only washing the Av has received is when the rain washes off some of the salt and grime. Here in the northeast, we've had a storm about every other day. Right now there is so much salt and other stuff on the roads that they are almost white. No sense wasting my time washing the cruiser until the weather improves!

 

[the_wifes_av]

We always wash the AV in the driveway at home.
Usually takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on the intensity of dirtiness.
We use a California Water blade to get the major water off, then use a real Chamois to dry off the rest of the vehicle.
For the front end, around the door trim and side mirror areas, we usually break out the air hose hooked to a compressor and blow out the water that hides in these areas.

Unless there has been rain and or mud on the AV, we are able to keep the dust at bay by just going over the AV with a duster. (came in really handy on the 2002 Wild West cruise, after washing the AV, then following 10 other AVs on a dirt road)
I have used these particular California Super Dusters for about 12 years, and have had one for every vehicle of ours. They do much better than any other duster I have used, even other ones from the same company. The all round ones, are the only ones we use here in the dusty AZ desert. If you like, the description is here
We have been able to find them at the local Pep Boys for around $14 each.

 

[zimmthumps]

I would be very careful using those dusters for those of you with dark vehicles.
I would never use those on black. You're just begging for a truck full of scratches with those.

 

[the_wifes_av]

I would be very careful using those dusters for those of you with dark vehicles.
I would never use those on black. ?You're just begging for a truck full of scratches with those.

I had a black T/A for 14 years and used a super duster for about 12 of them, and never had any problems with dusting off the Arizona sand.
Only problem I ran into , was trying to dust it off too soon after, or while it was still hot, from baking in the sun - as the duster left streaks from the carnauba wax which is on the duster strings. It all came off when the car cooled off.

Also, since all of our AVs have a clear coat, the supposed scratching of the paint would actually be the same for all of them, as it would be all in the top clear coat.
Granted, scratches on a darker color would show up easier, but I have yet to see any issues with using a super duster on any car, as long as it is only dust trying to be removed.

No offense to you Zimm, just adding an additional $0.02 worth. All of the above is just my opinion and experience - Please take it at that.

 

[steelheadchaser]

I finally got around to buying the duster a couple of weeks ago, but the Av hasn't been cleen or dry enough to use it.

I decided to buy it based on the recommendation of the_wifes_av and after seeing how spotless their rig was every day during WW 2002!

 

[Johnny_D]

If you like to wash your own rig then the AV is the vehicle to have as there is a lot to wash! ? I definitely have at set procedure I use.

* I always wash in the shade and only after the vehicle has cooled down, and use lots of water. ?

* I use a clean soft mitt, as they're cheep I?ll by 3 or 4 at a time and when they start to look dirty its time to grab a new one. ?

* I use only mild car wash so the soap won?t eat the wax up or dry out the oils in the paint, I?m using Zano wash now. ?

* I start at the top and work my way down, this way you can wash your AV with one bucket of car wash. ?

* I never use the new mitt on the cladding, only on the paint. ?I use my old mitts on the cladding or a sponge. ?

* I wash the wheels and then the tires last, that way if I have to use steel wool on the raise white letter I can use the last of the car wash in the bucket. ?

*I use a California Blade to get as much water off the paint (with Zanio the water really runs off the paint and there?s less to dry). To get the remaining water I have my own set of soft cotton bath towels that are just for my cars. I use separate towels for the paint and the cladding as you don?t want to pick up the greasy protection products from the cladding and wipe then on the paint. ?

* Last I do the door jams and while the doors are open I wipe out the rubber seal on the roof that is hidden when the doors are closed. ?This strip is about 2 inches wide and holds a lot of dirt. ?If you haven't cleaned under this strip check it out, you?ll be shocked. ?

*The AV has so many crevices I?ll let it sit for 10 minutes and go back over the water that leaks out to prevent water spots. ?

* One last 2 cents on dusters, I only use my duster the first two days of driving after it had been washed. ?After that there is too much road grim on the paint to dust it off, this is when the duster will scratch you paint. ?

 

[Drooling_Dog]

...my brandy-new leaf blower (thanks, babe!) does the quickest dry under the sails and compartments...

May I just jump in here and say that this is freakin' brilliant? I never woulda thunk it. Thanks for the tip!

I typically use a coin-op. Just the high-pressure spray and the high-pressure rinse. Then I drive home the long way to dry it off.

 

[justhrowit]

I'm an automatic car wash man. I simply do not have the time, nor do I have the space. I live in a condo, so I can't just go to side of the house and grab the hose. I've found the best car washes are the touch free washes. Someone sprays it down with a power wash, and then it runs through a variety of soaps, waxes, etc., etc..... Then it gos through a dryer, and then hand dried. I live pretty close to the car wash, so I get home and dry any splats from driving, and then do the tires, windows, and cladding when I get home. Speaking of a car wash, I just got back from my hunting trip, and the soft corn fields muddied it up a bit. Time to get one!!!!

 

[MACGI_98_Z28]

Ok

I wash in Michigan weekly and only at night (minimal waterspots). This must be clear. I washed my Av tonight. It was 17 degrees. I don't do any kind of automatic. The touch ones scratch and the "touchless" ones mostly suck. When the water freezes on the vehicle between steps, it gets super-clean...if you are man enough.

I go to a GinSan or Dilling-Harris equipped car wash that has a TRULY spot free rinse. You have to shop around and try the ones in your area to find out which ones work and which ones don't have the pressure or proper mixes of soap, pre-soak and wax (not a substitute for real wax).

I live by the rule if it touches, it scratches. No matter how soft you think your drying towel is, or your wash sponge/mitt is, it is scratching your paint. I wash and hand wax twice a year an no more.

Wand washes will not scratch, pit or dull your paint ?unless your vehicle is caked with dirt, or the pressure is just nuts high and is blowing parts off.

Do the whole deal.

1. tire and engine cleaner--use it. I use the low pressure engine cleaner and go full pressure on the rinse. I do this to 4 vehicles and have never had a short or any engine problem whatsoever. I start them young and that way grease and crud under the hood does not compromise my electricals. I wash my engines full pressure clean water after applying the cleaner. It works. (not responsible for things that happen to your vehicle)

2. Pre soak--It can't hurt and it usually helps. The right stuff will get that stuff loose that will seemingly only come off by hand.

3. High-Pressure Rinse--And I mean everywhere. This will give not only the exterior, but chassis components a needed break from the insidious effects of the sodium used on our roads in the winter. ?

4. Wax--If it makes you feel good do it, but watch out for buildup and DO handwax your clean vehicle at least twice a year if you live up north.

5. High Pressure Rinse--Get the excess "wax" off or it WILL spot.

6--Spot Free Rinse--Usually this is worth it. During the day, this is not always so "spot free", so you have to watch out.

 

[NJAV]

Since it is way too cold now to wash it by hand..I often take it to the carwash to get all the road grime off the cladding and paint...especially since recently it has snowed on and off...the one thing I hate is salt all over the chassis....my second worst nightmare is Bird poop....that is almost automatic....once I see it, it is gone..pooof!....

Dave

 

[ktr-sa]

Ok

1. tire and engine cleaner--use it. I use the low pressure engine cleaner and go full pressure on the rinse. I do this to 4 vehicles and have never had a short or any engine problem whatsoever. I start them young and that way grease and crud under the hood does not compromise my electricals. I wash my engines full pressure clean water after applying the cleaner. It works. (not responsible for things that happen to your vehicle)

Make sure you follow this literally - I had a case once where the vehicle (not an Av) had all kinds of funky electrical problems. When we took apart the connectors under the hood, we could see detergent residue - the high-pressure wash was forcing water and detergent into the connectors, and causing intermittent short circuits. Once it would dry, the problem would disappear.

FWIW

 

[ktr-sa]

My question is this:

For those of you who wash at home in areas with "hard" water - ie, lots of minerals and stains when dry - how do you do the home wash? I really like hand washing but can't stand what a waste of time it is when I have all kinds of streaks afterward.

I was thinking of getting a home pressure washer and then just using bottled water after for a rinse - kind of like the spot-free rinse at the coin-ops. Anyone have a good estimate of how much water it takes to do a final rinse?

 

[Johnny_D]

My question is this:

For those of you who wash at home in areas with "hard" water - ie, lots of minerals and stains when dry - how do you do the home wash? ?I really like hand washing but can't stand what a waste of time it is when I have all kinds of streaks afterward.

I was thinking of getting a home pressure washer and then just using bottled water after for a rinse - kind of like the spot-free rinse at the coin-ops. ?Anyone have a good estimate of how much water it takes to do a final rinse?

As much as I?m a fanatic about cleaning my AV, I think my wife would shoot me if she saw me rinsing my AV with a few gallons of Ozarka!

Our water in Houston is very hard but if you get it of the paint quick enough after rinsing it will not spot or streak. If you use Zaino wax, the water runs off the paint and makes drying much easier.

 

[lewdog123]

Dear all Avalanchers,

I took my AV through an automatic car wash this past weekend. This is the type that pulls your car through by the tires and has automatic hoses and brushes. The brushes consist of long strips of material (I dunno what kinda) that hang down and move (side to side, circular) in some motion.
Anyways...one of the strips got caught between the sail panel and cargo lid. As the my AV moved along the track the lid got pulled open (it was locked) and the hinge holding the lod got tweaked. I was in a hurry and didn't inspect my AV and left the car wash.
So I had to tweak the hinge back for the lid to close. Now my lid sits about 1/8 inch out. Not very noticable, but just enough to bug me. From now on I will take mine to a "touchless" car wash...or a totally handwash place. Beware my fellow Av'ers!!

 

[spectron65]

It's pretty dusty where I live and just don't have the time or energy to keep washing the AV so I finally gave in and purchased a super sized "California Duster" to keep the AV clean between washes.

This thing really works! It uses surface tension and paraffin wax in the soft hairs to pick up the dust layer.
You need to set it on newspaper and let it "air out" for 2 days prior to first use. In the beginning, it left streaks of wax on the paint which i thought were scratches but after multiple uses, it hasn't scratched my AV yet. I always put it back in its plastic container and only use it exclusively for the AV and not for the other vehicles.

Here is a pic....price is about $14.99 at Auto Zone.
Worth every penny in my opinion. I think I'll buy the 'California Water Blade' as well......

 

[FSUGUY]

I just found out a good ZAINO tip.

After you have waxed with Z-2, if your vehicle is just a little dirty you can use Z-6 to clean it.

I had a light rain the day after I waxed it (of course). So instead of rewashing, you can just spray Z-6 and wipe it off.

Clean AV in 5 minutes.

However, don't use it more than 10 times without applying another coat of Z-2.

 

[02-Z66]

while at my buddies house i used a pressure washer on his car. his wife just drove it through the mud. he was a little upset, so i proceded to was the car while he cooled off.
what i was getting at is the washer cleaned the mud off without leaving any of the residue behind. i believe the washer was rated at 2000-2500psi. i was very impressed.
then i went to the carwash today. the performance of the water pressure there made me realize how much it sucked. the truck was still covered in a film of dirt after $3.50 down the drain.
gotta get me a pressure washer for sure.