Besides doing it yourself, who do you recommend for weekly washing and occasional detailing? With all our great weather for top-down driving, the interior needs a lot of attention -- a lot more than I really have time or the inclination to give.

I don't really want to spend $100 a week on this. But it has to be someone who knows better than leaving a ton of lint on the soft-top!

 

washing your car is an investment!
I spend 100 a week in car care...
I have 2 guys who came home and washing it like nobody else!


www.autobrillo.com

there you can see our SLK 55AMG...Carrera S black and grey...X5...STI...Cayenne...Range Rover...

 

Thanks Paris. Who cleans your car in Los Angeles? I bet it gets dirty on that long drive north!

 

I used to have Black & White detailing wash my cars. Now I just do it myself as it's quite easy with the right supplies. A microfiber waffle weave drying towel will make things a snap.

As far as a regular car wash, I myself stray away from all.

-Aaron

 

I dont think 100 dollars a week is worth it, Its quiet costly in the long run.

I would rather save up the 100 dollars you spend weekly and treat myself to a nice watch at the end of the year or for a modification.

Try to learn to clean your car propperly, first of all its fun to do and secondly it save's you 100 dollars a week.

Honestly, I learned it the hard way and forced myself to clean the car propperly and now it doesnt have swirl marks etc.

 

Melrose auto detail for the car wash once a week. They don't run it through a machine they have two guys wash and spray your car down by hand and than another two guys dry it with soft towels. It looks like a parking lot with a small snack shop where you pay. 5 car washes and the 6th one is free. I believe tuesday and wednesday is $8.99 and chances are you will see some exotics or celebrities/athletes if you are into that sort of stuff.

 

I've also heard that Melrose Auto Detail is very good and luckily don't use machines. I absolutely will not go to a car wash with machines and Melrose AD is one of the few places I would go to.

 

With the average p-cars probably costing close, if not over, $100K, why would one not take care of it? It's the 2nd largest purchase, usually, next to ahouse. I think it all comes down to pride of ownership. I'm not just saying that as a detailer. One should consider maintenance as cost of ownership for high dollar goods. There's nothing worse than seeing a black 997/996 with halograms, swirls, and scratches from the car wash. IMHO, if one couldn't afford the proper maintenance, why make the purchase? That's my 2 cents. However, on a brighter note, if you can devote 45 min a week or 2 weeks, you can enjoy washing the car, get pride and satisfaction of doing a job well done, and keep that p-car looking great. You'll be saving $$ too. You just need the right products, the passion, and a little time. I hope this plants a seed for those wanting to care for their cars but not knowing what to use and how to use it. Let me know if you guys want me to elaborate.

 

Moe...ELABORATE

I have a cayenne S and would like to know what to use to give it a routine wash, and cleaning the wheels etc without getting to complicated. What is essential to paint maintenace, brilliance, cleaning brake dust ans those huge cayenne wheel wells.

Sorry guys, not trying to hijack thread or anything

 

I never let anyone wash my car. Who do you think is the lowest paid employee in a dealership or auto detail business. You guess it, the car washing employee. They tend to use the same mitts, towels, etc. day-in-day-out never bothering to clean, rotate or replace them. In fact, when ever I bring my car in for dealer 'warranty' service' I tell 'DON'T WASH THE CAR'.

I'm sort of **** since my car is black and is subject to scratches and swirls.

Spend some 'quality time' w/ your PCar and wash it yourself.

 

That's exactly what I do!

 

Here's what Melrose Strip Auto Detailing made the car look like.



I was a little underwhelmed with job they did on the interior, but I cannot complain too much for $23.95. Of course, by doing it myself, I'd have only myself to blame or praise.

Thanks for your comments, and please post any further suggestions.

 

OK. Here's the routine I do and have clients do on their cars. The routine maintenance is under the assumption the car is already undergone a full proper detail of claying, polishing, and waxing. With that said, here are the steps to take for a weekly/bi-monthly wash:

1. Clean wheels using a pH balanced wheel cleaner. (approx. 10-20 min depending on how much work is needed and you level of meticulousness.[is that a word ])

2. Rinse car thoroughly. Take your time. You need to flush as much dirt off as you can (approx. 3-5 min)

3. Start washing using a pH balanced car soap; not dish detergent (approx. 10-20 min) Remember to work in small sections, rinse mitt after every panel washed, and rinse car after every panel washed

4. Dry finish either by microfiber drying cloth, forced air blower, or if you're smart, you've used DI water and can walk away and be done (10-15 min)

5. (optional) Wax finish using a liquid carnauba or liquid polymer wax (10-15 min)

6. (optional) Wipe down windows (10 min)

7. (optional) Condition tires and wheels (10 min)

This routine can take 30 min or a little over an hour depending on your level of work needed. Hope this helps guys.

 

Looks clean Luther, sorry about the poor interior job, I have never gotten my interior detailed. Usually just go with the basic hand wash or I get the wax for I believe $32.XX and that includes wash adn hand wax (no interior treatment).

 

Agreed, and I will go back to Melrose for the next cleaning too. Thanks to everyone for the tips ... please keep them coming.