washing question

[nissanboy31]

I have a question about washing. I live in an apartment building. I have no access to a outdoor water source. So alot of times in the past with other vehicles that I have owned I have to go to those commercial car washes with do it yourself washing bays with pressure washers. I got to thinking, isn't washing this way hard on your paint? And what about the soap they use in those things? I was thinking maybe I should hit up a couple of friends that own or rent houses. Or as a last resort, I could go over to my parents house and offer to wash both my parent's vehicles if I can use their water.

[Stittville Ed]

Paint is very hard IMO
A pressure washer will not dent your paint IMO
The chemicals are very strong and I think they will remove some/most of the wax/sealant that you have on the car.

I would make up a kit that had everything that you would need to wash and QD and keep it in the trunk at all times.
I would also pick up the smallest vacuum you can find.
Lowes/HD have very small one's for under $30 on sale.

Offer to wash/QD/vacuum other people's car in exchange for the use of their water/electric.

A $50 DOLLAR VALUE

Most peole do not even give washing their cars a second thought and what ever you do will be a big upgrade for them.
Find somthing to spray/apply to the inside of the car to make it smell better/nice and wipe dowm the dash pad anythigh else you can

[Whitethunder46]

Rinseless wash. That's all

You can use either DP's 4:1 or Optimum's No rinse. Basically, just add 1-2 oz. of this chemical into a gallon of water and proceed to wash your car. No need to have a hose or go to car washes anymore. Really really works very well. Just have a nice drying towel, such as the Guzzler to dry everything up.

Your question is one reason why I have a few paragraphs on my website explaining why auto car washes are bad. Yes, those soaps, or dertergents are very harsh on your wax/sealant.

[Al-53]

Nissan...here is what I do for winter washing..I go to the wand wash at night....I bring my own soap and water in a bucket and 2 wool mitts..a cover on the 5 gallon bucket with 3 gallons of wash solution...

I spray the truck down with just rinse water to get heavy stuff off...I then wash by hand...swapping out the mitt half way thru..then I rinse off with the rinse water....works out good...no one is there at night so you can take your time

Al

[MikeyC]

Originally Posted by Whitethunder46

Rinseless wash. That's all

You can use either DP's 4:1 or Optimum's No rinse. Basically, just add 1-2 oz. of this chemical into a gallon of water and proceed to wash your car. No need to have a hose or go to car washes anymore. Really really works very well. Just have a nice drying towel, such as the Guzzler to dry everything up.

Your question is one reason why I have a few paragraphs on my website explaining why auto car washes are bad. Yes, those soaps, or dertergents are very harsh on your wax/sealant.

Great suggestion!! I have several paragraphs on my website explaining why car washes are bad too!

[killrwheels@autogeek]

I'll give you two little hints, one legal, and one well probably not :

1. Go to the self spray booths at night. Bucket wash using just the water to fill and spray off car. Usually place is quiet and nobody will complain.

2. Next time in Home Depot, get a faucet top (twist part). Visit the back of a retailer or store after hours, especially car rental places. Use the water, and wash away. Leave a small tip to pay for water, or consider washing one of their units as payback. Bet they crap in the morning !!

[supercharged]

Originally Posted by nissanboy31

I have a question about washing. I live in an apartment building. I have no access to a outdoor water source. So alot of times in the past with other vehicles that I have owned I have to go to those commercial car washes with do it yourself washing bays with pressure washers. I got to thinking, isn't washing this way hard on your paint? And what about the soap they use in those things? I was thinking maybe I should hit up a couple of friends that own or rent houses. Or as a last resort, I could go over to my parents house and offer to wash both my parent's vehicles if I can use their water.

Why not just use DP 4-in-1 for rinseless wash?

[nissanboy31]

I am going to use the dp 4 in 1. I have my for ag ready to go for ordering on friday. My mom also bought a new car. She got a 2007 nissan murano. It is black with chrome door handles and other chrome appointments. I can't waint to detail hers as well. If I can I will take pictures of both hers and mine sitting side by side. my versa is brilliant siver in color. I think they consider the murano a crossover suv. It came factory with 18" wheels. My dad's full size silverado only came with 16's.

[sparkie]

Check this out!
Rinseless Wash: 2006 Mustang

[Mike T]

Originally Posted by nissanboy31

I have a question about washing. I live in an apartment building. I have no access to a outdoor water source. So alot of times in the past with other vehicles that I have owned I have to go to those commercial car washes with do it yourself washing bays with pressure washers. I got to thinking, isn't washing this way hard on your paint? And what about the soap they use in those things? I was thinking maybe I should hit up a couple of friends that own or rent houses. Or as a last resort, I could go over to my parents house and offer to wash both my parent's vehicles if I can use their water.

It sucks! My wife and I live in a condo. Condo rules state on car washing and no pets (we're hiding two cats ) Poorboy's S&W is your best friend. For the most part I pretty much go over to my parents house to wash our cars every weekend. My wife drives a small Chevy Tracker, so I break out the S&W I can have hers done & quick wax/sealed on-site in about an 1/2hr.