View Full Version : Bad for Paintjob?
96Accord96
07-12-2004, 10:13 AM
Hey, nothing big, but just curious. Is it bad for the paint job if I was my car and wet it down with the hose, and then dry it off without using soap at all? Cause I usually use soap, but sometimes I get lazy. And does washing your car in direct sunlight/heat make a difference? (Other than pesky water marks). Thanks. =)
-Matt =)
AccordEx
07-12-2004, 10:32 AM
no just throwing water on it doesnt do nothing, its same as if it was raining on it pretty much. and everyone says that you shouldnt wash the car in direct sun. Why? I have no idea, maybe cause you can burn your hand if the surface is really hot? hahaha I dont know
Ricanstylz00
07-12-2004, 01:39 PM
The best time to wash your car is when the sun is starting to set. Or if you do wash your car in the middle of the day, try to do it under the shade of a tree. Also if your motor is still hot from driving around...let it cool off for a little bit by either letting it sit for a while or propping the hood open for about 10 minutes. I think all these tips will help perserve your paint as much as possible. I've been taking care of my paint like that for a long time now, a lot of people think i got a new paint job, but I just tell them that its still the original paint, i just take good care of it.
Hosing your car off is fine, but if you don't get all the dirt off the metal, and then you wipe (read rub) it, it will scratch the duco. But the biggest thing that damages paintwork is friggin bird shit and the crap that bugs become when they fly into you.
And I know by soap, you mean the proper car cleaning detergents and not the dish washing liquid or the washing machine powder, right?
As for not washing the car in direct sunlight, you all remember when you used to grap a magnifying glass and try to burn ants and shit with it? The beads of water do the same thing - it concentrates the sun's heat and starts to burn little holes in the paint. Over time, it starts to look dull and hazy, and this is one the reasons why. The only time I wash my car in direct sunlight is during winter - and even then it's not at midday.