I had a question for you guys. What do you use to wash your vehicle? I'm going to finally be home for good after working overseas and I need to wash the rig next weekend. I was wondering if you guys used any type of soap to preserve the paint. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I use two buckets one for the wheels one for the car, Ive been using Mequiars Gold class soap with good results.

I use Adams car wash soap. I use a microfiber mit to wash the painted surfaces with a separate mit to wash the lower portion (rocker panels, rear bumper, etc). For the wheels I use a brush designed for wheels like a boars hair brush.

I also spray it with some detail spray before drying it off. I dry it with a MF towel and the detail spray leaves me with a great shine.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm118/supabusa/bikini_car_wash_girls.jpg

I like using this.

Ive been using the Mr Clean Auto Dry System for the paint, and Meguiars Gold Class for the wheels. The Auto Dry system actually works awesome.

http://www.imaybecheap.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Mr._Clean_AutoDry_Carwashlk7Standard.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm118/supabusa/bikini_car_wash_girls.jpg

I like using this.

I wouldn't mind borrowing that to give it a try.

I use two buckets one for the wheels one for the car, Ive been using Mequiars Gold class soap with good results.

+1. 2 different sponges as well.

I also like the results I got from ICE soap.

If I'm going to wax it next or correct it..... I use Dawn Dish Soap to strip it. If I'm not going to wax it I use Megs Gold Class. Use a MF Mitt, 2 MF 2x4 Drying towels. I use 2 buckets with Grit Guards in it Then sometimes I'll use Gloss-It QD on it when I don't wax it. I use P21S Wheel Gel on the rims and tires with 2 different brushes and a MF Mini Towel. Dry it with 2 MF 3x5 Towels. Can't forget the Never Dull on the exhaust tips.:D

Meguiars Gold Glass aswell, using mf towels for the paint then separete one for wheels. Use two 5 gallon buckets, one to rinse off the mf towel after washing part of a panel then the other to get it soapy again. Use a mf towel with the Meguiars Quick detailer as a dry it after i use my toro leaf blower to get the majority of the water off lol. The if i have time go over it with the Mequiars quick wax spray with a mf towel. Then never dull or mothers metal polish on exhaust tips.

NO NONO NO!!!!im going crazy listening to these washing techniques!!I hope no one EVER uses Dawn soap!!It will strip your wax a spot your clear coat in a heart beat under the sun or in heat!!Use Mequiars California Gold(eco friendly and no soap residue) or use Mothers Classic carwash.Both are great!Do not use MF towels,theyre only good for drying.Use a 100% Sheep Skin mit while using the two bucket system(i wrote an article in another post fyi).Id write it up again but tooo long lmao.worth readin though.Let me know how i can help

Here ya go...

Ok where do I start...I believe I am VERY experienced in this question.Ok I work for the largest privately owned carwash in the south.I have a black Jeep srt8 myself.I wash it by hand 100% of the time.Ok well here I go...

1)Touchless carwashes suck at cleaning the car thoroughly AND do still cause scratches.How?here's your answer...high powered water just spray and spreads the dirt across your paint and even blasts it into your clear coat.Also,since there are no brushes,they have to use stronger chemicals that are higher PH and alkaline based.Therefore reducing any waxes applied by hand and causing fade throughout the car.
2)Carwashes with brushes also scratch cars...duh.Why?again,here's your answer...Whether it's an older wash that uses poly based fiber brushes or newer ones with the rubber/foam based to even the most common "microfiber" brushes,they ALL scratch the clearcoat.This is because they are,again,rubbing the dirt into the paint and can most def contain particles,mildew,and even foreign objects such a fish hooks(happens alot).Recycled systems also don't clean all the pollutant out of the water thus your car is more prone to water spots due to more minerals and particles left behind after the actual "water" has evaporated.The cloth NEVER gets cleaned.So that F250 that just came from the construction site just rubbed it's grime all over your car.Do you clean your microfiber or even Terry cloth towels by "rinsing" it with water?No right?so what makes you think brushes that sit there from open to close are clean?
3) Hand washing CAN and WILL scratch your car also...IF YOU DONT DO YOUR REASEARCH!!So here's what to do...
A: Do not use a spray nozzle of any kind on your car!Or your finger to cause pressure.This also rubs the dirt around against your clear coat.Let the natural pressure of the hose do it's job and let it sheeth across the car.
B: Do not use anything BUT 100% sheepskin skin mit to wash the car!Anything else and you risk dirt getting caught in the fibers.
C: Use the "2 Bucket" system.It's simple.Fill two buckets,one will contain your preferred car cleaner(hopefully clearcoat,water spot free,and environmentally safe).The other bucket just water.Dunk the mit into the chemical/water bucket and rub it gently on a completely wet car.There can never be enough water!!Once you have done a section(about 2'x2) rinse it off.Then before you continue,dunk the mit intothe water bucket to remove contaminants.So on so fourth.

TIPS: Start at the top of the vehicle and do the bottom sections last!As the dirtiest parts are the side skirts,rear quarter panels,etc. And you do not want to rub the dirt back on the most visible areas.Also,NEVER wash your car in the day time or hot sun.Always wash in the shade or at night(as I do).These tips will leave you with an amazing end result and no scratches(if done properly),and leave that coat of wax on for longer period of time.Wash your car once a week(minimum) and wax frequently to keep that clear coat strong and allow it to do it's job!Things like bug guts,tar,and sap,will eat that clear coat for lunch!If you notice it...TAKE IT OFF IMMEDIATELY!

My job pays my bills and feeds my family...but It does not mean I must accept or conform to "advertised" information.I do my research and ultimately you must do the same.Carwashes were designed and made for convenience and ALOT of easy money.Now a days there's no time for anything.So think of this...would you continue to eat McDonalds if you knew it caused your heart attack,because it was convenient?Or would you be willing to take the time to eat right and live longer?Same for your cars paint finish.Convenience rarely=Quality.Thanks for your time guys!Hope I helped some.

PS:If you use a carwash and say you don't have scratches,get a black light or look at your paint at night under a light or even in the direct sun light...you will see the superficial scratches!