[mss42]

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE.

http://autos.aol.com/article/general/v2/_a/automatic-car-wash-tips/20070529104109990001

 

[fenwah]

I prefer to do it myself. I don't trust anybody or machine to wash my car.

 

[GreginMD]

If you have the time, I'd say do it yourself. In fact I did.

I spent the last 2 hours washing and waxing the Enclave. Here's what I used.

Wash
Meguiars Gold Class wash and conditioner

I followed the advise of this forum (thank you!) and others in washing from the top down, completing one panel at a time and rinsing between each return to the car. I used several microfiber wash mits. There was a separate bucket for soap and clean water. The spray handle of the hose was removed.

Wax
Meguiars NXT Next Generation Tech Wax

Fantastic stuff! It went on extremely easy and came off just as fast. Very different to use than carnauba waxes. Left no residue around the trim or in crevices. Shine is outstanding.

Chrome Polish for the 19's
Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish

A little more difficult to use than the polymer body wax but produces a perfect shine.

Windows
Rain-X Glass Cleaner/Rain Repellent
Rain-X Glass Treatment

I wasn't sure what to expect from this product. Absolutely no streaking at all. Easy to use. The treatment is applied with a special applicator and removed (like a wax) with a microfiber cloth. Produces a remarkably clean window.

So... wash it yourself or go through the car wash? It's just too much fun to do it yourself. You know it's done right and up to your standards. A real sense of accomplishment when you're finished!

Greg

 

[axiama]

GreginMD - That last picture looks like art. GM should contact you for permission to repost it on their website.

I am terrible at washing cars. I always miss spots and I'd need a ladder to reach the top of the Enclave. It's the car wash for me.

 

[zman]

I always miss spots and I'd need a ladder to reach the top of the Enclave. It's the car wash for me.

That's a big one for me. I washed our Enclave for the first time last weekend. Now the sunroofs look like crap due to water spots. Drying the top is a royal pain.

I bought one of those Mr Clean Auto Dry spot free washing systems. I'll give it one more shot with that, then it's back to the touch free auto washes for me.

 

[mss42]

GOOD JOB GREG, AND THAT IS A BEAUTIFUL SHOT OF YOUR ENCLAVE.

 

[fenwah]

That's a big one for me. I washed our Enclave for the first time last weekend. Now the sunroofs look like crap due to water spots. Drying the top is a royal pain.

I bought one of those Mr Clean Auto Dry spot free washing systems. I'll give it one more shot with that, then it's back to the touch free auto washes for me.

Run to your local hardware store and buy a $10 three step step ladder. That should solve the problem.

 

[XRAYMAN]

A comment or two from a "lurker" to the site. I always hand wash my cars. I've owned everything from Hondas to Mercedes and you can't beat a good hand wash. When I built my home a number of years ago, I had hot and cold faucets put into the garage with soft water to both, hard to beat warm water on cold days!
From a product stand point I use two sources, both mail order: Griots Garage www.griotsgarage.com and Zaino Brothers www.zainostore.com They are not cheap, but very high quality items. Griots also has advice online and in the print catalog about car finish care. The people that use Zaino "waxes" are almost religious in their devotion to the product. I must admit, it takes a little more work, but lasts forever! In regards to water spots on glass, important aspects are to wash in a cool shady spot to keep the glass cool, then dry the glass as soon as possible. A microfiber towel works the best. If spots develop anyway, Griot's has a mild glass polish to get rid of them. I've used it and it works great. Spots can really show on the dark tinted glass.

Anxious to use the products on my Enclave when it arrives!

 

[zman]

In regards to water spots on glass, important aspects are to wash in a cool shady spot to keep the glass cool, then dry the glass as soon as possible. A microfiber towel works the best. If spots develop anyway, Griot's has a mild glass polish to get rid of them. I've used it and it works great. Spots can really show on the dark tinted glass.

I have found that a simple water and vinegar solution in a spray bottle works great on water spots also. The concentration depends on how old and bad the spots are.

 

[XRAYMAN]

I have found that a simple water and vinegar solution in a spray bottle works great on water spots also. The concentration depends on how old and bad the spots are.

Will the vinegar affect the wax finish on the paint should there be any over spray?

 

[rocketman]

I'm sure all of these solutions are very effective, but I solved the problem by using the "Original California Water Blade". It's essentially a Squeegee for smooth fine finishes. With this blade and a damp cloth, you can completely dry a vehicle in only a few minutes. The package says 1/3 the time of ordinary drying.
I bought mine at an Auto Parts Store a few years ago.
I just obtained the web site a few minutes ago. www.calcarcover.com
Click on an Item, and at the bottom of the page click on Water Blade.
$20 bucks and I don't think you will be disapointed. Also at 1 800 282-8828 you can find out where they're being sold.

 

[XRAYMAN]

I'm sure all of these solutions are very effective, but I solved the problem by using the "Original California Water Blade". It's essentially a Squeegee for smooth fine finishes. With this blade and a damp cloth, you can completely dry a vehicle in only a few minutes. The package says 1/3 the time of ordinary drying.
I bought mine at an Auto Parts Store a few years ago.
I just obtained the web sit a few minutes ago. www.calcarcover.com
Click on an Item, and at the bottom of the page click on Water Blade.
$20 bucks and I don't think you will be disapointed. Also at 1 800 282-8828 you can find out where they're being sold.

Good point, I highly reccommend the California Water Blade. I've used mine for years and worth every penny.

 

[mss42]

SOUNDS great.... now if we can just get the darn cars to use it on would be even better. :sosad: :banghead: :sosad:

 

[enclave fl.]

hello everyone, new to this site just bought my enclave cxl, black carbon metallic,tan and brown interior.
I wash myself simply because if the car is marked up I know who did it :!
I use ardex topax wax, gm carwash soap/wax,and eagle chrome cleaner/polish on my rims.
I also NEVER wash in direct sunlight-spots, top down to sides front and rear bumpers, in that order and never have problems.
Also waxing myself without a buffing machine, hand only polish, makes a great shine.

I've read some other post and there is great tips... thanks

 

[logbite]

That's a big one for me. I washed our Enclave for the first time last weekend. Now the sunroofs look like crap due to water spots. Drying the top is a royal pain.

I bought one of those Mr Clean Auto Dry spot free washing systems. I'll give it one more shot with that, then it's back to the touch free auto washes for me.

Mr Clean works as well as they say - no streaks anywhere!

 

[j48cruiser]

use a leaf blower to dry the car its blows the water out of the lines and spaces on the car plus the air is warm

 

[Kman63]

Man, that is a lot of Car to wash.I never realized how big it was until I started washing it for the 1st time it this morning.It looks great when you get finished but it's seems like there's no end to getting it done.I'm not complaining, just going to have to get use to it's massive size.What's the best way to dry it off? :-\

 

[XRAYMAN]

Man, that is a lot of Car to wash.I never realized how big it was until I started washing it for the 1st time it this morning.It looks great when you get finished but it's seems like there's no end to getting it done.I'm not complaining, just going to have to get use to it's massive size.What's the best way to dry it off? :-\

My prefered method is the California Water Blade and a good quality microfiber towel. You can get the Calif. Water Blade locally or web search it. Griot's Garage makes a really good large microfiber towel with a waffle weave for drying. A true 100% cotton towel is a good second choice. Make sure that when you wash them that you do not use any laundry softener. It decreases their absorbtion quite a bit. Don't get Griot's version of the water blade, it is not as good as the real thing.

The leaf blower method is OK, but you still have to lay a towel on the car at some point. It will get most of the water off the roof easier however.

At least that is how I do it. :thumb:

 

[newtobuick]

From a product stand point I use two sources, both mail order: Griots Garage www.griotsgarage.com and Zaino Brothers www.zainostore.com They are not cheap, but very high quality items. Griots also has advice online and in the print catalog about car finish care. The people that use Zaino "waxes" are almost religious in their devotion to the product. I must admit, it takes a little more work, but lasts forever! In regards to water spots on glass, important aspects are to wash in a cool shady spot to keep the glass cool, then dry the glass as soon as possible. A microfiber towel works the best. If spots develop anyway, Griot's has a mild glass polish to get rid of them. I've used it and it works great. Spots can really show on the dark tinted glass.!

Good advice! ;D
Griot's sells an 18" car wash brush (about $70.00) that works great on a large vehicle such as the Enclave ... cuts washing time in half! They have a horsehair wheel brush too.
Well-used all-cotton bath towels are great for drying ... use one to remove the heavy water and a second to finish dry.
The 3 step ladder works great for getting at the roof.

When we built our house, 25 yeard ago, I included an oversize garage with hot & cold soft water, mop sink, space heater, 11' trench floor drain, plenty of lights, central vac and a ceiling fan.
We can wash our cars year round.

 

[Kman63]

Thanks Xrayman,newtobuick.

I like the ideas you've submitted..Anyway to make the job easier sounds good to me.Have a good day.