Hi Bob!
You live in Massachusetts so that`s 1 strike.
I`m giving you advise and I`m also from Massachusetts so that`s strike 2.
The soaps used at a commercial car wash are very strong and will likely strip the sealants and waxes you just applied.
I`ve found 2 methods that work well for me..
1. I`ll mix up a solution of hot water and the car wash soap of my choice in a plastic bucket with a lid. I`ll take this, a wash mitt, and a pair of rummer gloves I picked up at WalMart to a local car wash and use the manual wand bay and rinse only. The hot water keeps your hands from freezing. Then I drive my car home and finish drying it in my heated garage. I have a woodstove out there but heat is heat! LOL
2. Last year I started using one of the new Rinseless Washes. There are several out there that work well; DP Rinseless Wash & Gloss and Optimum No Rinse. I mix these as well in hot water and use rubber gloves. I put some of the solution in a garden sprayer and soak down each panel allowing the solution to soften and begin dissolving the surface contaminates.
Next I dip a wool wash mitt in the solution then lightly wash each panel twice, once to remove the initial grime then a second time to remove any remaining and float them harmlessly to the floor. At first I was very apprehensive because I was afraid of scratching the finish but it does a damn good job at protecting it.
I`m leaning more toward the 2nd option since it worked so well over the last two years but I can`t wait until the finish becomes caked on with winter driving salts and sands like some do. So far this year it`s been incredibly warm which helps tremendously so option two is the best choice..
Once the car`s dry but I`d prefer using something like a quality spray wax and Optimums Spray Car Wax is the best I`ve found to date. It`s a spray and wipe product that performs superbly leaving a glossy shine and 4 to 5 months of added protection...
Any time the finish is clean and dry adding another coat of wax such as Collinite 845 will help fend off what winters dishing out...
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