Miscellaneous Ramblings (About Car Care)

[CharlesW]

Just a few observations from today. The weather was a little warmer, the snow was melting and most of the streets could be driven without much spray on the vehicles.
1. The DIY spray wash has 3 to 4 cars in line for each bay at 4 PM on Friday.
2. The DIY spray wash isn't real busy at 6 AM on Saturday.
3. PB's S&W still works great after the DIY spray wash.
4. The S&W works at 40 degrees, but not all that good.
5. At 50 degrees, S&W worked great.
6. I should have been more patient while heating the garage. The time I spent at 40 degrees was twice as long as things took at 50 degrees.
7. PB's Bold N Bright has become my favorite tire cleaner and dressing.
8. I can't remember when I applied my Opti Seal, but even with DG Aqua Wax a few times since it was applied, I think it is about done. Maybe 3 months.
9. The DG Aqua Wax brought it back for today, but I think a full treatment of a wax or sealant is needed soon.
10. IMO, the Aqua Wax is a good booster and looks good, but I don't think the durability this winter has been any more than 2 to 3 weeks. I know some people use it as a stand alone LSP, but I don't think I will.
11. I probably could have used DP 4 in 1 Rinseless Wash in the garage without making the trip to the DIY wash, but I really wanted to blast the wheel wells and under carriage to get rid of some of the salt and sand accumulation. Hard to do with 4 in 1 or S&W.
12. The streets weren't as dry as I thought and I will probably get to do both vehicles again tomorrow. That depends on how accurate the forecast for snow showers is. :wall
13. I was able to clean the interior and vacuum the carpet and mats and only tracked a little sand in today. I think maybe just a quick vacuum will make them presentable.
14. Maybe I should just clean the vehicles up and park them till spring.
15. On second thought, what good is a vehicle if you don't drive it?

 

[cwcad]

All that work and still found time to post about it.:yay Most of your comments could be a thread all by themselves.

I do not think I have bold and brite or I misplaced it but I will have to order some of it. It sounds as if it is a winner. At least in your mind, Charles. I have a stubborn brown stain on my left front wheel that should put it to the test.

I know that I am a heretic by saying this but I am not sold on any of the new spray sealants. I know that I was expecting more than what they are giving me. They do work but not to the extent that many have claimed. At least not on my vehicles.

Nice ramblings, Charles. Great food for thought.:thanks

 

[jaybs02]

Charles it sounds like the winter months are starting to get to you.
Have you ever considered relocating to some place more hospitable for detailing year round, or at least most of the year round.

Pretty soon I am concerned that I will see a 4 page post from you only saying
"All work and no play makes Charles a dull boy":crazy2:

"J"

 

[CharlesW]

All that work and still found time to post about it.

Not that it really makes any difference, I also went to two college basketball games this afternoon.

Charles it sounds like the winter months are starting to get to you.
Have you ever considered relocating to some place more hospitable for detailing year round, or at least most of the year round.

Pretty soon I am concerned that I will see a 4 page post from you only saying
"All work and no play makes Charles a dull boy":crazy2:

"J"

You are definitely right about winter getting to me. You are not right about the starting part. It started getting to me back in November.
If by a more hospitable place you are referring to one of those areas that have hurricanes or earthquakes, I think I will pass. We did consider moving to Arizona, (Actually just me, I don't think it ever was really a consideration for my wife. ), but the 115 degree summers took away some of the appeal. Unfortunately or fortunately, every area seems to have both good points and not so good points.
And while I certainly am dull, my life is definitely not "All work and no play".
Even during the slow for me winter season, I can find something to do. I'm a real college basketball junkie and barring any problems, I will attend at least 44 college basketball games this season. That includes both men and women's games.

 

[jaybs02]

Charles I think you mistook my meaning.
I was referring to this scene from "The Shining"
All work and no play...:yikes:

"J"

 

[blk45]

I do not think I have bold and brite or I misplaced it but I will have to order some of it. It sounds as if it is a winner. At least in your mind, Charles. I have a stubborn brown stain on my left front wheel that should put it to the test.

I love BnB, pretty much all I use. I'm not sure how strong of a cleaner it is by itself though. ARO will take care of the spot that you have. I always use the ARO first and then apply BnB just as a dressing. I know it has cleaning abilities, I just have never tested them.

 

[blk45]

7. PB's Bold N Bright has become my favorite tire cleaner and dressing.

Mine too!

10. IMO, the Aqua Wax is a good booster and looks good, but I don't think the durability this winter has been any more than 2 to 3 weeks. I know some people use it as a stand alone LSP, but I don't think I will.

I agree Charles. It makes for a great booster, but 3-4 weeks is about it (here at least). The only time I have used it as a stand alone LSP, was when I run out of time and just need something for temporary protection.

 

[CharlesW]

I love BnB, pretty much all I use. I'm not sure how strong of a cleaner it is by itself though. ARO will take care of the spot that you have. I always use the ARO first and then apply BnB just as a dressing. I know it has cleaning abilities, I just have never tested them.

While I have ARO, I seldom use it on my tires. Not that there is anything wrong with doing that, I just don't seem to have the need.
Sometime back a post was made showing what Bold N Bright could do when used on white letter tires. I have searched, but don't find it. Anyway, based on that persons experience and the pictures he posted of before and after, I tried the BnB as both cleaner and dressing.
My process may not work for everyone since I do the tires at every wash and they are usually not in too bad of shape. I spray the tire with BnB, scrub it with an OXO Good Grips Small Car Wash Brush, and wipe the tire with an old cotton terry towel. The reason for the old towel is so it can be thrown away if it gets terribly dirty. That method seems to leave a black, matte finish which is what I prefer. I have no idea how long it would last since it only has to last till the next wash.

 

[CharlesW]

Charles I think you mistook my meaning.
I was referring to this scene from "The Shining"
All work and no play...:yikes:

"J"

Probably did since I have never seen "The Shining" or any scenes from it. It is a movie isn't it? Maybe with Jack Nicholson in it?
Hey, I'm still dull and I'm sure as heck not overworked. I really like this retirement thing.

 

[blk45]

While I have ARO, I seldom use it on my tires. Not that there is anything wrong with doing that, I just don't seem to have the need.
Sometime back a post was made showing what Bold N Bright could do when used on white letter tires. I have searched, but don't find it. Anyway, based on that persons experience and the pictures he posted of before and after, I tried the BnB as both cleaner and dressing.
My process may not work for everyone since I do the tires at every wash and they are usually not in too bad of shape. I spray the tire with BnB, scrub it with an OXO Good Grips Small Car Wash Brush, and wipe the tire with an old cotton terry towel. The reason for the old towel is so it can be thrown away if it gets terribly dirty. That method seems to leave a black, matte finish which is what I prefer. I have no idea how long it would last since it only has to last till the next wash.

Interesting. I might have to give that a shot. Thanks Charles! :bigups