The person that owns that cars that I take care of, (aka my mother) is tired of waiting for me to wash the cars by hand. It hasn't gotten above freezing in ages. So, shes decided to just go to waterway (the local drive through wash) and get it washed there. They even use cotton towels to dry it... She doesn't understand why I wash it by hand an ask her not to go to the autos. She says she doesn't notice any difference. Wellll......we all do! Sooo, what will I have to deal with come spring? What is the best way to repair all these (minor) surface scratches? She has a Land Rover LR3 (aka a TANK) and the MINI. So whatever I have to do, it's going to take a while.

Any suggestions? I've looked at the thread that I started earlier, but I don't have any DIY washes here that are open. They are all closed because its SOOOO cold. Oh, and my hose is frozen.

 

Let her take it to the car wash. Then in the spring, show her her finish in the sun. Show her all the swirls. Do the before and after pics when you next polish the car.

As for the exact techniques and products, I'm sure Octane Guy will be around shortly! I would say something like using the PC, and M80. If the M80 doesn't do the trick, then M83. But he can give you more in depth details!

 

Definatly go with a PC, it will make your work much much easier. Good Luck.

 

I have to say, if I lived in constant freezing temps, I would probably take my car through a brushless/touchless wash this time of year. Then I would just do a super-good detail on it including polishing when it warms up.

Thankfully, it's not an issue for me, but up until the last 7 years, I lived in Wisconsin, so if I were back in that situation, it seems like the more practical option.

 

Well, its not touchless, but thats whats going to happen...

Thanks for all the input!

 

Oh my. Yep, it the spring, tape off a section of the car so you can show her the damage the auto car wash does.

 

touchless is pushing it and soft cloth is REALLY pushing it, but most
people don't care about swirls so i suppose it's 'okay'

 

Oh its not touchless.....

There are about 100 3'' wide and 10 foot long strips of some soft fabric that move up and down as the car moves through....

Oh well. I'll do like you all say and tape off a section during the spring detail.

Thanks again!

 

My wife just got a black Volvo. It gets dirty real fast and she can't wait for the weather to warm up a bit for me to hand wash so she is starting to use the touchless washes. Oh well, I just view it as an excuss to buy a PC this spring to get out the swirls she is accumulating.

 

Now thats what I'm talking about!