I've had my Clubman S for 3 weeks now, have purchased the Prima starter kit and a few other goodies. I've washed the car 4 times, used hydro each time when drying. I'm waiting on it to cool down a bit before putting on the first coat of Epic (cool down for me, not the wax - still in the high 90's here in Phoenix).

After spending 2 hours yesterday inside and out (drove home during one of our big dust storms), I made the mistake of driving on the freeway at night. Small bugs on the windshield and on the front bumper (clearbra installed)...

Here's my question - at what point (degree of "dirty") do most of you do a full wash/dry for your car versus a quick detail? I'm assuming that a quick detail is just spray it on, wipe it off?

I've already received comments from two neighbors, "You're gonna wash the paint off that thing!"

 

"You're gonna wash the paint of of that thing". I have heard that comment from most all my neighbors all my life, as you know, they are just trying to be friendly and make conversation. Just kid with them.

I never QD. If it is dirty, I wash it. Sorry for such a simple answer.

YD

 

I only QD if I know the car is essentially clean and dust free. Maybe some bird got scared, or a sprinkler went off overnight, or a bug went splat...then I might QD in places. Otherwise I wash.

 

To me, QD is for when you don't have time or feel like washing the whole car just to clean up one little spot. The measure for me is will I see the clean spot after I'm done. If the car is that dirty, the whole thing needs to be washed. If you can spray on some QD and wipe off that bird poop and have it look spotless again, then it's a no brainer for me.
Then again, if you're me and you just don't have time to wash the whole car, QD and a moster fluffy is better than letting bird crap etch your paint. I can often be seen in the parking lot wiping "spots" off my otherwise dusty car in between washings.

 

Yea, mostly it's been an opportunity for them to come over and take a closer look at the Clubman. I've lived in my current house since 2000 and they've NEVER seen me outside washing the car before (always took it to the carwash).

Thanks for the input, sometimes simple is best!

 

Living in Phoenix, it's RARE that our cars are dust free - looks like washing it is! We had a major dust storm (a monsoon haboob) last week - caught me outside as I was walking from my office to the car. Was amazing how much dust can get in the ear that's facing the storm!

http://phoenix.about.com/od/arizonam.../qt/haboob.htm

Thanks for the reply!

 

I guess I'm lucky 'cause Edgar will be covered most of the time while parked - at work and garaged at home so bird bombs, hopefully will be minimized. I can certainly related to the damage they can do, though - per a black Jeep I once owned.

Thanks for the input - so far the replies are supporting what I was thinking of doing... QD would be for problem spots as part of a wash, or for limited areas on a mostly clean car (which the whole front bumper and windshield covered in bugs is not!)

One other thought I'd had regarding the brake dust (jeeze - have NEVER had brakes this dusty, but they do stop good! ) I might just forgo the cleaning of the wheels and viola - imatiation anthracite alloy wheels!

William

 

This is not a popular answer, because I'm not bragging about the 'cheerleader brake pads', ...you know the ones that everyone swears by. I have totally eliminated all brake dust and have kept my OEM brake feel and response. I drive very spiritedly, but do not race or autocross, etc. The pads I use are not super performance pads and I certainly would not recommend them for racing events, just great everyday street pads. They have a good OEM feel, make no noise whatsoever, won't chew up your soft rotors and put out no dust. They are affordable and also have OEM wear sensor slots and they come with the special clips for the rear pads.

If you are interested, give this link a try for PBR/Axxis Deluxe Plus pads

http://www.importrp.com/product.php?...&cat=37&page=1

YD

 

dust only over clean waxed finish = QD is fine

if the car was damp = wash only, or use A LOT of QD.

if the car was soiled = wash only

 

Thanks kenchan!