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What towels, soaps, etc. you guys use when washing your car?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by TheChosenOne, Feb 8, 2016.

  1. TheChosenOne

    TheChosenOne Member

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    My dealer washed it before handing the car over to be but lost its cleanliness within a week and didn't have that new car sparkle/shine to it. Just need to know what type of towels I should use to avoid scratches, good soaps to use and what to use to make my car shine. Also they put some damn paint on my tires. I think they mark my tires in different colors as a checklist so they know what they did but the paint hasn't been able to come off yet in the 3.5 weeks since I got my car.
     
    #1 TheChosenOne, Feb 8, 2016
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Two good resources:

    Detailing your vehicle (Exterior) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums
    Detailing your vehicle (Interior) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

    This is also good:
    Sidebar: Wash Tips from a Pro - Autos.ca

    As for me:

    Exterior:
    • Never use a sponge. They trap pebbles and dirt that could mar the paint surface. Use a microfibre cloth/mitt/brush instead.
    • If you don't have two buckets, use a grit guard.
    • Start from top to bottom
    • I use generic car wash soap from a local automotive retailer. I've tried a few and I haven't noticed a difference. Some sud up more than others
    • The important part really is using a good wax and having a claybar kit. Washing it simply keeps the surface dirt away. Other dirt such as metallic filings (railway tracks or construction), tar and other fine particles will still embed in your paint even with rigorous washing
    • Tire dressing will help shine your tires but be aware that they're oil-based (so let it dry overnight or else you'll have oil spray over your lower door and rear bumper if you drive while it's still wet). There's also the possibility that they'll dry out the tires but if you drive daily, your tires will be worn out by then anyway.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Feb 8, 2016
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  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Tire marks are, well I'm not sure exactly: part of balancing process? They do wear off.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Feb 8, 2016
  4. TheChosenOne

    TheChosenOne Member

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    I'm assuming they used paint to check off what they did to the car before handing it over
     
    #4 TheChosenOne, Feb 8, 2016
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    #5 Mendel Leisk, Feb 9, 2016
  6. snipercoder

    snipercoder Member

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    I just clay barred mine with with 220 miles and boy there's alot of dirt on the new car already. Before claying , I put a plastic sandwich bag over my hand and can feel a lot dirt on the clear coat. The detailer's article were right, even new cars need clay bar. I use Mother's clay, spray polish, and microfiber towel.
     
    #6 snipercoder, Feb 9, 2016
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  7. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    FYI, washing cars in drought stricken California is banned in many cities like San Jose except at car washes. Check with your city. I've had my car washed maybe 3 times over the last 3 years all at a gas station carwash and only when my clothes get dirty accidentally rubbing up against the dirty exterior. Sucks but we have to do our part during this drought.
     
    #7 mmmodem, Feb 9, 2016
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    We had a car wash ban last summer; it was really starting to look grubby. One day it started coming down: I rolled it out into the driveway and washed it in the rain.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Feb 9, 2016
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  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    #9 Tideland Prius, Feb 9, 2016
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  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    ^ I got a problem with that ad though: that car looks completely clean at the outset. :)
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Feb 10, 2016
  11. TheChosenOne

    TheChosenOne Member

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    I only washed my previous car like 5 times in 10 years but the damn birds must've known I had a new car so they wanted to mess with me and poop on my car. They have really good aim and must've been in a group.
     
    #11 TheChosenOne, Feb 10, 2016
  12. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    I think birds choose shiny cars to poop on. Oh and I read bird poo is damaging if left on paint. I wash it off as soon as I see any.
     
    #12 mmmodem, Feb 10, 2016
  13. TheChosenOne

    TheChosenOne Member

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    Just in case I scratch my car using the wrong type of towel or any other reason...is there anything I can do to remove the scratches?
     
    #13 TheChosenOne, Feb 13, 2016
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    If it's light (clearcoat only), waxing usually covers it up (until the wax wears out). Otherwise, there's a touch-up pen available from the dealer that comes with the colour and clearcoat (it's a double-sided pen)
     
    #14 Tideland Prius, Feb 13, 2016
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  15. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    You should allow new paint to set for several months before waxing new paint.
     
    #15 orenji, Feb 14, 2016
  16. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Mothers makes a scratch remover polish, and it works pretty good as long as the scratch in not too deep.
     
    #16 orenji, Feb 14, 2016
  17. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    5 times in 10 years?? Ugh :(
     
    #17 orenji, Feb 14, 2016
  18. goldfinger

    goldfinger Active Member

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    It's a prius. You're supposed to let the rain wash it. Detergents are bad for the environment!
     
    #18 goldfinger, Feb 22, 2016
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