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Keeping the Prius shiny...

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Jon S, Aug 17, 2009.

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  1. PriusRos

    PriusRos A Fairly Senior Member - 2016 Prius Owner

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    Re: Keeping the Prius shiny...in the Winter..

    Thanks...

    Now, do I have to dry the thing off with towels after using the ONR? If I don't dry it, is it going to leave water spots? Or can I use my leaf blower? The thing I dislike most about car washing is the drying. It seems to take far too long and because I'm short I have to climb on and off a step stool all the time. (This is the main reason I like Mr. Clean Autodry.)
     
    #121 PriusRos, Nov 29, 2009
  2. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Re: Keeping the Prius shiny...in the Winter..

    In one of the YouTube demos, a section is dried off immediately right after washing one at a time, although it was shown using a back and forth motion rather than up and down motion on the side of the vehicle. I don't use ONR so any of the resident experts here should be able to instruct you better.
     
    #122 32kcolors, Nov 30, 2009
  3. windstrings

    windstrings Certified Prius Breeder

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    It dont smell as nice either!..... seems every Zaino product has a different smell.. strawberries.. you name it!

    Nufinish is a 1st generation polymer... works easier and last longer than wax, but Zaino is sweet.

    Get you a bottle of Z2 or Z5 and try it.
    If your surface is old and has fine scratches Z5 is good.. but either works.
    meanwhile while your waiting.. just don't use any waxes.
     
    #123 windstrings, Nov 30, 2009
  4. PriusRos

    PriusRos A Fairly Senior Member - 2016 Prius Owner

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    Bugs love the smell of Zaino, too! Whenever I use it, some bug lands on the car to enjoy.
     
    #124 PriusRos, Nov 30, 2009
  5. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    I noticed this too! Fortunately, those gooey trail marks leading up to their miserable, Zaino-infused death are easily cleaned up with Z-6.
     
    #125 32kcolors, Nov 30, 2009
  6. brad_rules_man

    brad_rules_man Hybrid electric revolutionizer

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    like john1701a reccomends, I use nufinish and it works really well for me. I find that the optimum no rinse I use seems to polish the car a bit, though it wears off pretty quickly. However, I wipe it down with that about every other time I drive the car. :)
     
    #126 brad_rules_man, Dec 18, 2009
  7. Sangye Menla

    Sangye Menla Junior Member

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    The Prius 2010 is my first car. I understand the wish to protect your investment, but I'm wondering if all this attention to keeping the car shining like a jewel exacts a heavy toll (i.e. toxic footprint) on the planet. What about our investment in our children and the planet? Isn't that the main reason to buy a Prius in the first place?

    On a more practical level, I have a smudge on the inside of my windshield and I am wondering whether the factor glass comes with any wax coating on it, or if it is straight glass in which case, my inclination would be to use vinegar, water, and a lint free cloth. Suggestions?
     
    #127 Sangye Menla, Dec 25, 2009
  8. alokeprasad

    alokeprasad Member

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    This is my favorite thread!!!

    I can read it and marvel at the effort and labor I am saving by running my car through the local soft-cloth car wash.
    :bounce:

    I mean .. come on!! You're going to do that sooner or later...
     
    #128 alokeprasad, Dec 25, 2009
  9. Jon S

    Jon S Member

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    it's been a while... time for an update.

    If your Prius needs to be freshened up a bit, using a random orbital polisher makes life a lot easier. The most popular ones are the Porter Cable units. Unfortunately, they are rather expensive and after buying all the requisite accessories, it can add up over $200 really fast.

    The one I have is the Porter Cable 7424, which has been replaced by the 7346. They retail for about $150. You will also need a backing plate and some foam pads. I recommend the Lake Country pads in a 6" size. There are different pads for different purposes. Some pads are for heavy cutting action (really aggressive polishing) up to buffing. The pads are color coded for each purpose.

    Do not use a regular polisher unless you know what you are doing.... Polishers just spin at a high speed. Random orbitals oscillate and are more forgiving in use. It is almost impossible to damage your paint finish unless you use the wrong pads/polish combinations.
     
    #129 Jon S, Nov 9, 2010
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