What is the proper dilution for washing a new car? I've often seen it posted that Dawn is the best for removing old wax and thoroughly cleaning the car.

 

There is no certain ratio, if you want to remove the wax on the paint and start fresh just squirt a couple of times into several gallons of water and hit it with the hose and if you have suds, just start washing.

 

Use 1/2 ounce Dawn per gallon of water, makes plenty of suds.

 

Is this step really necessary for a New Z? Could you just get away with giving it a wash with something like the Z-7 car wash?

 

The dealership will wax the car before you get it, (unless you specifically ask them not to, and even then you never know) I think if you are going to go the polymer route, instead of wax, you should do it properly, or just stick with the carnuba stuff. It isn't that big of a deal, you only have to do it the first time. I washed mine with dawn, then clayed using dawn and water to clay it. They recommend using the Z7, but I figured that since I am trying to strip away the old wax, I might as well use the stuff that everyone claims is the best for that. I am pretty happy with the clay, it did take off a lot of junk, even after the washing I gave it (and it looked clean to my girlfriend before I washed it....)

Laps around my car last weekend:[list=1][*]rinse[*]wash dawn[*]rinse[*]wash dawn [*]dry[*]dry (takes two laps to catch all the dribbles)[*]clay[*]rinse[*]wash z7[*]dry[*]dry[*]Z5[*]Z6[*]Z2[*]Z2 (at this point, I decide that I need a more methodical approach, so I start doing 1 lap, getting the upper surfaces of the car, then a second lap sitting down, getting the lower portions. but each of the remaining is only one layer for every two entries)[*]Z6[*]Z6[*]Z2[*]Z2[*]Z6[*]Z6[*]windex[*]rainex[/list=1]

and that doesn't count the pictures taking......

 

You don't have to wash a car with dawn. Washing a car with dawn is equal to use a non abrasive cleaner. Some people have see discoloration with using dawn. I don't know this first hand, I just remember reading it on another forum.

 

I've never used Dawn only because the name DETERGENT doesn't give me warm fuzzies. If detergent is supposed to be good for washing cars, why is it almost ALL auto washes leave it out???

For my money, if I need to remove previously applied wax, I use a product that is designed to remove wax, like Pinnacle Paint Work Cleaner.

You guys spend all that money on Zaino and other products, but you use Dawn for a wash.... I can't figure out that one.

 

The only time you will need to use Dawn is ONCE before you fist application of Z-1 or ZFX activated polish, Dawn is NEVER used after this. The is done because Zaino can and will only bond to completely bare and stripped paint, no Dawn is needed if you get the vehicle off the car hauler and you know it has nothing on the paint. Using the Pinnacle cleaner would still leave deposits of oils and chemicals on the paint that would not allow the Zaino to stick. No one should get bent out of shape for washing your car once with Dawn if you have another brand name of wax or polish on the surface.

Also, if you ever take your car to have a section painted to a body shop, there is a very good chance the body shop will wash the entire car with Dawn to remove any wax you have applied so as it will not hinder paint bonding.

 

ZPilott,

FYI, you're supposed to use Z6 BETWEEN each coat of either Z5 or Z2 not 2 of each in succession.

 

Dawn is a detergent...its quite alkaline, so using it will weaken the plasticisers in he paint (the building blocks that holds the pant together). Use it as little as possible.

The A in the ABC three wash system I love is alkaline, BUT it was designed for car paint (not diches) and since you follow it with an acidic wash (B) and then the neutral C, it all balances out the pH, thereby not affecting the paint structure any.

 

I was just saying that I went aroudn the car twice, to put on one layer. It was easier for me to go around one, getting all the upper surfaces, then roll around again to get all the lower surfaces, sitting on my wash bucket (I need to get a little rolly stool). Each line above is a lap around the car, not necessarily a full application....

 

Not a bad idea!