Hi there,

I drive my Z about once a week. And I thought of the idea of just wipping it, as in her, down after each drive using quick detailer and clean microfiber cloths. would you guys recommend this or would it cause a lot of clear coat scratches? and would water in a spray bottle be better? or would i avoid more scratches by doing a full wash every couple of weeks?

thanks guys

 

I took the time (full day) to Zaino my car. Now i just do a quick wash or use some detail spray and she look like new again. if you only drive once a week you should look into zaino. I am sure it will keep alot longer than normal wash. Mine is a daily driver and since i did the full zaino process i have only washed her twice over a month period. And she looks like a fresh detail even after i got caught in the rain yesterday.

Cheers

Kevin

 

Not recommended. Most surface problems are caused by the owner. Wiping a dirty car is one way to damage the paint. Dirt and dust should be removed with soap and water before wiping with a towel.

 

+1

 

You can use California Car Duster between the washes, and keep a cover on it when it is parked. While this is not a substitute for washing the Z, it keeps it clean longer and lets you extend the interval between washing/waxing it.

More info here:

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....nia+car+duster

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....nia+car+duster

 

Definitely look into the Cali Duster.

 

those things scratches cars like crazy. Most customers cars i worked on bring their cars in and dont know what causes the swirls. It's def the cali dusters they are using. I wouldn't not recommend this on darker colored cars.

 

www.driwash.com

 

+1 on the California Duster. I use it, and haven't washed the Z in about 2 months. I occasionally go to the self-serivce car wash just to use the high-pressure rinse, and the spot-free rinse, once a month, so that helps too. After rinsing, I use a detailing spray to shine it up a bit.

 

Leave car in the garage and don't drive it.

 

Then they are using them wrong.
The first place I ever saw a Cali Duster was at a concours level car show. Every owner had one in their "detailing tool kit" and from the looks of them, they were used, very used.

It's probably one of the most respected detailing products out there. Highly recommended on Autopia - you know, that detailing forum by/for the pros.

Check out this thread... https://my350z.com/forum/cleaning-and-detailing/192170-california-duster-cd-test.html

 

+2.

 

I have not washed my car in 6 weeks. Basically my Z looks like it has been washed everyday.

I initially did the dawn > clayed > Zaino Z7 > 3 coats of Z2 or Z5 forget which one. Now I have the Zaino AIO and Clear Seal which I used the Clear seal months ago.

Now all I do to maintain it is dust it with duster then wipe down with Z6 and or Z8. Car being in the garage helps out a lot of course.

No swirls or scratches from the duster or wipe downs.

Here's what it looked like after my initial Zaino application.
http://www.*********.com/forums/inde...opic=25153&hl=

Guess the link is not working because it points to another Z site.

 

+ 2

+ 2. lol

Most of all. Take the time to give your car a good coating of wax periodically and this will help to stop some of the muck adhering to the surface and make is easier to clean. There really aren't too many shortcuts, if you want to do things in terms of paint longevity.

 

you see them at carshows because they are clean and minor dust can be taken off. Next time go to a classic show and ask all the veteran car detailers, you can't use it besides first or second day of washing the car the. A bit over minor dust scratches paint. Its simple, think of wiping dirt and sliding it around your paint. I has to scatch. And yes, i've been on autopia for over 8 years and a professional detailer.

 

Well, you certainly don't use a Cali Duster to clean a dirty car, it's purely for removing dust and other particles that settle on the surface. That was the problem the OP asked about.

As I stated before - you're using it wrong. You don't drag the duster across the paint. Go read my CD scratch test thread. I took my well-worn and dirty duster and vigorously rubbed it across the surface of a CD with no swirls or scratches showing up. I used the duster in ways that you would never purposely use it on your car on the CD to see if it would do any kind of damage and saw none.

Say your car gets rained on and you drive it and come home caked in road grime then let it dry. Then take a duster and try to clean that grime off, yes, I'm sure you would scratch it. You also scratch it with a microfiber towel, chennile or lambs wool mitt, boar hair brush, etc.

 

is it really the spray of the hose that removes dirt safely? is that it?

a damp cloth on the 1st pass wouldn't work? then dry with a clean dry towel?

i just hate drying this car after a wash. its a real back breaker. it has to be so dry due to the calcium in tap/hose water.

i do have a duster, but dont like using it. and the car is garaged. so is quick deatiling uterly pointless also?

 

you are correct that swirls are unavoidable but like i said above, duster is ok on lighter colors. I want you to test on a clean black or dark blue car that is swirl free. It will scratch it for sure. What happens when a person uses the duster for a past month...the duster collects dust and dirt. there will be a time when the duster will scratch the surface of the clear coat. Not everyone i know for a fact has even washed their duster before.

If you want me to answer his question, the best way is to just wash the car. Two buckets, One with soap, one to risne the sponge before you dip in the soap again. Use high quality chamios and towels. Cheaper microfiber towels will scratch also for sure. Washing every couple of weeks would be better. I rather have dirt on my car for a week then wash it every day.

 

Put your car in an inflatable bubble like those sold in the dupont registry.

 

<<<< Obviously you haven't noticed my avatar.

Umm, you don't wash a duster.