Porsche Macan Forum banner

This is how you Wash a Porsche

95K views 185 replies 82 participants last post by  Willie Web  
#1 ·
THIS is how you wash a Porsche!

To understand the full thing, start the thread at post #2. More detailing in there.
 
#108 ·
So I get the Kranzle delivered and realize I didn't get the quick disconnects. Ordered those.


I get the MTM Foam Cannon but the one I got has some wacky end on it that you can't connect anything to. I email Money (Matt) who not only promptly replies and tells me to send pics, but when I do he informs me I got the one for high pressure, to return it, which I did, and order the proper unit, which I did.


I then have further questions and he provides me his phone number to call him in his garage. It was like talking to a movie star. ;) He's such a cool guy. Really helped me out. Spent almost half hour on phone with him.


Wish he was a member here.
 
#109 ·
I then have further questions and he provides me his phone number to call him in his garage. It was like talking to a movie star. ;) He's such a cool guy. Really helped me out. Spent almost half hour on phone with him.
Wish he was a member here.
He's interesting, a bit of an extrovert, overshares, and IMO way, way too many pictures in documenting but his wife is a professional photog so I get that.

See Money2536's White 991 C2S Journal - Rennlist Discussion Forums. Feb 2014, following what STL Atl is doing on 6 speed. Creates dual threads on both forums.
See Money2536's Sapphire Blue 991 GT3 Journal - Rennlist Discussion Forums 10/14 trades in for a GT3

Now see OT: Seeking Some Advice from my Rennlist Buddies - Rennlist Discussion Forums

I chose his detailing posts on purpose. Sounds like a nice guy, overshares maybe and a bit over organized for us messy people but I like him.
 
#111 ·
This is how I wash my Macan: weekly free visit to dealer's car wash 2 blocks from my office. No hand dry. Let the car dry while driving to my house. Apply Adam's Car Detail spray using microfiber. So far so good!!! :) I would love to be able to hand wash my car all the time but: 1) Don't have time (drive two kids around for sports, etc...); 2) Live in MN where it is impossible to turn the outdoor faucet on from Nov to Apr/May.
 
#112 ·
That is another thing I miss about dealerships in MN - they always offer free washes whenever you want to stop by. I'm sure you could maybe barter the same here in LA or perhaps some of the dealerships already go that extra mile, but so far I have yet to be told it exists.
 
#117 ·
Thankfully? I already got bitten by the detailing big a couple years ago for my GTI. Spent a grand or so then so I don't have a lot to get.
Mostly Adam's, Griot's, Chemical Guys, auto Geek and Detailed Image.
Flex polishers and Menzerna polishes. Stacks of MF and a water softener for rinsing. I was OCD for a while then mellowed a bit, but it was still nice to have the right "tools" when needed.

It can get expensive. But it is therapeutic.

Steve
 
#118 ·
2 and a half and a half questions?

1). Is Opticoating your rims worth the investment?

1a). If not, is there some Griots or other product that will wax/seal your rims and provide some scratch protection? I have Griots rim cleaning kit and love it. That brush is the best invention since the dvr.


2). I have sealed my car (3 mos ago) and waxed it (1 mos ago). We are on water restriction here, maybe rationing (we'll see in a week or two). Some neighbors are letting their lawns die due to the severe drought conditions.
I can't very well be hand washing my car in the driveway for perception/ostracization issues, let alone possible fines and legal reprecussions. How can one clean their vehicle at home with these waterless restrictions?

2a). I have speed shine, but is that safe to use on a somewhat dirty vehicle? And if that or another product are safe to use for waterless cleaning, does that make the car clean enough to seal or wax without water? I have visions or microfibering grit right into my clear coat.

Alas, such trying times for Porsche owners...
 
#119 ·
1). Is Opticoating your rims worth the investment?
Can't speak to that

1a). If not, is there some Griots or other product that will wax/seal your rims and provide some scratch protection? I have Griots rim cleaning kit and love it. That brush is the best invention since the dvr.
their brushes are great. Try https://wheelwax.com/ Wheelwax works well. Not sure it prevents scratches but it definitely makes the wheels look good.


2). I have sealed my car (3 mos ago) and waxed it (1 mos ago). We are on water restriction here, maybe rationing (we'll see in a week or two). Some neighbors are letting their lawns die due to the severe drought conditions.
I can't very well be hand washing my car in the driveway for perception/ostracization issues, let alone possible fines and legal reprecussions. How can one clean their vehicle at home with these waterless restrictions?


2a). I have speed shine, but is that safe to use on a somewhat dirty vehicle? And if that or another product are safe to use for waterless cleaning, does that make the car clean enough to seal or wax without water? I have visions or microfibering grit right into my clear coat.
Well. For a minor bit of dust, I use it. Love Speed Shine. Buy it by the gallon. If I get a lot of pollen, then I do wash it first. Sorry about California.
 
#122 ·
This probably explains why my cars never look as clean as when I've picked them up from the dealer.
But then again I like to use them not polish them.

This guy must have a Harley Davidson as well, the typical 4 hour ride, 4 hour wash/polish routine.
 
#125 ·
Washing the car?

Grab a beer and have someone else do it!​
 

Attachments

#127 ·
#129 ·
Yesterday I finally had the time to break out some of the stuff I bought from autogeek and gave my car a proper, Porsche Macan forum washing. At least a decent part of what's outlined here. I have a few questions and would appreciate any feedback from the pros here. So this is what I did.

1. Dawn dishwashing liquid in a bucket w water. Super soapy with just one large squirt of Dawn. Washed car w microfiber cloths. I believe this is supposed to take off the dirt and old wax. I only previously used ONR wash and wax, so I wouldn't think it would have been a lot of wax.

2. The Dawn was interesting. After washing and rinsing, the car felt like a freshly washed plate. zero slickness it usually has from the ONR. So I assume it had the desired effect.

3. I clay bar'ed the car, using diluted ONR wash and rinse in a spray bottle as the liquid to make the bar slide. It seemed to work well, as I picked up a fair amount of stuff in the bar. I've had the car a little over a year and 13K miles, so that makes sense.

Question -- are you supposed to clay bar the non paint areas, like the glossy black trim aroun doors and windows? I did but I think it's perhaps pointless.

4. I used Wolfgangs glaze. Somewhere here I read that you do glaze o paint, then any wax on glaze. Can someone confirm that's right?

5. I used black fire stuff on the small amount of black matte trim I have at the bottom of doing door sills and rear of car. I have painted side blades and rear fascia. That worked well to address the fading. I used it a bit on the front grille, but couldn't be bothered to really work that area to perfection.

Question - Should I be using that on the bottom of my mirrors, which isn't painted and is plastic. Or just used the Wolfgangs glaze? Or just the ONR wash n wax.

So the finished product is pretty nice, the glaze is really slick feeling and shiny. The agate paint looks really nice. Feels kind of like a hard shell, but maybe I'm imagining it. I have a feeling water would slide right off.

Question: will the ONR wash and wax build on top of the glaze to further protect the car paint?

Question: any problems if some of the glaze gets on Windows?

Also, I wash my car fairly regularly ... Two bucket system. How long before I'm supposed to do this process again?

Lastly, the sonax wheel spray works well.

Thanks guys. I think it was worth the effort, probably bc of the novelty. I'm not sure how often I will have the time, but again, the car does look nice.
 
#132 ·
Well dang about Dawn. I read in a couple of places that was the way to go. Hope one wash with it doesn't do much.

Any recommendations on a car wash to do the wax stripping?
 
#135 ·
#137 ·
Hi all - first and foremost some stunning cars here, testament to some clearly robust techniques and product :) I'm new to the washing (let alone detailing) game and wanted to 'revise' my old school approach for the new car. My 2 week old White MY18 Macan S is due to be opticoated in a little over a month - and I just wanted to get some super basic guidance (or references) to some how-to's re the two bucket method in the interim to keep the car looking fine. More specifically:

- How to do basic pre-wash / decontaminate - e.g. use a pressure washer, and how to apply?
- What do you guys use for rims - e.g. specifically the SportDesign ones? I'm hesitant to use the shampoo, but many wheel cleaners specifically don't recommend using for polished rims
- Suggested use of washing mitts versus microfibre cloths?
- Other than scotch guard - what do you guys do to protect the floor mats? I'm tempted just to get some rubber floor mats (not full size) to go on top of my existing mats given its winter here at the moment.

Any help would be appreciated - and apologies if this is too basic or has been asked in advance - I thought I'd hear it from Macan-specific specialists ;)

Cheers,

NB
 
#140 ·
Don't use generic rubber mats on top of the carpet mats. If you're going to use rubber mats, get the OEM Porsche ones that have holes which snap into the existing posts. They're easy to install and remove. Just my opinion but I wouldn't use a pressure washer unless you have mud in the wheel wells. Sometimes, a pressure washer can do more harm than good. FWIW, I have used "Mean Green" in the proper dilution on the wheels of all our vehicles to clean, remove brake dust, etc. with no degradation of finish whatsoever. It's an effective, inexpensive product.
 
#141 ·
I use the 2 bucket wash with Optimum No Rinse since I don't have easy access to a hose.
1. 1 Bucket with the ONR soap/water solution (with grit guard)
2. 1 Bucket with plain water (with grit guard + grit guard washboard)
3. I either use 1 single microfiber mitt to wash 1 section each car at a time or use individual The Rag Company microfiber towels folded into 4 to wash each section of the car.
4. I dry the car with a chemical guys waffle weave towel or a thicker The Rag Company microfiber to dry the car (The Rag Company probably also has an even better drying towel)
5. I wash the wheels with Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner (buy this by the gallon, the smaller bottle goes fast. The small bottle can probably only last for 3-4 car washes. I spray on, wait 3-5 minutes, then wash the tire + wheel with the leftover soap solution with a wheel / tire brush
6. I use Optimum Opti-Bond for tire dressing. I've used other cheaper ones and it stained my paint and went into my clear coat. Needed my guy to get it out.
7. I use either Mother's, Optimum instant detailer, or Chemical guys Hybrid V07 detailer to keep the car clean and to remove stains/bird poop in between washes. The Optium is the best, the V07 is the best for the money.
8. I have Meguiar's All-Purpose Cleaner for tough jobs and for interior plastic panels / under the hood. (Diluted)
9. I use Chemical Guy's leather conditioner and cleaner for the seats and leather parts.
10. I don't know why I'm using a numbered list, I went up to #7 before I realized and just continued lol, hope this is helpful
11. I'm a really good deal hunter and never pay msrp, nor even discount prices. most stuff is lowest ever on camelx3 or amazon lightning deals like on prime day, or amazon subscribe and save. Or else these products add up fast.
12. most of the scratches that you do yourself to the car aren't done during washing, its done during drying. be careful, dry in straight lines, always use a fresh portion of the drying towel, pat dry if you have the patience for it
13. I use the OEM Porsche rubber floor mats and Porsche cargo liner, our winters get really bad.
 
#143 ·
I use an electric pressure washer with an MTM foam cannon. I've been using Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam Car Wash. Then, I use a 2-bucket wash with Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash and good quality microfiber wash mitts. Then, I blow off the water followed by a Griot's or Chemical Guys waffle drying towel.

For the major wash/wax which I will probably do twice per year, I follow the wash with Iron X and then I clay the car. I use Griot's Speed Shine with the clay. After the clay I use Chemical Guys White Light Glaze and then Meguiars White Wax.

I have been using Dr Beasley's Matte Wheel Cleaner and Matte Wheel Seal. I have also used Meguiar's Endurance Tire Gel with a Chemical Guys contoured tire dressing applicator. The Meguiar's tire gel works well and lasts pretty long. It just needs to be wiped off after a few minutes.

For normal cleaning, I've been using Griot's Spray-On Car Wash. I also have Griot's Spray-On Wax that I use occasionally.

For my clear bra, I use the Turtle Wax Ice Spray-On Wax which is the recommended product and it also came with the maintenance pack they gave me.

Towels, I use from The Rag Company. I have a lot of microfiber towels...seriously, a lot. My favorites:
Platinum Pluffle (my current favorite for spray-on wash and wax)
Eagle Edgeless
70/30 Waffle-Weave for windows (the best I've found)
Minx - good for door jams and inside trunk lid
Commercial Grade All Purpose Towels for areas that are not painted

Cheap 12x12 microfiber from Amazon - 12 for $12. These are for cleaning the black spyder wheels and I can throw them away when done.

I use a combo of Griot's and Adam's products on the interior and 303 cleaner. I also use Invisible Glass Cleaner and an Invisible Glass Reach and Clean Tool. I also have a microfiber cleaning brush kind of thing that I use on the dash just to keep dust off.
 
#144 ·
Thanks Limulus - very helpful. I have a few mits, and I think I have ordered three microfibre towels, in addition to two large drying towels. For me the main use of the towels will be:

- Cleaning rims (and exhaust tips?)
- Washing glass (with the invisible glass cleaner)
- Applying a finishing spray/wax post drying

Probably will need to get a few more towels for this!

Cheers,

NB
 
#150 ·
Does everyone have as sophisticated a car wash routine? I did buy the special soap, mitts, and drying cloths for my upcoming Macan but I don't think I can keep up with a routine like this.
In my 20's and 30's I used to personally wash and wax my car. Now I buy white cars that don't show swirl marks, and have them washed at a good quality hand - car wash. I have the cars detailed once or twice a year.

When parking the car at work, I'd cover the car to protect the exterior and interior from the sun (easier to do in SoCal where the good weather makes it easier to keep the car clean most of the time). Even after 20 years, the paint on my first two cars still looked great.