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Between school and work, I can't devote that much time. I detail my car, but on a Saturday or Sunday, for 2-3 hours tops, and that's what I use to 'relax' a little. I'm thinking most individuals are too busy to devote that much of their time a day to be that detailed.
 
Time to give feedback on my purchases as seen in the post linked below, finally had time to hand wash my 335d in preparation for the annual hand wax. I also had a chance to see what I am still missing for when the Macan is here since it will only get hand wash treatment.

Porsche Macan Forum - View Single Post - This is how you Wash a Porsche

1. Dual-Bucket Washing System: the buckets are nice, the grit guard inserts are great, the dollies, not so much due to my sloped driveway :(. I had to lock the casters so then I could not roll it around thus it defeated the purpose. My advice: I would only get the buckets with the grit guards, no dollies.

2. Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel 1041: absolutely great, good looking and very sturdy. While pricey, I would get it again!

3. Pistol Grip Spray Nozzle Set 1105 and quick connects: absolutely the best spray nozzle I ever had or seen. The quick connects are very sturdy, no leaks and feel like it would last forever. Absolutely recommended!

4. Adams Wash Wax Shampoo: the jury is still out on this one, not sure if I didn't use enough but I wasn't impressed with the amount of suds it created. I need to try it again. Otherwise it cleaned up nicely.

So far I think I need to get some better towels for drying, wheel cleaner spray and wand and maybe a blower.

I do plan to opti-coat the RS Spyder wheels, do you thing that is a DYI job?
 
Discussion starter · #43 ·
I also had a chance to see what I am still missing for when the Macan is here since it will only get hand wash treatment.
Times a ticking. :)

Wife tried the foaming stuff with a garden hose, not the pressure washer, although we have one. Pics and commentary here.

I don't know about the foaming soap. It's expensive stuff. But is was interesting and easy to do.
 
^^^ Just made another order with Griot's. Some things I was missing.

More towels, gallon of speed shine, wheel cleaner, car soap, and window cleaner. And the interior cleaner with a boars hair brush and some leather treatment.

I'll use this for awhile, figure out what I need next, and make another order.

My neighbor walked over tonight and wondered if I had washed the paint off my cars yet. Apparently Ive been spending too much time in the driveway.
 
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Times a ticking. :)

Wife tried the foaming stuff with a garden hose, not the pressure washer, although we have one. Pics and commentary here.

I don't know about the foaming soap. It's expensive stuff. But is was interesting and easy to do.
I just read your wife's post, I like her approach, sometimes less is more, I will be out cleaning mine this weekend as dust and a film of pollen has coated 'her'. I will be roughly following your wife's approach. ;)
 
Discussion starter · #46 ·
I just read your wife's post, I like her approach, sometimes less is more, I will be out cleaning mine this weekend as dust and a film of pollen has coated 'her'. I will be roughly following your wife's approach. ;)

The foaming stuff? we just washed it again the other day. She put up new pictures here.

It worked fine but you eat the soap. I just bought a gallon of Honey Dew from Amazon. It is MUCH cheaper by the gallon and I expect it to last a long time. No need for pressure washer and they say not to use a pressure washer if you have clear bra.

Good luck!
 
The foaming stuff? we just washed it again the other day. She put up new pictures here.

It worked fine but you eat the soap. I just bought a gallon of Honey Dew from Amazon. It is MUCH cheaper by the gallon and I expect it to last a long time. No need for pressure washer and they say not to use a pressure washer if you have clear bra.

Good luck!
She loves the bubble baths hey?;)

Yeh I will be hand washing clear grade areas, no power washing, I have the wool mitte, need to get some rim cleaner and likely another mitte, have lots of microfibre towels for washing and drying.
 
Discussion starter · #50 ·
Macan s with 10k of car wash supplies, or macan turbo with a 500 dollar detail from a pro once a year.
You know, when I was young I used to think that way. No time, etc. But there is something therapeutic about taking the time to do things yourself. It can be soothing, you have a sense of accomplishment, and the idea of letting some one else or company that could care less about your car other than to make some profit. :eek::eek::eek:
 
^^^ That. Nothing better than going for a drive in your freshly detailed car in the countryside.














Then promptly getting home and cleaning all the bugs off.
 
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Discussion starter · #53 ·
Going back to the first post in this thread, Money just put up a video on using his pressure washer and foam cannon. You might be interested in it.

If you get clearbra, do NOT use a pressure washer as the water can get under it and lift the plastic. Then all that money gone ... I do not think he has clearbra.

Note, the exhaust on this car is not stock. It was PSE but he thought it too quiet and installed an AWE. If you are looking for an aftermarket exhaust for your Macan, AWE makes quality products and sooner or later they should come out with something.

 
Unfortunately, the weather here is not cooperating, humidity at over 90% and temperatures in the low 90s. Thus my big plans for detailing have to wait for late September or early October. I did manage to wax the wheels (RS Spyders mind you) with Collinite 845. Quite laborious but the end results are fantastic.



So my detailing plan got reduced to waxing the wheels and the car. Had to skip the IronX and the Nanoskin AutoScrub. Kudos for Collinite 845, very easy to apply by hand!

On the down side, I really don't see the big deal about the Adam's big towel, I had better results with a towel I got from Costco for a lot less money.
 
I've usually not been one to obsess with keeping cars looking perfect, but with such a nice looking black Macan.... that said I want a manageable routine that does the job just enough.

Questions:

1. Given how dust tends to be an issue in summer on black, is the California dust buster approved of or not?

2. What about a commercial touchless cash wash - this is mostly what I did with past Audis. Is this just a good first step? I will hand wash as well of course when I feel in the mood....

3. Key one here - the car is two weeks old, surely no waxing for a while? What's the regime when doing this? How often, which products, how long should it take. Is it absolutely necessary?

4. Wheels - I have Spyders. Is that wheel cleaner spray (that helps clear brake dust) OK?

5. What's key advice with respect to avoiding swirls on a black (albeit metallic) car? Is this where waxing comes in?

6. Bugs - best way to remove them - is that Griots Bug spray and then a microfiber sponge OK?

6. Leather. I have full leather in red. What's the deal in terms of maintenance there?
 
I've usually not been one to obsess with keeping cars looking perfect, but with such a nice looking black Macan.... that said I want a manageable routine that does the job just enough.

Questions:

1. Given how dust tends to be an issue in summer on black, is the California dust buster approved of or not?

2. What about a commercial touchless cash wash - this is mostly what I did with past Audis. Is this just a good first step? I will hand wash as well of course when I feel in the mood....

3. Key one here - the car is two weeks old, surely no waxing for a while? What's the regime when doing this? How often, which products, how long should it take. Is it absolutely necessary?

4. Wheels - I have Spyders. Is that wheel cleaner spray (that helps clear brake dust) OK?

5. What's key advice with respect to avoiding swirls on a black (albeit metallic) car? Is this where waxing comes in?

6. Bugs - best way to remove them - is that Griots Bug spray and then a microfiber sponge OK?

6. Leather. I have full leather in red. What's the deal in terms of maintenance there?
In the detailing forum, there are quite a few threads on washing. Here's one:
http://www.macanforum.com/forum/detailing/6106-how-you-wash-porsche.html

To Answer your questions with my personal preferences:
1. No, any device that touches a dry car is a bad thing, especially dusters. They work great when clean, and scratch when dirty.

2. I use touch less car washes in a pinch (or winter), just be aware that they will not fully clean the car and the chemicals used are typically harsh (not pH balanced) and can remove any wax or coating you've put on your car to protect it.

3. Your car was shipped over here, paint should be mostly cured by now. I will be starting with a paint sealant (polymer based, fills small buffing marks, and lasts about a year), then top coating in a carnuba wax every 90 days or so for added shine and protection.

4. For wheels I'm currently using Griot's wheel cleaner. They have a heavy duty one that works great, or a much milder standard wheel cleaner that works good. Get yourself a microfiber cleaning tool......that's what you really want.

5. To avoid screwing up black paint.......be careful with touching the car without soap or some other lubricant (speed shine). Don't use a duster, make sure all your washing mitts are clean (use two buckets), etc.

6. Griot's makes a spray (which you mentioned) but their wash soap does a pretty good job as well. They also make a special waffle sided sponge.

7. Leather should be treated with a light (weekly or monthly) leather treatment. There are tons on the market (I'm currently using Griot's). You should not use the heavier ones more than once or twice a year due to build up issues.
 
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re: California Dusters

a) Are they really that bad if used correctly (very light touch; only to remove dust)?

I've used them on two previous black cars without any major issues (granted, I am not anal about detailing and can live with the car not looking perfect all the time).

b) If they're okay to use, anyone have recommendations on the best ones to buy (maybe share an Amazon.com or other website link for purchasing).

Thanks!
 
re: California Dusters

a) Are they really that bad if used correctly (very light touch; only to remove dust)?

I've used them on two previous black cars without any major issues (granted, I am not anal about detailing and can live with the car not looking perfect all the time).

b) If they're okay to use, anyone have recommendations on the best ones to buy (maybe share an Amazon.com or other website link for purchasing).

Thanks!
I have used these dusters for 10-15 years with good results. I replace every few months, and find them excellent at removing dust / pollen on a "clean" car.
 
If you're getting black and want it to look nice, be prepared for some extra work. Like others have said, never dry wipe the car and I highly recommend a foam gun, two bucket wash and only dry with air (such as The Master Blaster Dryer). Personally I have over 200 micro fiber towels and keep a clean and dirty tote in the garage. Wash in liquid soap and air dry, no dryer and never use fabric softener.

You will also need to learn how to use a dual action polisher to keep the black swirl free. I was actually thinking, could one wrap the entire car in XPEL, which has swirl correction properties and actually better enjoy a black car. Hmm...
 
re: California Dusters
a) Are they really that bad if used correctly (very light touch; only to remove dust)? ...
The microfiber duster sold by Griot's Garage works far superior for me. It has no wax on the fibers, picks up more dust, and can be removed and washed . Have used it with a light touch on our very black Cayman Black Edition, but do not use it for anything but light dust or pollen.
 
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