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CVO Technical => Cleaning/Detailing => Topic started by: 49445CVO on December 08, 2008, 12:19:44 PM

Title: Automotive Washes / Soaps
Post by: 49445CVO on December 08, 2008, 12:19:44 PM
Has anybody noticed that the car/bike washes today seem different than years past?  I notice that the washes seem to almost eat away at the wax/polish.  It never beads up like the first time to put water on it after waxing/polishing it.  This past summer I put on 8 coats of wax on my '97 ultra and in about two months and 6 washes later it seemed as though the wax was wearing off.  I used Zymol as well as other automotive car washes.  I don't understand why this is but it seems as though washes/soaps are harsher than they used to be. 

I have read about the two different sponges and I will be doing that this spring as well as using a polish like NTX between washes and waxes.

I just thought I would throw this out there to see if anyone else has noticed this and what washes/soaps seem to work better.

Thanks guys,


Topper
Title: Re: Automotive Washes / Soaps
Post by: Boatman on December 08, 2008, 01:53:20 PM
The lack of longevity in a wax is why I don't use a wax any more.  I use and thoroughly like the Zaino line of products.  They put a nice barrier between your paint and  environment.  I can wet my car or p/u down with road salt on them and the paint will bead thru the salt grime.
If I made a mistake and used my Zaino car wash on a wax covered vehicle, the Zaino would take the wax right off.

To answer your question, car washes may be tougher but waxes just don't last long on daily drivers.  Much better products out there that protect/last way longer than waxes.
Title: Re: Automotive Washes / Soaps
Post by: 49445CVO on December 08, 2008, 02:09:07 PM
Ok ....Do you have a link to ZAINO?  I am interested in reading up on it.  I am planning on using glare is there some sort of special soap I should be using with that polish?
Title: Re: Automotive Washes / Soaps
Post by: miker on December 08, 2008, 02:13:18 PM
Most of this stuff is pretty good and easy to find.  I know, I know...it is religion , like oil...  :mango:

http://www.meguiars.com/
Title: Re: Automotive Washes / Soaps
Post by: Wildrat on December 08, 2008, 03:08:13 PM
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/gheumann/zaino_test/ (http://pages.sbcglobal.net/gheumann/zaino_test/)
Title: Re: Automotive Washes / Soaps
Post by: grc on December 08, 2008, 05:11:44 PM

Topper, what you may be seeing is the trend for more of the car wash liquids to contain wetting agents.  Wetting agents reduce surface tension and keep the water from beading, which in turn helps the water sheet and run off.  When used in combination with deionized rinse water, you can let the vehicle air dry and get very little water spotting. 

Jerry
Title: Re: Automotive Washes / Soaps
Post by: 49445CVO on December 08, 2008, 05:18:27 PM
Topper, what you may be seeing is the trend for more of the car wash liquids to contain wetting agents.  Wetting agents reduce surface tension and keep the water from beading, which in turn helps the water sheet and run off.  When used in combination with deionized rinse water, you can let the vehicle air dry and get very little water spotting. 

Jerry


Ok that is an interesting spin on this.  I never thought about it.

Thanks,

Topper
Title: Re: Automotive Washes / Soaps
Post by: Boatman on December 08, 2008, 09:46:30 PM
Ok ....Do you have a link to ZAINO?  I am interested in reading up on it. 

www.zainostore.com