I think we can all agree that rain is bad for any car. Do you guys wash your cars after every contact with rain? Do you wash it with water and soap or just water?

It's been raining over here for the past 2 weeks and I'm sick of washing the car (although I'm getting VERY good at it). At first I washed it with soap and water but now I just run some water over it and wipe with The Absorber. And I also make sure that I have a good coat of wax on the car at all times.

But if there's something I've found out in life is that there is always a way better than mine. So what do you guys do to deal with the long term rain damage?

 

definatley use soap and water. if you just rinse it off with water then dry it then there is still dirt on there that you are just rubbing in with the chamois. it will scratch up your car if you arent very careful. id much rather take a little extra time than have scratches and swirl marks on my paint a year down the road bc it wasnt washed properly.

 

I just use Poorboy's World spray and wipe on our cars after it rains. Spray and Wipe is a waterless car wash. You just spray it on and wipe it back off with a microfiber. Looks like a freshly washed vehicle. I stock Spray and Wipe along with part of the Poorboys line. E-mail me at Juztang@charter.net if you have any questions.

 

I feel your pain Astro! Like you, I also have a black GT, and because I live in the Seattle area, it seems like I'm constantly washing it because it's always $%*@#@ raining! I don't have any suggestions to offer except keep your low back and hamstrings in good shape in preparation for all the bending.

By the way, I like your wheels! Were those the stock Ford wheels that came with the car when you bought it new? And are they chrome or polished? I have the "entry level" (as I like to call them) 17" painted wheels that came with the car new, and though I do like the tough look they add to the car, I want the shine that your wheels have. Lemme know please.

 

Fortunately I found the guide at Autopia.org and things were going very smoothly today when I washed my car. It's much better working when you know exactly what you're supposed to be doing and why.

The wheels I have are the upgraded 18' ones with the polished aluminum rims. I remember when I was at the dealership they had mustangs with the unpolished aluminum wheels. I thought about it and decided that the upgraded ones were worth the upkeep.

 

What do you mean by rain damage? Do you live in an area with acid rain?

 

that could do damage, but constant contact with water can damage paint as well, most only when it hasnt
been waxed or washed in a LONG time

as for washing....i recomend getin a mr. clean autdry.......it literatly cuts the time in half....TWICE!

i can wash my entire exterier in about 20 min (including wheels and trim)


interier is a dif. story tho........

 

By rain damage I mean gradual oxidation. It's much less severe than what my first post made it sound, but it does add up.

After doing a lot of research I found out that the bi-weekly use of a mild and lubricating product combined with the right tools is perfect for maintaining the paint and its shine. Also, the daily use of detailing spray is good to keep the highly acidic crap (bug gutz, bird crap, etc) off the paint.