ClubCJ - The CJ Lancer Club

Hey everyone!

So when I was wipin her down today I happened to notice small, barely discernible scratches on the hood n roof! She's only 2 months old so I was just wondering is this normal? Am i over reacting? To help your'l give me an informed peice of advice- Whenever I go in for a wash, this is what i do:

High pressure soaped, rinsed off.
Armor all wheel cleaner, using a soft brush to eliminate dirt around the lug nuts.
Meguiars wash n wax soaped with a lambswool mit, rinsed off.
Chamoised, meguiars again.
Microfibre cloth to dry door and boot jams after which I pop the hood and make sure its dry.
Microfibre cloth to get rid of all the little drops of water on the mirrors, rear bumper reflectors, front grille and those small crevices that water usually settles into.
Armor all glass cleaner with paper towels for the windows.
Meguiars Interior quik detailer.
Meguiars ultimate quik wax, applied with microfibre and buffed off with meguiars Supershine microfibre.

Now, having said that, the car gets washed at LEAST thrice a week, but i wax it only once a week. A freind of mine recently suggested that I wash it too often and that it wasnt good. However, im slightly OCD, so I cannot drive a dirty car as I get restless, distracted and start sweating:(

PS: Also shes under paint protection (was forced to buy from Mitsubishi).

Can anyone help? Thanks in advance..
Much much appreciated!

Scratches are a part of wear and tear of a car. Getting annoyed about it is normal. But washing three times a week probably isn't normal, lol.

I'd cut down on the washing, and wash certain areas when needed, such as when you get bird droppings on the car.

That scratch could have been from anything. Maybe a branch slightly brushed it on a drive, maybe a small grain of sand got caught in the washing mitt while washing.

It seems that you just bought your car. I'm sure overtime you will feel less concerned about these things and will just enjoy the car for what it is.

How in the world I wish ur right, its not only with this car, a couple years ago my 92 Liberty went through the same thing, owned her for a year, did so much polishing that the paint started fading on the hood n doors, the older the car the worse it gets!! Anyway im definitely gonna try n not wash her too much, once a week should be acceptable! So I dont worry about the scratches then, thanx for that!!

The main issue is using a lambswool mit. They tend to catch very small grains of dirt and grime. Even washing them cant remove it.

Brad from Hypershine here on the coast advised me to use a sponges, and change them about every 3rd wash, but not to use the same sponge for the wheels and tyres.

it has hepled keep my car looking good, now to stop people putting things on it at shopping centers and stop them banging doors and trolleys into them as well.

I use a good quality paint protector on my paint only. No wax.

I wash my car with water and a minute bit of Maguiar's soft wash as I dont want chemicals to wash away the paint protector.

The most important things is to wash the dirt off with water. Tap pressure should be enough. Dont wipe it off as it will scratch the paint. Beach sand is the worst.

I use a micro fibre mit and use an old one for the under body, wheel arches and wheels and tyres.

I use Maguiar's waterless in between washes as well. It is fantastic and quick. It is better then washing the car with water if used often.

Yeah about waterless wash, how exactly do i use it?

Goose003 wrote:Yeah about waterless wash, how exactly do i use it?

I bought the waterless pack.
Stage 1 is use the duster. This removed the dust and dirt off the paint.

Stage 2 is the waterless spray and microfibre clothes. It is a simple spray on and wipe off. If used 2-3 times it only takes 5 minutes to clean the whole car.

Most reputable automotive shops sell the Maguiar's waterless pack. I bought mine from Supercheap or Autobahn for about $40.

That sounds good, thanx.. I think that might be a better option. Value the advice everyone!