Ok, well I finally got around to taking the pictures for this write up and its time I share my technique and tips. I'll try not to get too in-depth with the
terminology. The main goal here is to shed some light on how to properly wash a car. Also, Keep in mind that everyone has their own technique so mine might
not match up exactly with your favorite detailer.
First things first, you've got a dirty car.
The car in question here is a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. The color shown is "friendly" to dirt in that it doesnt show up that well, but i asure you this
car is not clean.
Some before pictures.
notice the dirt laying on the bumper and trunk.
bugs and the like
more dirt...
and the heavily dusted wheels.
PRE-TREAT
I like to start out with a bit of pre-treating. After a normal week of driving (about 200 miles or so) you will start to accumulate some crud all over the
car. Some of that stuff requires a bit of chemical help to loosen up for the wash.
Here are the products I like to pre-treat with....
from left to right:
Poorboys APC (all purpose cleaner/degreaser) cut 4:1
P21S total auto wash cut 4:1 (strong citrus based cleaner)
Poorboys Bug Squash cut 4:1
P21S Wheel Cleaning Gel (not cut)
Treat the wheels first, so that the product has ample time to dwell on the wheels and do its thing.
Make sure to get every bit, even the inside.
Use the bug squash and spray the front and other body panels where you may see some bird crap or bug guts or things of that nature.
Then give the wheel arches a spray of the APC as well.
