Cleaning The Exterior

[Genzeka]

Is there anything specific I should buy for cleaning the exterior of the Tahoe? It is Dark Ash. I used to take it to a car wash but I was told not too to do that.

 

[Blackcar]

Clear water rinsing wash rag often with hose and dry with towel I use bath towels and wash them after each use, and as always wash from top panels down in shade or in garage. Good luck that's nice color.

 

[Tinbadtin]

If you like to keep your cars clean and wash often, consider a ceramic coating. I put a clear bra film and ceramic coat all my cars. It’s much easier to keep clean but requires regular hand washes (once every week or two). Car wash is a definite no no unless you like your new ride to be covered in swirl marks.

 

[Cryptocap]

Two bucket wash method and use a foam gun. I also agree with the ceramic coating. Did mine myself and it had worked great.

 

[SSGUNNER]

Get yourself the chemical guys kit for 2 bucket wash. Hydro suds is my go to soap.

 

[Matz]

If you like to keep your cars clean and wash often, consider a ceramic coating. I put a clear bra film and ceramic coat all my cars. It’s much easier to keep clean but requires regular hand washes (once every week or two). Car wash is a definite no no unless you like your new ride to be covered in swirl marks.

Those aren't swirl marks according to the wash manager . Just crap equipment. I was accused of taking my truck off road according to the wash manager. And you should see the asst. managers black Challenger. Only touchless washes during the winter for me.

 

[Stbentoak]

Meguiars gold class soap works great, smells great, and cost effective. I buy by the gallon.

 

[clogan2]

I've been using off the shelf car wash soap for years to hand wash my autos. Blue Coral, Turtle Wax, whatever. Then dry with a chamois cloth, or Absorber (synthetic chamois). But be sure and keep a good coat of wax/polish on your car. I've used Zaino since 2003, and am a big fan. Parking indoors is the biggest factor in keeping your finish looking tip top. Some folks can't, and that increases the importance of wax/polish.

At any rate, even my black autos keep a fine finish with bi-weekly hand washing (with car soap), drying with an Absorber, and once-a-year Zaino polishing. But then, I'm able to park indoors, so that helps most of all.

 

[Shrubs2K2]

Make sure the carwash soap is PH neutral and no dish soap. Mine is coated and PPF on the entire front. Looks better than it did off the showroom flooras GM factory paint it's the best.

 

[Polo08816]

I've been using off the shelf car wash soap for years to hand wash my autos. Blue Coral, Turtle Wax, whatever. Then dry with a chamois cloth, or Absorber (synthetic chamois). But be sure and keep a good coat of wax/polish on your car. I've used Zaino since 2003, and am a big fan. Parking indoors is the biggest factor in keeping your finish looking tip top. Some folks can't, and that increases the importance of wax/polish.

At any rate, even my black autos keep a fine finish with bi-weekly hand washing (with car soap), drying with an Absorber, and once-a-year Zaino polishing. But then, I'm able to park indoors, so that helps most of all.

Did you mean bi-weekly or bi- monthly?

 

[91RS]

Clear water rinsing wash rag often with hose and dry with towel I use bath towels and wash them after each use, and as always wash from top panels down in shade or in garage. Good luck that's nice color.

Omg. Please do not use house towels on your paint. You will probably do less damage going to the car wash.

 

[Blackcar]

Omg. Please do not use house towels on your paint. You will probably do less damage going to the car wash.

Been using towels for years have vehicles 25 years and 47 years old still paint is perfect if they had been going to automatic car wash (brush wash) they would need to be painted or worst, like I said this is what I do and very cheap no fancy products.

 

[Crzylgs]

Make sure the carwash soap is PH neutral and no dish soap. Mine is coated and PPF on the entire front. Looks better than it did off the showroom flooras GM factory paint it's the best.

What is wrong with dish soap? I have been using that with a dash of baking soda for years and my paint looks amazing!

 

[91RS]

Been using towels for years have vehicles 25 years and 47 years old still paint is perfect if they had been going to automatic car wash (brush wash) they would need to be painted or worst, like I said this is what I do and very cheap no fancy products.

I guarantee your paint is far from perfect, you just don’t know what you’re looking for. And don’t get all mad and take that as an insult, be glad you don’t know what you’re looking for.

 

[91RS]

What is wrong with dish soap? I have been using that with a dash of baking soda for years and my paint looks amazing!

Omg.

 

[johnsmith4545]

I've been using the Absorber for over 10 years now to dry my car. One rag will last you years and years. I've got one in the kitchen for spills and a separate one to clean the windows of the car.

https://www.amazon.com/CleanTools-34942-Absorber-Synthetic-Chamois/dp/B00IRVF3EC/ref=asc_df_B00IRVF3EC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312201735010&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9553167228400396279&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012259&hvtargid=pla-451022684578&psc=1

 

[Stbentoak]

I've been using the Absorber for over 10 years now to dry my car. One rag will last you years and years. I've got one in the kitchen for spills and a separate one to clean the windows of the car.

https://www.amazon.com/CleanTools-34942-Absorber-Synthetic-Chamois/dp/B00IRVF3EC/ref=asc_df_B00IRVF3EC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312201735010&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9553167228400396279&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012259&hvtargid=pla-451022684578&psc=1

Another vote for this. I’ve had the same one for many years also and it does nothing but a good job every time.
also do not use dish soap on your car, it will strip the wax down to the bone. It may make a lot of suds etc. but it’s right up there with one of the things that’s not good for your car finish at all.

to sum things up, use a decent quality car soap only, microfiber mitt, microfiber towel and or absorber, to dry it with. wax it two or three times a year if you don’t want to do the ceramic thing.If you do these things you are on a good road to get started of cleaning your vehicle properly.

 

[clogan2]

Did you mean bi-weekly or bi- monthly?

Every two weeks or so. All depends on the weather.

 

[SSGUNNER]

I hand wash mine bi-weekly, this is the way…

 

[esbrittain]

Dumb question, so don’t roast me. Are touchless car washes okay?