Dirty Cars - Winter 16/17
Discussion
ewand said:
The trick I tired the other day was to get one of those cable tie plastic with a metal core thingies, the kind of thing that comes wrapping up cables on consumer electronics and of which inexplicably I seem to have 1,000 in my garage. Using a cable stripper, took about 5cm off it and the remaining wire was just the right size to wiggle into the washers to clean them out and to position them appropriately.
Nice detail, I may look for one. Needles / pins aren't much cop. Too weak.What mileage has your blue RS4 done? I love them in blue, hard to keep immaculate (bit like your post!) but they look a million dollars when pristine.
cookington said:
I really don't get the comments about 'not washing until the spring' etc. I thought us 'Pistonheads' all appreciate our cars in some shape or from and would have a basic understanding of the damage that the salt and dirt will do if left on the car for months.
I rarely clean any of my cars until it's time to sell them. I enjoy driving cars and I make sure they're maintained mechanically but I don't particularly care what the exterior looks like and can't say I've noticed any particularly detrimental effects from leaving relatively modern cars dirty - eventually rain and standing water remove most of the muck. If need be I'll pass a wet rag over the number plates and lights but that's about it.
I think the depressing popularity of detailing has a lot to answer for. Where once people would have simply wet, washed and dried their car, there now seems to be a widespread belief that irreversible damage will be inflicted unless they devote 3 days to wiping the underside with a lump of plasticene and analysing the paint depth on each panel (not forgetting the obligatory 100 page blog documenting each micron of dirt removed).
Cars are shoved through rain, hail, road debris, grit, gravel, wildlife, etc, etc at 70mph+ year after year. Treating them as if they were Faberge eggs seems bound to result in disappointment.
Small Car said:
I remember you too! Parked on the right at the end of the stage and we turned 90 left and on our way. Gave you a toot and a wave. Lovely photo! Assume you recovered the std Clio that holed its sump on the recce? All sorts doing it!
That was us - I was counting you all out. Yup, Mr Clio got out then we found him at our hotel again in the evening... Found another pic from when I finally got home. Distinct lack of charging in Welsh forests :-) 
Risotto said:
I rarely clean any of my cars until it's time to sell them.
I enjoy driving cars and I make sure they're maintained mechanically but I don't particularly care what the exterior looks like and can't say I've noticed any particularly detrimental effects from leaving relatively modern cars dirty - eventually rain and standing water remove most of the muck. If need be I'll pass a wet rag over the number plates and lights but that's about it.
I think the depressing popularity of detailing has a lot to answer for. Where once people would have simply wet, washed and dried their car, there now seems to be a widespread belief that irreversible damage will be inflicted unless they devote 3 days to wiping the underside with a lump of plasticene and analysing the paint depth on each panel (not forgetting the obligatory 100 page blog documenting each micron of dirt removed).
Cars are shoved through rain, hail, road debris, grit, gravel, wildlife, etc, etc at 70mph+ year after year. Treating them as if they were Faberge eggs seems bound to result in disappointment.
I love this attitude and after realising how much time and money I spend cleaning cars might try to adopt it.I enjoy driving cars and I make sure they're maintained mechanically but I don't particularly care what the exterior looks like and can't say I've noticed any particularly detrimental effects from leaving relatively modern cars dirty - eventually rain and standing water remove most of the muck. If need be I'll pass a wet rag over the number plates and lights but that's about it.
I think the depressing popularity of detailing has a lot to answer for. Where once people would have simply wet, washed and dried their car, there now seems to be a widespread belief that irreversible damage will be inflicted unless they devote 3 days to wiping the underside with a lump of plasticene and analysing the paint depth on each panel (not forgetting the obligatory 100 page blog documenting each micron of dirt removed).
Cars are shoved through rain, hail, road debris, grit, gravel, wildlife, etc, etc at 70mph+ year after year. Treating them as if they were Faberge eggs seems bound to result in disappointment.
Having said that I haven't washed mine in 3 weeks and it's killing me!
Rusty569 said:
Risotto said:
I rarely clean any of my cars until it's time to sell them.
I enjoy driving cars and I make sure they're maintained mechanically but I don't particularly care what the exterior looks like and can't say I've noticed any particularly detrimental effects from leaving relatively modern cars dirty - eventually rain and standing water remove most of the muck. If need be I'll pass a wet rag over the number plates and lights but that's about it.
I think the depressing popularity of detailing has a lot to answer for. Where once people would have simply wet, washed and dried their car, there now seems to be a widespread belief that irreversible damage will be inflicted unless they devote 3 days to wiping the underside with a lump of plasticene and analysing the paint depth on each panel (not forgetting the obligatory 100 page blog documenting each micron of dirt removed).
Cars are shoved through rain, hail, road debris, grit, gravel, wildlife, etc, etc at 70mph+ year after year. Treating them as if they were Faberge eggs seems bound to result in disappointment.
I love this attitude and after realising how much time and money I spend cleaning cars might try to adopt it.I enjoy driving cars and I make sure they're maintained mechanically but I don't particularly care what the exterior looks like and can't say I've noticed any particularly detrimental effects from leaving relatively modern cars dirty - eventually rain and standing water remove most of the muck. If need be I'll pass a wet rag over the number plates and lights but that's about it.
I think the depressing popularity of detailing has a lot to answer for. Where once people would have simply wet, washed and dried their car, there now seems to be a widespread belief that irreversible damage will be inflicted unless they devote 3 days to wiping the underside with a lump of plasticene and analysing the paint depth on each panel (not forgetting the obligatory 100 page blog documenting each micron of dirt removed).
Cars are shoved through rain, hail, road debris, grit, gravel, wildlife, etc, etc at 70mph+ year after year. Treating them as if they were Faberge eggs seems bound to result in disappointment.
Having said that I haven't washed mine in 3 weeks and it's killing me!
Small Car said:
I remember you too! Parked on the right at the end of the stage and we turned 90 left and on our way. Gave you a toot and a wave. Lovely photo! Assume you recovered the std Clio that holed its sump on the recce? All sorts doing it!
You are right about 'all sorts' - probably a topic in itself but the works teams recce cars have been brilliant for years. Probably led by M-Sport's fleet of Volvos (see picture taken before you came through!). I think these are about to be retired after many years of service - oh to have a few £ spare!!! 
Rusty569 said:
Risotto said:
I rarely clean any of my cars until it's time to sell them.
I enjoy driving cars and I make sure they're maintained mechanically but I don't particularly care what the exterior looks like and can't say I've noticed any particularly detrimental effects from leaving relatively modern cars dirty - eventually rain and standing water remove most of the muck. If need be I'll pass a wet rag over the number plates and lights but that's about it.
I think the depressing popularity of detailing has a lot to answer for. Where once people would have simply wet, washed and dried their car, there now seems to be a widespread belief that irreversible damage will be inflicted unless they devote 3 days to wiping the underside with a lump of plasticene and analysing the paint depth on each panel (not forgetting the obligatory 100 page blog documenting each micron of dirt removed).
Cars are shoved through rain, hail, road debris, grit, gravel, wildlife, etc, etc at 70mph+ year after year. Treating them as if they were Faberge eggs seems bound to result in disappointment.
I love this attitude and after realising how much time and money I spend cleaning cars might try to adopt it.I enjoy driving cars and I make sure they're maintained mechanically but I don't particularly care what the exterior looks like and can't say I've noticed any particularly detrimental effects from leaving relatively modern cars dirty - eventually rain and standing water remove most of the muck. If need be I'll pass a wet rag over the number plates and lights but that's about it.
I think the depressing popularity of detailing has a lot to answer for. Where once people would have simply wet, washed and dried their car, there now seems to be a widespread belief that irreversible damage will be inflicted unless they devote 3 days to wiping the underside with a lump of plasticene and analysing the paint depth on each panel (not forgetting the obligatory 100 page blog documenting each micron of dirt removed).
Cars are shoved through rain, hail, road debris, grit, gravel, wildlife, etc, etc at 70mph+ year after year. Treating them as if they were Faberge eggs seems bound to result in disappointment.
Having said that I haven't washed mine in 3 weeks and it's killing me!
I spend 2-3 of hours every few months doing a proper job of cleaning, polishing, waxing and then every week or two spend 30 minutes giving it a wash. Total cost of products used is about £50 and will last me a couple of years easy.
Detailing has become daft I agree but there are certain concepts that are worth following if you actually want to look after your car, and I respect people who take pride in the appearance of their cars and themselves. Suggesting that their is no evidence that things like claying or paint depth make any difference and take days to accomplish is just silly and another attempt to justify personal laziness.
Quite why people seem so proud of driving around in a cars covered in an inch of s
t is totally beyond me though. Do the same people also go weeks on end without having a wash or brushing their hair because it's 'cooler' not to care? Or not bother cleaning their house unless visitors are due?Very odd.
SWoll said:
I don't understand either what there is to love about it TBH.
I spend 2-3 of hours every few months doing a proper job of cleaning, polishing, waxing and then every week or two spend 30 minutes giving it a wash. Total cost of products used is about £50 and will last me a couple of years easy.
Detailing has become daft I agree but there are certain concepts that are worth following if you actually want to look after your car, and I respect people who take pride in the appearance of their cars and themselves. Suggesting that their is no evidence that things like claying or paint depth make any difference and take days to accomplish is just silly and another attempt to justify personal laziness.
Quite why people seem so proud of driving around in a cars covered in an inch of st is totally beyond me though. Do the same people also go weeks on end without having a wash or brushing their hair because it's 'cooler' not to care? Or not bother cleaning their house unless visitors are due?
Very odd.
I think for some it is the fact that they're using their car for what it is meant to be used for, and not tucking it away for the winter. I've spent over £300 on detailing bits for my car over the past few years, but I don't wash it all that much in winter. Mainly because I get frustrated at the initial dirt. Once it's a bit of a mess I really don't mind. Just my two pence. I spend 2-3 of hours every few months doing a proper job of cleaning, polishing, waxing and then every week or two spend 30 minutes giving it a wash. Total cost of products used is about £50 and will last me a couple of years easy.
Detailing has become daft I agree but there are certain concepts that are worth following if you actually want to look after your car, and I respect people who take pride in the appearance of their cars and themselves. Suggesting that their is no evidence that things like claying or paint depth make any difference and take days to accomplish is just silly and another attempt to justify personal laziness.
Quite why people seem so proud of driving around in a cars covered in an inch of s
t is totally beyond me though. Do the same people also go weeks on end without having a wash or brushing their hair because it's 'cooler' not to care? Or not bother cleaning their house unless visitors are due?Very odd.
JakeT said:
SWoll said:
I don't understand either what there is to love about it TBH.
I spend 2-3 of hours every few months doing a proper job of cleaning, polishing, waxing and then every week or two spend 30 minutes giving it a wash. Total cost of products used is about £50 and will last me a couple of years easy.
Detailing has become daft I agree but there are certain concepts that are worth following if you actually want to look after your car, and I respect people who take pride in the appearance of their cars and themselves. Suggesting that their is no evidence that things like claying or paint depth make any difference and take days to accomplish is just silly and another attempt to justify personal laziness.
Quite why people seem so proud of driving around in a cars covered in an inch of st is totally beyond me though. Do the same people also go weeks on end without having a wash or brushing their hair because it's 'cooler' not to care? Or not bother cleaning their house unless visitors are due?
Very odd.
I think for some it is the fact that they're using their car for what it is meant to be used for, and not tucking it away for the winter. I've spent over £300 on detailing bits for my car over the past few years, but I don't wash it all that much in winter. Mainly because I get frustrated at the initial dirt. Once it's a bit of a mess I really don't mind. Just my two pence. I spend 2-3 of hours every few months doing a proper job of cleaning, polishing, waxing and then every week or two spend 30 minutes giving it a wash. Total cost of products used is about £50 and will last me a couple of years easy.
Detailing has become daft I agree but there are certain concepts that are worth following if you actually want to look after your car, and I respect people who take pride in the appearance of their cars and themselves. Suggesting that their is no evidence that things like claying or paint depth make any difference and take days to accomplish is just silly and another attempt to justify personal laziness.
Quite why people seem so proud of driving around in a cars covered in an inch of s
t is totally beyond me though. Do the same people also go weeks on end without having a wash or brushing their hair because it's 'cooler' not to care? Or not bother cleaning their house unless visitors are due?Very odd.
Can't do it at job 1. Job 2 takes most weekends and evenings. I have a wife and 2 daughters I like spending time with. I have a few friends. I supposedly have hobbies to dabble in occasionally. Realistically only weekends are feasible to wash cars (it's pitch black when I leave and return home at this time of year) and my weekends are at an absolute premium.
To those of you who prioritise washing cars above other stuff - good for you. I'm not judging.
I'm just not willing to burn a high percentage of precious weekend daylight cleaning off dirt that will be completely reinstated within five miles of leaving my house again.
JakeT said:
SWoll said:
I don't understand either what there is to love about it TBH.
I spend 2-3 of hours every few months doing a proper job of cleaning, polishing, waxing and then every week or two spend 30 minutes giving it a wash. Total cost of products used is about £50 and will last me a couple of years easy.
Detailing has become daft I agree but there are certain concepts that are worth following if you actually want to look after your car, and I respect people who take pride in the appearance of their cars and themselves. Suggesting that their is no evidence that things like claying or paint depth make any difference and take days to accomplish is just silly and another attempt to justify personal laziness.
Quite why people seem so proud of driving around in a cars covered in an inch of st is totally beyond me though. Do the same people also go weeks on end without having a wash or brushing their hair because it's 'cooler' not to care? Or not bother cleaning their house unless visitors are due?
Very odd.
I think for some it is the fact that they're using their car for what it is meant to be used for, and not tucking it away for the winter. I've spent over £300 on detailing bits for my car over the past few years, but I don't wash it all that much in winter. Mainly because I get frustrated at the initial dirt. Once it's a bit of a mess I really don't mind. Just my two pence. I spend 2-3 of hours every few months doing a proper job of cleaning, polishing, waxing and then every week or two spend 30 minutes giving it a wash. Total cost of products used is about £50 and will last me a couple of years easy.
Detailing has become daft I agree but there are certain concepts that are worth following if you actually want to look after your car, and I respect people who take pride in the appearance of their cars and themselves. Suggesting that their is no evidence that things like claying or paint depth make any difference and take days to accomplish is just silly and another attempt to justify personal laziness.
Quite why people seem so proud of driving around in a cars covered in an inch of s
t is totally beyond me though. Do the same people also go weeks on end without having a wash or brushing their hair because it's 'cooler' not to care? Or not bother cleaning their house unless visitors are due?Very odd.
I keep the interior fairly immaculate though.
I way prefer the dirty outside look.
jamieduff1981 said:
I don't 'like' mine dirty - but they still fulfil their intended purpose and remain taught and good to drive when dirty. I own scores of microfiber cloths, polisher, loads of fancy products for removing different types of dirt etc but the fact is I just have many things I need or want to do more than washing cars.
Can't do it at job 1. Job 2 takes most weekends and evenings. I have a wife and 2 daughters I like spending time with. I have a few friends. I supposedly have hobbies to dabble in occasionally. Realistically only weekends are feasible to wash cars (it's pitch black when I leave and return home at this time of year) and my weekends are at an absolute premium.
To those of you who prioritise washing cars above other stuff - good for you. I'm not judging.
I'm just not willing to burn a high percentage of precious weekend daylight cleaning off dirt that will be completely reinstated within five miles of leaving my house again.
I'm in the same boat with regards to 2 kids, hobbies, friends etc. but I'm not talking about spending an entire morning or afternoon detailing every weekend. I might do that once every 3-6 momths as above, most weekends it's just a quick 30 minutes of a Sunday morning so less than 3% of the precious daylight you mention even at this time of year.Can't do it at job 1. Job 2 takes most weekends and evenings. I have a wife and 2 daughters I like spending time with. I have a few friends. I supposedly have hobbies to dabble in occasionally. Realistically only weekends are feasible to wash cars (it's pitch black when I leave and return home at this time of year) and my weekends are at an absolute premium.
To those of you who prioritise washing cars above other stuff - good for you. I'm not judging.
I'm just not willing to burn a high percentage of precious weekend daylight cleaning off dirt that will be completely reinstated within five miles of leaving my house again.
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