[piecesparts]

Over the years, I have learned that car washes are the "Devils House of Hell". They are simple to use and it draws you in to the place, because you don't want to spend a little time and effort. I will use them in the winter, since it is cold and I am busy at that time. The car wash will never get all of the dirt off and then when you wipe the vehicle down, the dirt will scratch the paint. I have black paint on my truck and from that I learned that a good clean bucket of water, pH balanced car wash liquid, and a good mitt will do more to keep that large investment looking good and not scratched. I definitely agree, NEVER EVER wash in the sun and if possible not under a small shade tree. There is enough sun filtering through to spot your work, especially with the wind blowing like it does where I live. Everyone has a different way of wiping off a vehicle after washing, but the use of a water blade is a great idea, HOWEVER keep it clean---the silicone blade will hold small flecks of dirt and grit and cause scratches. I personally use old soft towels to follow up the blade, but a good absorbent shamois will do well. KEEP it rinsed out. The use of towels from a store tends to leave one with a material that does not soak up water, they need to be used some first. I have all of my windows and mirrors treated with a water repellant, so wiping them down with a damp towel works great. Once you really have the paint clean, it is easy to keep it that way.