How do I wash my car??

[Josep]

Right chaps - obviously I know how to wash a car but I have never paid it much thought in the past. Now I have a shiny new GT and I would like to keep it looking that way.

So without spending a fortune what products should I get and in what order are things done. I'm sure this has been discussed at length but I am lazy and cant be arsed to go through the archives!

[lowejackson]

Here is a good place to start Washing & Drying - Autopia.org

[mikebrown]

gotta start off with a nice cuppa, piece of cake.....

[Dermo]

Originally Posted by mikebrown

gotta start off with a nice cuppa, piece of cake.....

And water

[ALRN]

My normal washing routine is :
1.rinse car with cold water
2.wash with Mitt and two buckets of water, one soapy (with proper car shampoo,never fairy liquid.One with clean water to dip mitt after each stroke.
3. rinse with hose on steady stream to let water sheet off the car
4.dry with waffle weave towel (never use a chamios - they're not designed for drying cars,they're designed for windows)
I'd also think about claying the car regardless of age-the secret of a good finish is good prep.

[alfacollector]

My brother has some classics that he shows and he swears that the secret to his sucess is not car polish but a good spray with Mr Sheen. (I am not joking and it brings the paintwork up really well)

[not dr155]

I can't get anywhere near mine with a hose , so :

Bucket of HOT water with Turtle wax shampoo ,
Sponge roof with suds , front&rear screens , bonnet & boot.
Squeegee suds off.
Chammy dry.

then :
Same again on O/S.
Same N/S.
Same on front.
Then rear.
Lastly wheels , by which time water is SHOT!!
45mins start to finish , seems to do a pretty good job.

I'm tempted to just take a rag & a can of Pledge out there now , mind !