Advice for Dirt Roads

S

ssssnake

New member
I live at the end of a mile and a half of dirt/gravel roads.



It's a great place to live, but it's hard on my car's finish.



My car is red. A Viper convertible.



Here's what I've done to date, but I'm looking for advice from others who regularly drive on dirt/gravel roads.



Clearbra on the front, side sills, and behind the wheel panels of all 4 wheels.

I had it on the mirrors too, but removed it because it never really fit right.



I carry an ostrich feather duster in my trunk to give the car a good dust-off when I leave the dirt roads.



I wash and wax the car thoroughly about twice a month, and use the Mr. Clean system followed by Eagle 1 wax as you dry for a quick wash a couple of times a week, .



I've been using Mguires system of waxes and Eagle 1 wax as you dry until recently when I discovered Zaino. I'm inclined to stick with the Zaino products, as they seem to be giving me at least as good a gloss and shine as I was getting with the Mquires waxes, but are a lot easier and quicker to apply than the waxes.



I use a power washer (fine spray) to get rid of accumulated dirt and mud before I start washing.



So. I'm doing what I can, but if anyone else who has to deal with dirt roads on a regular basis has any tips or advice for me on how to keep my car looking good I would appreciate it. It's pretty disheartening to spend several hours making my car look great, only to end up covered with dust and dirt by the time I get to the paved roads.



Particularly, strategies to reduce cleaning/detailing time would be appreciated, as I end up washing my car several times a week just to keep the dirt off it. Also, any opinions on the hardest, most long lasting and durable paint protection would be welcome, as my finish regularly takes a beating from grit, dust etc.
 
Ostrich feather duster?:confused: Why don't I think that is a good idea?



I'd invest in a California Duster or OXO. But if the car is too dirty you don't want to use a duster on it.



Zaino is great stuff. I use it and highly recommend it. To be honest I'd go nuts living on a dirt road. I'd trade in that Viper for a Jeep. Short of that you need to make sure you scratch up that car as little as possible. That means the proper washing and drying techniques and make sure you use high quality towels, applicators and mitts so as to minimalize marring. There's tons of information in this website which tells you not only what to use, but how to use it.
 
I can sum up my thoughts in one word, MOVE, lol. If you can afford a Viper, you can afford a new house. :D



I'm from Arkansas, so I know all about dirt roads, lol. They are such a pain, I avoid them at all costs here if I am in my car, even if it means the trip takes twice as long. Your undercarriage probably takes the most beating. You can tell a new car when you follow it, as most of the rear pieces in the suspension are clean and look freshly painted. On a car that is on dirt roads alot, of course this is far different as it is real dirty under the car, a stark contrast to a clean top of the car. I would encourage you to at least spray off these parts, and I figure your wheelwells are hard to reach on that car, but they probably need to be hit also.



Alot of times, it is just dust that is the culprit. I assume you have a garage, but if you don't, a car cover would help, might even use the cover under your garage. I would also use a CCD, instead of the ostrich feather. But your plan sounds good and it sounds like you have given it alot of thought. Zaino or the Klasse twins would be your best bet on the paint.



A great QD would probably be your best investment though, with daily uses of a CCD and then a QD would be a great benefit to your car. I would use these as often as possible til the car was too dirty to use them. There are several good QDs out there, just depends on how much money you want to spend. Online you could get a good one in bulk, since you will need quite a bit being on a dirt road. The QD will cut down the amount of times you have to clean your car, as cleaning your car several times a week is a bit much even for an autopian.



You don't mention microfiber towels, but you will need a few in order to apply the QD well, and drying the car without additional scratches. You will need quite a few MF towels, as you will also want to QD your wheels with smaller individual towels that you only use for this purpose.



Good luck with your car upkeep, and welcome to autopia!!! :wavey
 
A friend of my brother's wife has a party every July 4th. She lives on a 1 mile dirt road. I ride out with someone else.



I can't think of any really good solution for you other than moving. No sealant or wax is going to hold up to constantly being hit by dirt, rocks and gravel.
 
Please note my signature.



I "know" black and I "know" gravel roads. No dusters or OD's for me. You simply can't remove that much dust without causing micromarring. When I want my truck or bikes clean, I wash them. I've found that QEW works pretty well if conditons are not right for a complete wash. If my truck is really muddy, I usually go to the coinop wash in town to get rid of the big stuff.



My toys are seldom clean. I don't like it, but I guess the tranquility of country living makes up for it.



I've been thiinking of buying a new Corvette -- either silver or yellow. I've had black vehicles since 1977. My Hemi might be my last one. :D



Tom:cool:
 
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