Black Gallardo, to wash or not wash?

S

spumoni

New member
I have a black Gallardo that only gets driven occasionally. No matter how perfect the weather is, after a only few miles it's covered in bugs along with a light road film. Am I better off waiting until it gets really bad, and washing it properly with water (foam gun, grit guard buckets, leaf blower), or do you recommend using a spray detailer after each drive?



My fear is trying to clean it without water will only cause more swirls.



Any advice would be appreciated.



Thanks!
 
spumoni said:
I have a black Gallardo that only gets driven occasionally. No matter how perfect the weather is, after a only few miles it's covered in bugs along with a light road film. Am I better off waiting until it gets really bad, and washing it properly with water (foam gun, grit guard buckets, leaf blower), or do you recommend using a spray detailer after each drive?



My fear is trying to clean it without water will only cause more swirls.



Any advice would be appreciated.



Thanks!
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Dont use a quick detailer after each drive... that is a sure fire way to install swirls..



I've seen it so many times from people in the EXACT situation as you.. Only drive when nice and 0% chance of rain nor rain in the previous days (no puddles) and the guys that QD every day have clean cars....... with swirls.



On the other hand don't let it get too far, don't let it get "really bad" as you said... regular proper washings is what your machine needs...
 
The idea of using a QD to clean a dirty (as in, driven out of the driveway) car doesn't sit right with me. Never tried myself, but would have to advise against it.



ONR would probably work very well for you. Really shouldn't take you any longer than going over the entire thing with QD either.
 
just wash it and detail it every couple of months...



a quality sealant wax like collinite 845 with a couple layers will provide great protection against swirling as well...
 
So when is a QD called for? Most people here say they don't use them but they must serve some purpose. Some can be used to clean up during polishing, or mixed as a clay lube but there are other uses too right?
 
mikenap said:
So when is a QD called for? Most people here say they don't use them but they must serve some purpose.
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Cleaning up dusty cars and removing minor fresh dirt (bug splatters, bird poop) from the finish. Use them with a fluffy microfiber that will trap dirt.



IMHO if the OP is so worried he needs to apply a nice layer of this wonderful product to the gallardo. This surface treatment (after 24hr of curing time) will provide durable protection against bug splatters and road film, they never have a chance to soil the paint or even touch it :cooleek:. More durable than Zaino, and you can layer it for even more protection. :woot2:
 
GoudyL said:
Cleaning up dusty cars and removing minor fresh dirt (bug splatters, bird poop) from the finish. Use them with a fluffy microfiber that will trap dirt.



IMHO if the OP is so worried he needs to apply a nice layer of this wonderful product to the gallardo. This surface treatment (after 24hr of curing time) will provide durable protection against bug splatters and road film, they never have a chance to soil the paint or even touch it :cooleek:. More durable than Zaino, and you can layer it for even more protection. :woot2:
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Quick detailer was never meant to clean a car



it was meant to "touch up" an already clean car



the best example i can think of is a freshly cleaned car that gets bird droppings on it.
 
MotorCity said:
Dont use a quick detailer after each drive... that is a sure fire way to install swirls..



I've seen it so many times from people in the EXACT situation as you.. Only drive when nice and 0% chance of rain nor rain in the previous days (no puddles) and the guys that QD every day have clean cars....... with swirls.



On the other hand don't let it get too far, don't let it get "really bad" as you said... regular proper washings is what your machine needs...
Click to expand...



As usual, i totally agree with MotorCity, especially the part about not using QD's after each drive. That's just like rubbing your paint with sandpaper.



Shuskan3 said:
ONR may be something great for you to look into.
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For sure.
 
spumoni said:
GoudyL - did you mean to send a link of roofing caulk????



If so, that's pretty funny. Maybe I'll give it a try.
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Well, it is black, shiny and very durable. :spot Kind of like the Gallardo? No?



I figured you could put down a thick protective layer, and then not have to worry about the paint anymore.



More seriously, you're going to be taking some enviromental damage every time you drive your car in the open. I think QD spray and fluffy MF towel is the way to go, otherwise you'll spend lots of time and water constantly washing the Gallardo. Which if that is what you like to do, then go for it. Just make sure to use a sudsy and lubricious car shampoo, and keep your mitts clean.



Life is too short to worry about swirling. Get out and drive! :woot:
 
Wash with a high lube car wash or foam gun if you want. ONR is a good product as well.



Since I have a black Porsche, I also had the car filmed to protect the front end and other areas, but seen a full film done on a GT3-RS and another Lambo.



Only problem with washing is drying. Use a hand held leaf blower as long as the area is wet to dry off the finish and limit the use of towels that can scratch.



Enjoy the new toy!:2thumbs:



Deanski
 
GoudyL said:
Cleaning up dusty cars and removing minor fresh dirt (bug splatters, bird poop) from the finish. Use them with a fluffy microfiber that will trap dirt.



IMHO if the OP is so worried he needs to apply a nice layer of this wonderful product to the gallardo. This surface treatment (after 24hr of curing time) will provide durable protection against bug splatters and road film, they never have a chance to soil the paint or even touch it :cooleek:. More durable than Zaino, and you can layer it for even more protection. :woot2:
Click to expand...





you are turning into a joke Gouty
 
QD was meant to be used for things like fingerprints, smudges, etc.. just to touch up a clean car in minor spots, definitely not after it's been driven or anything more than light dust (not dirt).
 
The roofing caulk is sounding like a viable option!



I certainly know the rules of washing... I use a foam gun and add an ounce of Pinnacle rinseless wash added to the solution along with the wash bucket (using two buckets with grit guards), and dry the car with a leaf blower. I try to avoid as much contact as possible.



It looks as though I'm going to have to live with the bugs and road film as much as possible, and simply wash it when I can't bare it any more.



Thanks to all.
 
spumoni said:
The roofing caulk is sounding like a viable option!



I certainly know the rules of washing... I use a foam gun and add an ounce of Pinnacle rinseless wash added to the solution along with the wash bucket (using two buckets with grit guards), and dry the car with a leaf blower. I try to avoid as much contact as possible.



It looks as though I'm going to have to live with the bugs and road film as much as possible, and simply wash it when I can't bare it any more.



Thanks to all.
Click to expand...



It's really hard to pick up humor sometimes over the internet, but I sincerely hope you are not seriously considering putting roofing caulk on any type of car, much less a Gallardo. I know you're new here, so let me fill you in on a quick FYI for this forum. Goudy is a ****ing joke. Rydawg, one of the most prominent detailers on this board, and also featured in magazines for his quality of work as one of the top detailers in the U.S., Goudy argues with him, says he is wrong about this, this, and that. He's just a ****ing joke.



Sounds like your wash method is down perfectly. A couple questions, do you have a wax or sealant on your car? What kind? And have you tried ONR? ONR seems like it should marr your paint, but doesn't. It's a really amazing product. It's at least worth a try, I think you'll like it, it seems to fit exactly what you want :2thumbs:
 
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