What to use to wash this car?
 

So I've had my Asphalt FR-S for about a month now and find myself having to wash it more than once a week.

I currently use a sponge with soap and finish it off with a shammy. But I find the whole process takes too long since I'm doing it so often. Anyone has any experience using a brush to wash the car? I hear that's the tool of choice for some people and that it reduces streaks (which I'm concerned about with my color). What's the best brand/model to use with this car?

I also have a fun time cleaning the wheels with their never ending spokes! ...it takes forever. Planning on getting this to make that part easier: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GJ3DZS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX 0DER"]Mothers Wheel Brush : Amazon.com : Automotive[/ame]

There's a sub-forum for this.

Use optimum no rinse and a 2 bucket method. It's quick and doesn't require a separate drying step.

Subaru paint is pitifully soft though, so be careful. if the car is grimy, spray it off HARD before you do the ONR.

edit: I have that brush though. the bristles are very soft and it does a great job of getting road dust off the wheels. I would NEVER use it on paint though.

second edit: I dunno how anal you're being here but if you just always want gloss on your car, consider one of the quick-detailer spray and wipe systems, but know it can scratch if you use it on a car that's too dirty.

There is a detailing subforum full of this information.

But, I recommend a wool mitt for the paint and would never use a brush. That and some good car soap should do fine. Wheel brush would be used on the wheel only.

If you want to clean it less you can opticoat the car as an option as it will stay cleaner longer. Have you waxed or applied sealant to your car? Those are other options to protect it and keep it clean longer.

Funny that a search for "car wash" didn't bring up the sub-forum. Thanks for the heads up!

Also use clay bar.. Now try saying "too long " :D

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Sqi1lAj1A"]Audi R8 BLACKBIRD: Basic Car Wash Techniques - DRIVE CLEAN - YouTube[/ame]

After you watch every Drive Clean ep., you can post again.

Okay?

Don't use [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Wash-Wax-48-oz/dp/B00353PWAW"]Meguiar's Ultimate Wash & Wax[/ame], washing with a waxy product can ruin the black plastic side vents / markers on BRZ models [dry them out], and it's not a very good wash product anyway.

If you're in the south bay around SF, head to detail addicts =) love their work!

I just ordered that! :bonk:

I'll 2nd ONR, though unless you're filtering the water you're using, you more than likely still have to dry it or you'll be left with hard water deposits all over the car.

I disagree. I use Meguiar's Ultimate Wash and the result is absolutely beautiful. The black plastic parts look refreshingly new. It's a good product in between waxes. Meguiar's makes good stuff.


Edit: As a matter of fact, Meguiar's products saved me from ruined plastic parts. Personal experience: Last year i took my Altimate Coupe to get rust proofed at Krown. The place that i took it to, they sprayed that oily stuff everywhere. The oily mist got on the inside and on the clear plastic covering the speedometers. I couldn't clean it with soap cause it's inside the car, and wiping it with a towel made it look even more messy, so stupid as i was, i wiped the plastic with rubbing alcohol. It got rid of the oil, but ruined the clear plastic. I then tried wiping with a damp towel but the plastic was all cloudy looking. As a last resort, I rubbed a little bit of Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax and the plastic became clear again. After that incident i'd never say a single bad thing about Meguiar's.

Agreed, I love the whole Meguiar's lineup from their wash soaps to their wax's.

For me, I don't think it's a good idea at all to get wax on plastic or rubber parts. My experience was the exact opposite, the plastic faded and looked dried out after washing once with Meguiar's Wash and Wax, had to buy their ultimate black plastic restorer to fix it.