Underbody Washing
 

So it just occurred to me that since I will be avoiding automatic car washes for the life of this car, I won't be able to conveniently clean the underside of my car from now on. I'd like to be able to clean out the salt and grime that has been building up this winter, but short of jacking the car up and spraying under it with a hose, I can't think of a good way to do this. Anyone have any tips? Thanks in advance!

:thanks:

You need to disassemble your drivetrain every 40k and wash and wax all the parts. I swear this forum is full of ppl that just got their license....

haven't tried it myself, but i've heard of people using this type of lawn sprinkler and putting it under the car: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Melnor-32...-858/100659509

Oh, good, so I can get it done under warranty ;)

If you are being serious, that's not a terrible idea. Probably any low-slung sprinkler would work.

You could see if there's a "touchless" automatic car wash in your area.

Take your car to self carwash once in a while. If you want to wash car from there, but not want to use their brush, just use your bucket to collect their foam and use your mitt to wash. Their rinse hose is pretty strong, so I spray under my car every time.

True, but I don't know many of them that have an underbody component

I've heard of using a lawn sprinkler, but haven't tried it. I just go to the touchless wash at the gas station.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUt-7wWg9tQ"]Kärcher Chassis Cleaner Demo (Demonstration cleaning under a car) - YouTube[/ame]

I bet some PVC, and a drill, and you could fashion up something like that.

The other thing I would like to clean is the skid plate right underneath the headers. I can see sand and crap collecting on the top side of the plate through the small vent holes from winter driving :( drives me nuts as I know I can't clean it unless I jack and remove the plate...Hrm...maybe with some kind of bendy arm duster or something.

Has anyone removed the skid plate before to clean top side?

Jack the car up, Spray some Simple Green, Use Hose and Spray. Repeat if necessary.

Yeah, I like to give that skid plate a good scrubbing (Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner [safe on aluminum wheels, should be safe on aluminum skid plate] + medium bristle brush + rinse) when I'm doing an oil change. I realize that you don't need to remove the skid plate, but since it's there and my car cleanliness OCD is burning whenever I look underneath my car, I do it.