Black Car- Maintenance

[MarkBMW]

I just purchased a jet black BMW330i and wanted to get some information about washing/waxing so I could avoid those infamous swirl marks. I currently use the Zaino products on my other cars and really like the way it makes the car look. I'm just wondering how differently I need to treat this new car since it's black. I've seen alot of black cars that look aweful in the sun and I just dont want mine to start looking like that. Any advice? Recommendations? Thanks!

Mark
MarkBMW325i@aol.com

[BrianS]

Hi Mark,

Welcome to the forum.

First step in avoiding swirls is never go to Automatic Car Washes.
Second, Use best quality wash mitt or sponge and a pH neutral car shampoo. Dry with a clean 100% Cotton Terry Towel.
Third, when waxing, use a good polymer wax which will give protection and deepen the shine, applying with a soft terry-applicator.

For some other good tips, have a look at the My Car section in the bar at the top of the page. Avoiding swirls is really about proper techniques when washing & waxing.

Happy motoring - sounds like a slick car. Did you get black interior as well?

[rivolette]

Hey Mark,

I agree with Brian on the first point he makes. Make it a habbit, stay away from automatic or even those self serve car wash places.

When it comes to washing your car, use a high quality sheep wool wash mitt. Use the natural sheep wool as opposed to those Plyester blend mitts.

To dry the car, use a sheep skin chamois. They're twice as expensive as the synthetic ones but well worth the investment.

Use a good quality pH balanced car shampoo as Brian mentioned.

Also remember this; NEVER wash your car in direct sunlight.

Practice this routine once a week and your paint will last you a looooong time. No need to polish or wax the car as it is new. If you follow my instructions I can guarantee you you will NOT need to wax your paint in years.

Waxing in my opinion is NOT a good idea as it is a nototious source of those swirl marks.

Nice car by the way.

[BrianS]

hmmmm..... not waxing in years.... I wouldn't recommend that train of thought. Welcome to the forum by the way, and I hope you won't take offense if I disagree with you on that point.

Cars need waxing regularly. Modern paint finishes are too susceptible to damage, and wax when done properly will act as a sacrificial layer between pollution, UV light, etc and the paint. Contaminants will get down, pore-deep, into paint. Even with wax, weekly washings are recommended, though most people have restrictions with time, or simply don't have the inclination to wash every week.

Waxing shouldn't cause swirls. Use a soft applicator, make sure it is clean and 100% terry cotton. Don't "scrub" it on - let the wax do the work in bonding to the paint.

Darker colours have a tendency to show up imperfections more than lighter colours. While many people still stick with the traditional chamois, I don't like them as they tend to trap fine dirt and create swirls. That's where a big soft towel is great. You keep refolding it to reveal fresh fabric. Any dirt that happens to be still hanging around will be drawn into the fibre.

Having said that, I do use a chamois on occassion, but not that much.

Its good to see someone taking such care of their cars, rivolette! Try giving it a nice coat of wax. If your car is a few years old then I'm sure you will notice the difference. Go for a Carnauba if possible.

Take Care Out There,

Brian