Date: Sat, 08 Jul 00 19:41:34 GMT From: amesnopsamrak.demon.co.uk (Andrew Stephenson) Subject: Re: Car Cleaning
In article <8k7bl8$1me$1nopsamg3.svr.pol.co.uk> andrewnopsamona5.fsnet.co.uk "Andrew Newton" writes: > [...] > > 3) Any tips for keeping the bodywork in top condition - I > currently clean the car with a normal hose and a proprietory > car shampoo, occasionally using Autoglym car polish (I have a > metallic). > > [...] Maybe twenty years ago, a UK research team reported that one of the worst things you can do to a car body is to use detergent or soap (not quite the same things) while washing it. Both act as "wetting agents", hanging onto water, so tend to keep all those crevices damp longer than is good for them. Shifting all of it is not practical when rinsing-down, even with a hose. Ever since, I have used plain water. White spirit (USians AFAIK do not call it that -- turpentine substitute?) cleans off road oil and tar specks nicely. Paints are much better now than they were, so this has worked well for me. I have also been advised to apply wax but cannot say more there. -- Andrew Stephenson