Too many guys complaining about how the paint looks on there car, some of that could be because today's base coat/ clear coat cars need extra care when washing. For you guys who are waiting to get there new Cobalt I would suggest you tell your salesman to make sure they don't wash the car , that doesn't mean if the cars overly dirty you should take delivery of it before you can see how the paint is. Here's a few of my suggestions.

1. A good Automotive shampoo, do not use dish soap.

2. 100% U.S.A made cotton towels, if you check some of the auto forums you can find guys who sell the correct towels.

3. Some dislike like it but a California Water Blade works great for me, you do have to make sure there's nothing on the paint that might drag across the paint surface.

4. A clean bucket and a top grade washing mitt.

5. Another bucket/sponge to wash the wheels.

6. A high speed electric leaf blower, these things will remove 80% of the water off you car.

7. As for polish http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc is the best I've ever used.

8. When doing your final rinse remove the hose nozzel and let the water sheet off your car.

O.K, let's hear some more ideas from everyone here. One more thing, this is a must have in my opinion http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...41d+1079089426

 

Mr. Clean car wash system..

spray it on.
wipe the dirt off
rinse the car off
spray on the gel mist that drys it

nice and simple

car looks brand new when im done

 

I've read good thing about Mr. Clean, I do believe over time the car will still need a good hand wash.

I think California Car Dusters should be avoided, I will amit to using them but there's no way it can be good for your paint. JMO

 

Mr. Clean car wash worked ok for me, but it costs and arm and a leg for the soap and filters.

 

I have a california car duster and havent had any problems with it yet...but i dont understand the dirtier it gets the better it cleans saying it just makes sense that it would leave more dust behind than what was there before

 

I use turtlewax wash, then use the absorber shammy to dry it off, then mothers FX synthetic wax.

Never really thought about the free flowing water for the rinse though, I will have to try that next time.

 

i use the mr clean system then wax about once every 2 months, and rain x the windows every month-month and a half.

i do agree the car needs a good hand wash for every 2 mr clean washes, thats what i do.

im used to maintaning a black maxima! silver barely shows.

 

my paint usually lasts for years and years... i had a 95 hyundai accent for a beater car and it's paint was perfect. all i did was this:

never take it to a car wash unless you absolutely have to

wash it with any kind of car soap (not dish soap) atleast once every other week

wax roughly 3-4 times per year (i only use meguirs<sp>)

use the spray on wax after each wash (only takes about 30 mins)

and that's it... it's pretty simple and makes sure you have lots of protection all the time