Whenever I look at all these rx8 of the month nomination, in all the pics the front fender of the car looks soooooooooo clean! I can take mine through a personal car wash and have it detailed and I still think it would be dirty...Maybe not I've never really checked, I'm too busy staring at how sparkly it is because normally I only take mine in to get washed when it's dirty...

Another thing I'm little concericused about is people talking about how if you have Brilliant Black, to always get it hand washed otherwise you get these circular patterns, I've actually started to notice those (because I don't get mine hand washed...ever...) So uh, yeah. If I ever really get into my car and what it too look showroom special, all these circles in the paint and things like that, I can wax/buff those out yes? Or am I forever doomed to have my hood look like a bunch of old records melded together?

 

It's called swirl marks. Very fine scratches in the clear coat that is inevitable. Any pro detailer can remove them with the correct polishes and equipment. Check out the show & shine threads for more info.

 

get zaino.

 

I would rather not wash the car at all , then to not hand wash it. You're just damaging your car.

 

Clay prep and a quality random orbital polisher (e.g. Griot's) take the swirls right out. Hand wash and microfiber towels , as typical machine wash and/or poor quality towels is what imparts the swirls to begin with.

 

Well as far as those in and out washes go there isn't much else I can do, I have the time to do it, but not really the money to buy all the necessary things to do a good hand wash.

Is taking it through the in and out washes causing PERMANENT damage, or is it something that can be polished out with a really good hand wash?

 

Make sure you go through "touchless" car washes if you dont hand wash it, if you do hand wash it, make sure your mit is very clean, dirt in the mit will leave scratches. Heres what you should try. Take alot of time to give your 8 a very thourough wash, then, clay your 8, they using a buffer, use cleaning compound, then if you still have a haze from the buff, buff with swirl remover, then after all is said and done, rewash your car to get the wax out of the cracks. If you dont have any detailing experience or dont have about 5 hours free, the take your 8 to your dealer, and be ready to pay about 100-200 for this. I used to be a detail manager at a dealership, trust me that's my advise.

 

Either route it sounds like I'm going to be out a lot of money.

Best bet is to keep going through Quick Quack and Crystal Falls car washes until I get my credit cards paid off and can indulge in a hand wash.

Otherwise, anyone care to donate to the "My baby needs a hand wash fund"?