I have been washing my truck every week(give or take), and I noticed that water spots are on my truck everytime I finish(duh, you bought BLACK). How can I keep from waxing this thing everytime I wash it to get rid of the spots?? I have tried every kind of towel and those leave water streaks!!!!!!! and they do the same thing the spots do. Wax seems to be the only way I have seen to really get rig of the streaks and spots. I would love to hear of any alternative way to get rid of the spots and streaks!!

 

Have it painted red, white or silver.

Spike

 

Do you wash your truck in the sun? If so, don't. I use a quick detailer after every wash; and this seems to take care of any streaks or spots.

 

I have an HD special so I know the trouble with black. I have a full house water softener system and I've added an outside outlet for washing cars to help reduce the problem. It also help if I wash in the morning or late at night so the drops don't have a chance to dry on the paint. After washing I go over my truck with a leaf blower to take most of the water off, then chamois. Last thing is a shot of Miracle Mist (detailer). This stuff also contains a liquid type wax and does a great job of giving it that last little bit of shine. I think the most critical things are to use soft water and not to let any of the water dry on the paint (wash in morning or late evening).

 

I use a California water blade and wipe the excess with a soft cloth.

Towels actually leave scratches, the blade doesn't.

You can dry the whole truck in 3 minutes. No time for waterspots to form. Even in Florida...

Maguires makes the best mist spray, IMO.

My Lexus IS300 is black, this scenario works well there too...

 

Same thing as Tampa...California Water Blade followed up with Meguiars Quick Detailer (spray on, wipe with one towel, dry with another). I used to hate my black L until I figured this out...

 

I just take mine down to my friendly neighborhood mex........, ah never mind

 

I have yet to try one of those Water Blades, i keep thinking it will leave lines
(like a window squeegie sp?).

FRITZ, Stock Silver 2001 "L"

 

I wash, then blade, then leaf blow, then if needed use a detailer product, like McGuiers or Z06.

Daniel

 

MRBBQMAN -- I remember last time you said that...

lrutt -- The leaf blower might be a good idea. I was trying to figure out a way to get the big water spots off, instead of driving up and down my street at 50+.

My suggestion is to keep it in the shade. I have a garage for detailing, and a carport for washing. (Nice little setup, 5 car storage). I was in carport, then put in garage and touch up. I use the Zaino spray for waterspots.

Colin

 

MRBBQMAN

 

I am in the same sort of situation with my Black L... Drives me crazy sometimes...

I actually bought an in-line water filter, and wash/wax at my girlfriends place (better water, nice awning to work under).

I found alot of good tips at this site:

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/index.html

I always thought the California Water blades would hurt/sratch the paint... even though though the packaging says it won't... I've been using the leaf-blower and chamois, but if you all think the water blade is safe, maybe i'll give it a shot...

 

Ditto on the Calif. water blade, followed by Zaino Z-6 ULTRA CLEAN "GLOSS ENHANCER" SPRAY. No spots, streaks etc..mile deep shine..

 

The California water blade will not leave scratches or streaks... I've been using mine for nearly 2 years now.

As some of you know, my L isn't a daily driver. It was built for shows only and maybe a rare jaunt on the weekends.

I wouldn't use anything else but the blade.

(funnystory: I stood and watched my brother wipe down almost all of his new black Tahoe with a towel and then asked him if he wanted to borrow my blade.... He's hooked now too).

Rich

 

Shade to wash,dry with chamois