Detailing & Automotive Care Use this forum to discuss detailing, cleaning and automotive care to maintain the beauty in your Mercedes-Benz.

water-only washing the car - Yes or no?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 25, 2007 | 05:10 PM
  #1  
coolcamden's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 947
Likes: 131
From: SF Bay Area
2021 E63S Wagon 2019 S63 AMG Coupé 2015 S Coupé Edition 1 1970 Chevelle LS5
water-only washing the car - Yes or no?

We all know black cars is a pain, I would wash it and put it back in the garage, drive it about 2 or 3 times a week and before long it gets dusty more than dirty. So I clean it off with a spray mist like Pinnacle or Blackfire. I just thought of this idea if I just use water to rinse it and dry without washing shampoo. Is this bad and has anyone tried it?
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2007 | 05:51 PM
  #2  
Greg@DI's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 2
From: NY
Are you asking if you can use water instead of a quick detailer to remove the dust? If so, then my answer would be yes, but it's far riskier. Quick detailers help provide lubrication to the surface and encapsulate contaminates so they can safely glide off the paint. This helps prevent contaminates from being ground in to the clear coat, which could potentially add fine swirls or scratches.

Greg @ Detailed Image
Reply
Old Sep 26, 2007 | 05:44 AM
  #3  
TOGWT's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 880
Likes: 4
From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL/ Hampstead, London, England
'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
At one time RR, AstonM, Bentley, etc would recommend washing vehicle paint surface with just plain water and drying with a chamois towel... but that was then, we now know that as Greg has alluded to, lubrication and modern surfactants are key to avoiding surface marring or worse
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:54 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE