[Seal1968]

Originally Posted by rick3000

If I'm understanding your post correctly, you don't wash the car because it is kept in a garage and covered, but you do clean the car with quick detailer, and clean the wheels. I do think that is a bad idea.

Quick detailer is more for spot cleaning between full washes, so things like bird droppings don't sit on the paint and etch it. Using quick detailer with a towel (I hope a good quality microfiber), introduces a lot more potential for scratches and swirls than rinsing the car with water and a good lubricating car wash, because anything picked up by the towel is getting pressed into the paint as you wipe it around. If you do a good job washing the car, the soap will lubricate those small particles and help prevent them from scratching/swirling. Second, quick detailer provides no protection, a good wax or sealant will help protect the paint when it is hit by small particles, rocks, sand, etc while driving the car. You want that extra barrier on the paint. And cleaning the undercarriage is always a good idea, especially if you live somewhere that puts down salt.

Hit the nail on the head. Reminds me of "dry hair shampoo"...you're just putting more gunk on top of things.