I'm a newbie and this is probably a stupid question but I want to keep my new Vette's beautiful finish looking as good as possible. I'm wondering if I need to be extra careful when I wash my Vette so I won't scratch it???? I live in IL and plan to drive it daily so it's going to get dirty. In the winter, I'm sure it's going to get a coat of salt on it and I'm concerned about how to get that off without it scratching. I've always used the soapy brush at the hand car wash to loosen the dirt first and then I use the power spray to rinse it. I have such a beautiful shiny finish that I'm wondering if it will scratch easier or what I need to do. I've wanted a Vette since I was a kid and now at 56 I finally got mine. Any advice on how fragile my finish is would be appreciated. Thanks a lot!

I'm a newbie and this is probably a stupid question but I want to keep my new Vette's beautiful finish looking as good as possible. I'm wondering if I need to be extra careful when I wash my Vette so I won't scratch it???? I live in IL and plan to drive it daily so it's going to get dirty. In the winter, I'm sure it's going to get a coat of salt on it and I'm concerned about how to get that off without it scratching. I've always used the soapy brush at the hand car wash to loosen the dirt first and then I use the power spray to rinse it. I have such a beautiful shiny finish that I'm wondering if it will scratch easier or what I need to do. I've wanted a Vette since I was a kid and now at 56 I finally got mine. Any advice on how fragile my finish is would be appreciated. Thanks a lot!


Welcome to the site Paul. I have 2 different washing mittens: 1 for the main body of the car and the other for the wheels. I use 1 drying cloth for the top and another for the wheels. I always wash all my rags and detailing rags. This is really the best you can do, unless I'm missing something myself.

I would use a spray to knock off any dirt first , then use a wash mitt
( if using a commerical car wash, take your own mitt) finally rinse your car with the spray. also use a good car wash instead of dish soap or the one at the car wash. I take my own bucket, car wash and mitt to the self car wash.

most people do not drive in bad weather.use plenty of soapy water.do not use a brush on it and use a good wax.

i don't know of anyone who uses a commercial car wash,even thet say it is brushless.alway,s hand wash it.never use dishwashing liquid it hurt,s the clear coat.

Wash your car with a good soap and a wash mitt, sea sponge or there a some new foam wash mitts from some of the detailing companies that make polishing pads that also work very well. Use microfiber towels to dry your car. An electric leaf blower also works great to get most of the water off your car even in places you can't get. Partially dry is with the blower and go over it with a microfiber towel. Some people also like to use a 2 bucket method with one for rinse water and one with soaping water. Washing your car the correct why will help prevent getting lots of swirls in your paint.

Wash your car with a good soap and a wash mitt, sea sponge or there a some new foam wash mitts from some of the detailing companies that make polishing pads that also work very well. Use microfiber towels to dry your car. An electric leaf blower also works great to get most of the water off your car even in places you can't get. Partially dry is with the blower and go over it with a microfiber towel. Some people also like to use a 2 bucket method with one for rinse water and one with soaping water. Washing your car the correct why will help prevent getting lots of swirls in your paint.

:iagree: Near exact as to what I do myself.

i never use a shamy always scratches the paint i would just rather let a pro take car e of it