Okay,
I'm getting ready to wash the car. After going through all the posts, I've decided to start this learning curve with NSXtacy's advice. Because I'm as tight as a crabs ass regarding this stuff, I'm going to simply wash the car today - and that's it. This is my plan.
Transport the car from the garage to the self-serve car wash.
1. Using only Spot-free water, fill up 3 buckets (one for Zymol Car Wash, one for rinse number 1 and another for rinse number 2).
2. I'm going to apply with 100% cotton towels made in the USA from Sam's Club.
3. I will rinse the car totally with spot-free rinse water.
4. I'll wash the car as described in the Detailing Section of this site (from top to bottom, etc).
5. I'll either allow the car to dry on it's own from the spot free rinse (which I've had no spotting problem with) or using a remaining towel or cheneille (sp?) only when 1 billion percent positive there is no dirt on the paint.
6. Next, I'll go over the car with the Maguire's Quick Detailer for the smell of it and the final touch.
Questions - can I use a bag full of sponges for the wash? Also, last night I noticed a section of the bolster dry, hard and beginning of crack lines (though no cracks, but you can see the spider web starting). A friend of mine had Lexol Conditioner. I sprayed a couple drops in my hand and rubbed it in. I came back hours later (and I was careless about it, I just figured "moisture" was good) and that whole area is shiny, but sticky. I was hoping it would look and feel like the passenger seat which is brand new. My question is - should I do both seats for uniformity (but I don't like the shine I see or the feel of it) or should I somehow buff of some of the Lexol to get it to blend. The seats have never been cleaned but the car has only 9K miles on it since brand new (1995) and has been garaged BUT - as I said, the drivers side is showing some dryness apparently.
Appreciate it - I know this is a highly opinionated exhausted topic, but trust me, I've read through everything already on this site and just want to get up to date feedback. I'll let you know how the car wash works out.