Salt crystals must be like tiny diamonds.

because I can't help but get wash induced marring.

I know I just can't do the same, careful wash process in winter but my finish is taking a beating through the last three winter washes.

I have particularly soft clear too (Aquarts Nano protected) so it's incredibly difficult to find a solution.

Any suggestions to reduce the marring during washing?

 

I had same issue last year when the winter was killer here in NJ. No matter what I did, I still couldnt get it right. I used a 3 bucket wash method, and even tried rinsing wash mit in the sink inside my home after each side of the car. The rock salt blows. I just dealt with it until spring. I agree though, its nothing short of infuriating to see the marring on your own car.

 

How are you washing?

In the winter, I usually take my car to the the coin-op, or use my pressure washer to knock the grit off, then, ONR in my garage.

Hot water helps to loosen the salt if you can get some hot water in your bucket somehow.

 

wash with hotwater...... I know, I know you cant wash your car where you are at. But when I go snowmobiling I get road salt on my trucks etc. Steam, and heat helps dissolve the salt.

If I lived back east, honestly I probably just as frustrated. Salt not the easiest thing to deal with, highly corrosive if left and anything short of shrink wrapping your car not much you can do really unless you have access to properly wash your car. I can't see ONR really being that great at removing road salt by itself, it needs to be pretreated or pressure washed like Rob says........ I could be wrong.

 

i just use the coin-op. the pre-soak option really helps ( never use the brush ) then the power soap, then power rinse.

its not perfect, but until i can get my foam gun out and get some good temps, it'll have to do. no way am i touching my car with anything.

 

My process in my garage (done two times):

1. Light hose wash in the garage
2. Bucket wash (1BM) with Uber sponge
3. Rinse
4. WW towel dry

My last process at the coin op (done once):

1. Pressure spray (water only)
2. Bucket wash (1BM) with Uber sponge
3. Pressure spray rinse (water only)
4. WW towel dry

 

have you ever tired a leaf blower, it would reduce the chance for marring by about 80%.......... $30.00 at sears gets a nice craftsman or toro 150 MPH blower. totally worth it. also maybe a deeper nap towel for drying, i am not a fan of waffle weave towels.

 

This stuff works amazing. Use as a presoak and mix with warm water. breaks the salt down very fast.

http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-road-salt-neutralizer-gallon.html

 

I have a corded leaf blower, but that won't work when I'm using the coin op. And I'd rather use it outside as it's loud (I live in a townhouse and my neighbors already think I'm nuts).

I've been using WW towels with very, very little marring in the non-winter months.

How does your LSP handle it?

 

Seems to hold up but I always use a spray wax like OCW or such in the winter time just for some added protection anyways.

 

Good info Dr. Oldz.

I never even knew such a product existed.

 

Jim, I'm wondering if Vinegar mixed in a sprayer would work just as well...applying an acid to the highly basic salt on the surface?

To the OP, my procedure is as follows for the winter:
Hook up my pressure washer to the hose with both hot and cold water (I have both taps in my garage)
Power wash off as much as possible.
Wash with hot water, lots of soap with ONR mixed in to boot.
Power wash off.
Fill a watering can with water and sheet off the surfaces.
Dry with leaf blower or master blaster.
Squeegee out the water off the garage floor.
I have even done it this winter where I have not bothered drying it after the sheeting and it was fine.
This gives you an idea. I shot this video last winter to critique the durability of CQ:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1qMMAdP2hE&list=UUV6xDBAoiwXuGw_9V6zCkIQ&index=12&feature=plcp

 

Richy, are you using a water purification system?

If I only had a drain in my garage I would be set. :/

 

I agree. My neighbors think I'm a nut. I'll wash in garage and they see the soapy water running out from under garage door. Lol.

 

No I'm not. I feel lucky to have the hot water out there too. I hear ya on the drain. Too bad I didn't build this house or it woulda had one!!!

 

Perhaps vinegar would work Richy, but I have been using this stuff a long time and it works great. Does wonders on the salt that gets on the undercarriage also. Really does a great job at preventing corrosion with regular use.