[boonkgang13k]

I was using the Turtle Wax Max Power Car Wash from Costco with a microfiber towel to wash my brand new 530e, but then I realized it left with some swirls... I should have realized this car wash might be too tough on metallic paint. Then, I tried waxing and polishing (Meguiar's Ultimate Polish) off the swirls, but they don't seem to work. Is it normal to have swirls after car wash? How do I remove the swirls or do I have to take it to a body shop? Thanks a lot!

EDIT: How do I properly wash my car without making swirls and scratches?

[JamesWWIII]

Originally Posted by boonkgang13k

I was using the Turtle Wax Max Power Car Wash from Costco with a microfiber towel to wash my brand new 530e

When you say this, you mean you dried with the microfiber towel, right? You didn't use that towel to wash the car?

Washing should be done with a microfiber or lambswool mitt. Also, when it comes to drying, not all microfiber towels are created equal. You might want to read some threads in the detailing forum here or check out the guides on Autogeek.net

[Napster846]

If they are minor swirls, just take a polisher to polish it off. I also like to use waffle weave microfiber towels and use the blotting technique to my car.

[Speedwell-Industries]

Originally Posted by boonkgang13k

I was using the Turtle Wax Max Power Car Wash from Costco with a microfiber towel to wash my brand new 530e, but then I realized it left with some swirls... I should have realized this car wash might be too tough on metallic paint. Then, I tried waxing and polishing (Meguiar's Ultimate Polish) off the swirls, but they don't seem to work. Is it normal to have swirls after car wash? How do I remove the swirls or do I have to take it to a body shop? Thanks a lot!

Did you use a two bucket wash? Did you use the same microfiber towel on your wheels as the paint?

The ultimate polish should take off light swirls.

[saintpatty]

Originally Posted by JamesWWIII

When you say this, you mean you dried with the microfiber towel, right? You didn't use that towel to wash the car?

Washing should be done with a microfiber or lambswool mitt. Also, when it comes to drying, not all microfiber towels are created equal. You might want to read some threads in the detailing forum here or check out the guides on Autogeek.net

Nothing wrong with a towel. I actually prefer it because I can fold to a clean side when needed. You're right about not all towels are created equally.

[435MSport6Speed]

What color are we discussing? Black? If so, welcome to black.

[louielouie]

Decent car wash soap generally doesn't damage paint. Although I've heard stay away from Turtle Wax as their products aren't ph neutral. There's an issue with your regimen.

What type of MF towels are you using? Did you remove the tag if it has one?

Did you prerinse before actual wash?

Did you properly rinse the towel to not drag dirt?

If you're waxing and polishing, which did you apply first? Before attempting to polish, did you properly remove your sacrificial layers of paint protection to get a proper correction?

[SoCal_NSX]

That what I love about Alpine White...it has swirls I’m sure, but you can’t see them

[instalher]

if you see swirl marks after a wash in one spot they are all over the car.. how anal are you about the look of the paint.. at this point I would go over the whole car with a heavy polish like grups, start with the trunk lid.. see if it helps, if that works then due the rest of the car... if swirls are still there, step up to a rupes 2500 cut. this will take out light swirls, Then you will have to polish, then wax.... welcome to being insane about paint.. lol... great car by the way...

[ooshnoo]

Stop drying with towels. Blow dry it with a leaf blower. An electric blower is cheap and can reach wind speeds of over 200mph. Your car will be dry in no time.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by boonkgang13k

I was using the Turtle Wax Max Power Car Wash from Costco with a microfiber towel to wash my brand new 530e, but then I realized it left with some swirls... I should have realized this car wash might be too tough on metallic paint. Then, I tried waxing and polishing (Meguiar's Ultimate Polish) off the swirls, but they don't seem to work. Is it normal to have swirls after car wash? How do I remove the swirls or do I have to take it to a body shop? Thanks a lot!

Just finished washing and drying using this method an hour ago.

[saintpatty]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Just finished washing and drying using this method an hour ago.

That's a lot of equipment to avoid something that's avoidable with proper technique and quality products.

I've been washing my cars exclusively with Optimum No Rinse Wash & Wax, single bucket, and quality mf towels.

https://www.amazon.com/OPT-Optimum-N.../dp/B00GG9FB8U

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

OR

https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys...uys+microfiber

Wash a section at a time and spray this on before drying.

http://opti-coat.net/opts/hyper-seal

No scratches, no fancy equipment.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by saintpatty

That's a lot of equipment to avoid something that's avoidable with proper technique and quality products.

I've been washing my cars exclusively with Optimum No Rinse Wash & Wax, single bucket, and quality mf towels.

https://www.amazon.com/OPT-Optimum-N.../dp/B00GG9FB8U

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...UTF8&psc=1

OR

https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys...uys+microfiber

Wash a section at a time and spray this on before drying.

http://opti-coat.net/opts/hyper-seal

No scratches, no fancy equipment.

I prefer a faster and safer approach

[saintpatty]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

I prefer a faster and safer approach

I have a foam cannon. It's not faster and it doesn't clean a dirty car.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by saintpatty

I have a foam cannon. It's not faster and it doesn't clean a dirty car.

As you stated no fancy equipment, you clearly you have a water pressure issue. Using 50-150 PSI from a faucet isn’t going to get anything clean.

A foam cannon without 2000 PSI and a really high amount of water per minute will not clean your car.

Even the foam cannon manufacturers admit that.

[saintpatty]

To answer the OP's question, to remove swirls, your best bet is to use something link a DA polisher. The Porter Cable 7424xp is a good budget option. From there you need pads, polishes and/or compounds, and sealants.

If all that sounds overwhelming, pay someone to correct and seal your paint with one of the many ceramic-type coatings. Professional correction and coating is expensive though. Be prepared to spend up to $1k or more for that type of work. Honestly though, if it's something you're interested in doing yourself, it's not rocket science and I can provide you a list of supplies you'd need to do it yourself.

[saintpatty]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

As you stated no fancy equipment, you clearly you have a water pressure issue.

A foam cannon without 2000 PSI and a really high amount of water per minute will not clean your car.

Even the foam cannon manufacturers admit that.

2800psi pressure washer. Touchless washes are a myth. Sorry bud.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by saintpatty

2800psi pressure washer. Touchless washes are a myth. Sorry bud.

So much for not having fancy equipment. You are contradicting yourself.

What GPM?

Funny I’ve been doing them for years. So much for a myth.

[saintpatty]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

So much for not having fancy equipment. You are contradicting yourself.

What GPM?

Funny I’ve been doing them for years. So much for a myth.

2.3gpm. A lot more than the one used in the video.

I use it as a pre-rinse during the winter when the salt comes out. I'm certainly not going to bust it out each time I wash. Mostly because it's less effective than a proper bucket wash.

[saintpatty]

Let's get back on topic here. The guy is asking how to safely wash his car. It doesn't require $600 in equipment to do so. That's absurd.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by saintpatty

2.3gpm. A lot more than the one used in the video.

I use it as a pre-rinse during the winter when the salt comes out. I'm certainly not going to bust it out each time I wash. Mostly because it's less effective than a proper bucket wash.

That's your issue. Not enough GPM.

[R.I.P. Grandma]

Lots of options for minimizing swirls. Some swear by rinseless washes and others use a 2 bucket approach. Foam cannons, quality wash mitz, microfiber towels, etc. Generally, swirls or light scratches will happen over time. I think owning a DA with good product and pads will help deal with these issues and good tools to have in order to detail your car.