Bronco washing advice.

[88to21bronco]

Hey all! Between the PR disaster thread and the GOAT mode explosion thread, let me ask for some guidance. I have washed cars my entire adult life, but never really considered how to do it well. Recently, my wife bought me an electric pressure washer with soap attachment that I use in conjunction with a sponge. But on my Dark Blue Titan I can't seem to avoid water spots and swirl marks.

So what advice can you give me on my Cactus Gray Bronco? How should I best go about washing it?

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[kodiakisland]

Haven't washed my Tacoma in over 5 years, so I don't know what I'm talking about, but you might want to post it in this area: Cosmetic Upkeep: Washing, Detailing, Body Repairs, Protection | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

I do wash my wifes camaro and always dry it with soft towels before water spots form.

 

[Mattbar1]

Vacuum/clean inside first. Then wheels with their own brush and towels. Spray down the entire vehicle to remove as much debris as possible. Then two buckets to wash, using one to rinse the mitt (with a strainer). Then top to bottom (roof, then hood, top of doors, then bumpers and bottom of doors). Use a foam cannon. Touch the vehicle as little as possible. If available, use a small/clean leaf blower to dry/accelerate drying.

Wax or seal it to protect as much as possible.

 

[Stitches1974]

I know this doesn't fit your pressure washer, but I never use them on any vehicle. Not saying they are bad or good.

I wash my vehicles with the 2 bucket method. 2 buckets, one with soap water and the other with just water. One microfiber mit or cloth and regular sponge for tires and wheels. Wet vehicle down and get hard stuff off. Use microfiber to wash a section at a time. Dunk mit into just the water bucket and wring it out, to get most of the dirt and crud out of it, then re dunk into the soap bucket and repeat.

For drying, I use a Shamwow ( don't laugh, they work ) to get the surface dried, then go over it with a microfiber cloth to lessen any chance of water spots.

 

[604Bronco]

When I’m not lazy, I use a large microfibre drying towel. I’ve also seem some folks use a leaf blower lol.

I have also used some detailing spray afterwards, once it’s all clean and dry. Gets rid of some of the water marks or other small imperfections.

That being said, I plan on washing my Bronco (eventually!) with my standard 2 bucket wash to keep the grit to a minimum and likely won’t hand dry it too often. It’s an off-road vehicle… Not as concerned as I was with my Camaro SS or other sports cars. Just want to keep the swirls down the best I can.

 

[Toccoa]

It’s an SUV. Drive through a shallow creek and call it a day.

 

[Razorback]

in addition to the above guidance. I also use the Pro Aqua water softener connected between the house faucet and the power washer...It makes a big difference. If you have a black vehicle, I would also recommend ceramic vs wax. It contains SiO2. It's hardness is crazy and creates a layer of air on the surface so dirt, grime, and yes water doesn't stick...

 

[Ricepuddin]

A lot of good how to videos on here


https://youtube.com/user/chemicalGuys

 

[Dlerojo]

I dont use a pressure washer. I use Optimum no rinse car wash. I also put a wax on a couple times a year. Ive found Ford's paint chips super easy so I like all the protection I can get.

 

[BEM-S4]

If you really want to go down the rabbit hole...

https://ammonyc.com/blogs/learn

 

[Dads_bronze_bronco]

Don't wash it. Mud and dirt are badges of honor!

 

[Axxlrod]

You guys must have a lot of time on your hands.

I have a monthly unlimited pass at my local car wash. Free vacuums to use also.

 

[Stampede.Offroad]

Park it in the rain.

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

I cover the vehicle with soap from the foam cannon and it let it soak for a minute, then rinse with the pressure washer to remove the big stuff first.

Then a 2 bucket wash with grit guards in both buckets and a clean, soft wash mitt. Foam cannon used again for additional lubricity while washing.

Dry with clean, soft microfiber in conjunction with a detail spray as a drying aid to reduce water adhesion and provide additional lubricity while drying.

There's a loooot more to it if you really wanna get into it. The best advice would be to spend some time on actual detailing boards, or r/autodetailing if you're on reddit.

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

You guys must have a lot of time on your hands.

I have a monthly unlimited pass at my local car wash. Free vacuums to use also.

Most carwashes I've seen that offer subscriptions are a brush style wash, which is fine if you like completely destroying your paint.

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