LenT

An interesting observation, Bill, but it was the dirt spray I’d collected after a couple of hours driving on a damp road - as per the image I posted earlier - that persuaded me to fit mud flaps. True, my hearing is such that cars are getting quieter with every passing year and I do so few miles that fuel consumption is not a factor. But putting off car washing definitely is …something I’ve been discussing in another thread! 😊

Good grief, Peter. What mucky business are you lot getting up to in Wiltshire? It always seemed such a nice, innocent County to me!

Nothing to fear here, Andy. I have come round to the view that one can regard it as the end of one era of car ownership and the opening of the next chapter! I have discovered that there’s an entirely new kind of pleasure to be obtained from the totally pain free experience of watching someone else do the job. Rather like the old Potters Wheel on TV, it’s a very relaxing experience. 😊

Being about as far inland as you can get in the UK, this is not our problem. However, our local Collared Doves and Wood Pigeons do their best to mark their territory. My practice has been to apply a well-soaked sheet of kitchen roll and gently remove the dried deposit, relying on the original ceramic coating to ensure no residual marking. This has seemed to work fairly well. However, my new-found Mobile Consultant has recommended an initial wetting with one of the Modesta ceramic finish maintenance sprays that I have instead. No doubt I shall soon have the opportunity to try out this Top Tip!

Many thanks for your contribution, Gary. I think you’ve described the trajectory that many of us have followed. But as Linus pointed out earlier - and I have been able to confirm - there are many articles that support the claim that a modern, well-maintained mechanical wash is likely to be less damaging than an underpaid, Tesco-style operator with well-worn wash mitt / drying cloths rushing to deal with a queue of shoppers’ cars. And as you noted, whose work may still require further ‘titivation’! What has come out of this thread, I suggest, is that rather than ‘refer back to hand-car washing places’ you might explore the benefits of the mobile car washing service. After all, these are individuals who have already invested in kitting out a van with foam guns, possibly air dryers, and good quality materials - and then devote at least as long as you would to ensure that there was nothing left to ‘titivate’ at the end. At least, that’s what I got for £40! And others have reported similar results for even less. So it’s something I would certainly recommend that you might consider for the future. Go for it, Gary!

I think this is a more measured response. Ideally, no animals should be locked up in cars - although some drivers have been known to do it as a security measure! 😡 But I do know dog owners who use window mesh grills and are fully aware of internal temperatures and parking conditions who will also provide portable water dispensers, rather than leave a dog unattended alone at home - which can be more distressing. However, it’s also true that many drivers don’t appreciate how a warm day externally can result in potentially fatal conditions internally. Recently, I was sent an infrared thermometer reading showing that on one day in mid June the surface temperature of a car had reached 50C. I used to help run an event at the annual National Game Fair and regular PA warnings would be broadcast about leaving dogs in parked cars. One year there was indeed rumours of a dog dying, but there was certainly more than one instance of Police breaking in to cars to remove dogs and then later to prosecute the owners. I found this even more shocking as the attendees were supposedly mainly country folk who might have more awareness of their responsibilities.

Are you aware of these window guards? They allow wider window openings with improved security. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAC-Universal-Car-Window-Expanding-Safety-Vent-Guard-Pet-Dog-Travel-Barrier/255804889025?_trkparms=amclksrc=ITM&aid=1110006&algo=HOMESPLICE.SIM&ao=1&asc=20200818143230&meid=561a3dec18e042f7a58f1c25b8dc96c5&pid=101224&rk=3&rkt=5&sd=123745576827&itm=255804889025&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2047675&algv=DefaultOrganicWebV9BertRefreshRanker&_trksid=p2047675.c101224.m-1&pageci=d16ff5d2-45e5-45f5-ad20-db1da9481af4&redirect=mobile

This new information may well be the clue to the problem - especially depending on exactly where the wear is occurring, and whether it’s equal on both tyres. If the suspension’s been lowered are the tyres even the correct size? Is the wear being caused by road friction - or something else? And getting the tracking checked sounds like an especially good idea!

Well done for trying to answer this question, Noob. But it would appear that as David’s one and only post was to ask it in May 22 2020, he may have lost interest in the answer. There is the sad conjecture that his dog resolved the problem by dying of heatstroke. 🙁

Linus, you are a gem! Bernard beat me to it, but despite our relatively short acquaintance I can safely say that you are the only person I know who would include tyre spotting as part of their holiday itinerary. You are a true one off - and long may you continue! 😊

Many thanks for your comments, Brent. As I mentioned earlier, when I made my original post it was slightly tongue-in-cheek. But since then I’ve been surprised that it’s generated such interest and comment. Not so much that there are others who find themselves in the same position, but more in discovering that there are folk who can provide such a competent, professional mobile service at such a reasonable price. All the best with your own health issues, Brent.

One possibility, Shaun, is that when fitting the rear camera the connection to the built-in aerial in the rear screen has been damaged or disconnected. Or even the continuity of the aerial in the screen has been damaged. My car suddenly developed the same symptom - albeit long after the rear camera was fitted - but shortly after a Dealer service. The problem was rectified by the Dealer - apparently by replacing the rear screen FOC! It’s possible that my Service Contract covered such replacement or they felt responsible in some way. Frankly, I wasn’t too bothered about having an inquest as to how the problem was caused, which I think the Dealer appreciated! I hope this helps.

Spookily, Neil, that’s just what I suggested today to another poster about to collect a new Lexus. I doubt he’ll bother, but as you’ve discovered - and Detailers would recommend - if you want bodywork to stay looking like new, then that’s when to ceramic coat it. It’s a relatively small investment relative to the purchase price, but it’ll pay dividends if you’re planning to keep the car for some years. The one place where the benefit is a bit dubious is the windscreen, as you discovered. This article explains it in more detail. https://cars.newagain.co.uk/blog.asp?topic=Can-you-ceramic-coat-windscreens&tag=&id=40 Many years ago I knew the Company marketing a product called Rain-X, which was a silicon coating for glass to promote water beading. They specifically recommended that it should NOT be used on windscreens for the very reason you’ve described. When Chris Mitchell sold the product to another Company, they dropped that warning!

What an infuriating incident, Malcolm. Was this a recent crime or a past event that still rightly rankles? It may be scant consolation, but as a Case Study for having a dashcam in parking mode overnight, it may at least serve as an incentive to others.

Yes, that seems to be very much the case, Malcolm. Which is why - were I taking delivery of a brand new Lexus - I would take it straight to a professional Detailer for paint correction and a ceramic coating. The cost represents a small percentage of the total investment but provides the ideal start to a long lasting finish.

I think that sums it up pretty well, Linus. And the fact that both systems flourish probably indicates that the ‘average’ motorist is perfectly content with a ‘clean and shiny’ car and less concerned with the finer nuances of attaining bodywork perfection. Having said that, I can now provide an example that demonstrates the point. For health reasons, Mrs T hasn’t driven her Suzuki 4x4 for nearly two years. It’s barely moved off the drive. But now that she’s taking it up again, the need is to remove the many muddy, cat paw marks that it has collected. Which is why we’ve just returned from treating it to the top £10 car wash at the local BP station! What hypocrisy, some might think. But it’s the ten year old family work horse and as long as it’s ‘clean and shiny’ that’s all Mrs T demands. Justifying any further investment involves a degree of debate that is ultimately not worth the effort. Fortunately, she greatly approves of the Lexus, so I can spend what I like on it!

How very irritating for you, Kevin. This - and the lack of locking wheel nuts or bolts - can take the gloss off the pleasure of acquiring a new car. At the very least, it means an additional Dealer visit. Although not the Dealer’s fault, I hope they are taking responsibility and arranging some acceptable compensation! To brighten your mood, I can suggest an additional way to spend your money. Have you considered having it professionally Detailed and a ceramic coating applied? Much depends on how long you plan to keep it, but Detailers say this is the ideal time for them to work on a car - when it should have the very minimum of paint correction required. All the best for Saturday. 😊

Apparently,:modern washes use microfibre filaments which are claimed to be gentler in action and less likely retain the grit they’re supposed to be washing off - especially in view of the copious volumes of water they use. Those who make them and install them certainly argue that they’re better than the ‘average’ hand wash. In reality, it seems that the quality of their maintenance will greatly affect their performance. But I think it’s fair to say that even these low-cost mobile operations are superior, simply because of the time they devote to the task and the expertise they apply to it. I’m certainly a convert. But will I burn my bridges and give away all my car wash kit? Probably not…just in case!

After having my car ‘Detailed’ I was urged to avoid any further contact with the local garage-based car washes. But you’re quite right Linus that many articles advise that because they use far more water they can be less damaging than a hand wash. However, as my new mobile mate observed, car washes that use recycled water rely on the meticulous maintenance of the filters to eliminate microscopic grit particles. And that is often not up to scratch - as one might say! In addition, they use more aggressive detergents in the wash which will be more effective at removing wax finishes, for example. And I’m sure we’ve all gone round the car afterwards dealing with the various areas that have been missed. It happens to be the case that our two local, Tesco-based hand washes are indeed EE staffed. But presumably that’s because they were smart enough to negotiate the franchise in the first place. I’m sure that no-one is suggesting that the individual’s ethnicity is the cause for concern. Watching these lads in action, I would say it’s the time pressure they’re under. After all, cars are left with them while the owners go shopping. They then come out after, probably, less than thirty minutes and expect the car to be gleaming - and it usually is, despite the lad having to do, say, two or three (or even more!) in that time. And as you rightly observe, their reward for all that effort is hardly likely to encourage a dedicated approach! The fact that these operations are still in business simply shows that many motorists are perfectly happy with the results. But then many motorists have their cars serviced by the likes of Halfords.

I’m sure we all wish you sunshine and happiness for such a significant family event, Dave. 😊

I think Rowley is referring to the likes of Hand Washes that pop-up in Tesco car parks. Unfortunately they do tend to be operated by predominantly Eastern European lads organised by someone who acts suspiciously like a ‘Gangmaster’. In terms of the potential damage to a car’s finish, there would be little to choose between them and a mechanical car wash. Although the car wash doesn’t drop a drying towel on the concrete and then pick it up again to continue drying the car - as I watched one lad do!

Almost the first thing I asked my guy is what he classified the IS250 as being - fully expecting it would be a ‘large’ partially influenced by the fact that ii’s also regarded as ‘luxury’. So I was surprised that he pronounced it ‘medium’. It’ll be interesting to see what he makes of our other car - a Suzuki SX4 which is much older and doesn’t have the benefit of ceramic coating.

Interesting point, Rowley. My guy was quick to establish that he took payment by card or online - and was a bit surprised when I offered cash. He also has quite a sophisticated website: http://www.rs-autodetailing.co.uk/ I must admit that I made my original admission somewhat tongue-in-cheek - and expected a bit of joshing as a result. Instead all the comments have been very positive in favour of mobile valeting. As usual, I seem to be coming rather late to the party - and should have done this years ago!

Well I don’t have the problems that Herbs has to overcome, but at 78 a cost/benefit v discomfort analysis definitely comes down now on the side of letting someone else do it! I’m sure you’re right that bulk buying materials through the trade will reduce costs per job, but it’s still a low margin business. While being mobile can be a benefit, it’s also subject to the weather. My chap was actually scheduled for a few days earlier, but had to call it off. As he demonstrated by emailing an image of an infrared thermometer, car bodies that day were reaching a temperature of 50C.

Good grief, Herbs! I’m impressed you can even drive the car. 👍