Hello I just purchasd a 2012 Prius with the black paint. Never had a black car before and I hear it takes some time and effort to keep them clean. Can you share some tips to keep the car clean? Does runnign the car thru a car wash harm the car finish at all? Do they sell a car Swifter or duster to get the dust and other particles off of the car? Is there a best wax and waxing technique to use? Is it worth taking to a professional detailer twice a year to handle some of this?
welcome to Priuschat. have you tried searching the forums for info? There are quite a few threads discussing just the info you're looking for. Here are two: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...wax-polish-spray-liquid-black-2010-prius.html http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-v...ng-waxing-tips-pics-your-prius-long-read.html To quickly answer some of your questions... I would avoid car washes. They create swirl marks and strip off any wax or sealant you ahve on your vehicle. If you want to remove light surface dust/contaminants I'd use a spray detailer and micro fiber. Up to you if you want to use a detailer person. If you're going to use a car wash anyway I wouldn't waste the money.
I am no expert but have had a number of black cars. I would not take it to a car wash. I would also not go to get the car detailed because they will likely just add visible swirls. Try and remove dirt with the hose first. Wash using two buckets one to wash and one to rinse the wash mitt along with the hose to rinse the car. (Do not use a sponge) Do the wheels last to minimize abrasives getting on the paint. Wax at least two times a year and once a year clay the car. Make sure you wax in the shade. Get some spray detail for light cleaning. I have had good luck with Meguiars products.
Black shows dirt quite easily so you'll be washing more frequently if you care about a clean, shiny look. Touchless car washes are good if you are diligent about going frequently to keep dirt buildup to a minimum. I'd suggest a monthy/yearly membership to one if it's convenient. Cheap car washes with the spinning brushes will dull your paint and produce visible swill marks. You'll need to buff them out with a good polish and then a wax afterwards. This is very labor intensive. My sandy beach metallic 2010 is probably the best color I've found for hiding dirt. We also have a black Honda civic to compare it with.
I have a black 2011 and keep it tight! Never run through any auto car washes. I wash by hand and use Zaino products for wax type care. It does not take that much time to properly wash/wax your car but it will never work long term unles you enjoy it. Good luck!
Well ... I hate to differ with everyone ........ but I have always owned at least one black car and mine always go to the car wash .. and often .. They look great Any dark color will show flaws -- especially bird markings. The top finish is all the same ..... They need to be kept clean. The modern detail sprays and wipe on waxes are fantastic -- they keep things from sticking and they hide any small scratches in the clear coat. I have had great results with ReJeX -- originally for airplanes. You don't want to buff too hard.
With black cars, it's extremely important to keep a bottle of 50% isopropanol and a microfiber cloth in the car at all times and remove the droppings the second you see them. If you don't have the proper products, get them off using anything you have. Any microscratches induced by removing them will be far easier to correct than the marring caused by bird droppings.
