Sue Esponte

Okay, I'll admit it, I love the idea of this stuff (especially as I sit inside wondering when the heck I am going to find the time to wash my cars again) and yet the thought of using it still scares the hell out of me. It just runs counter to everything I've ever known about cleaning a car. Is it just a ploy to sell more polish?

Then, of course, I get an email from Griot's Garage with a link to this video...

/GriotsGarage#p/u/18/QYwXgXHupHw
...and it makes me wonder...and still makes me cringe at the same time. Anyone have any experience with this kind of stuff? I know other companies sell similar types of products. Any thoughts?

-Eric

Topaz330ci

Ya i don't get it....

DreamCarrera

Great question Eric.

I have been wondering the exact same thing for a couple of years now. Unfortunately, my research has yielded very mixed results when it comes to using these types of products. Some swear by them(if used properly) while others strongly suggest not using them.

Like you, I seldom get the time to do a proper car wash and am very tempted to use this type of product to quickly wash my Pcar, especially during the colder winter months. I think these types of products are safe to use if: 1.) your car is not too dirty to begin with 2.) you use adequate amounts of the cleaner and 3.) you use clean, high quality micro-fiber cloths.

Maybe I'll give them a try this winter.

SWK6Cup

+1^
I like Griot's products, for the most part and I have used the Spray-On Wash, but, NOT on my P-car. I use it on the truck, occassionally on the wife's sled. Dream Carrera is right on, your car can't be too dirty. No mud, stuck on road grime, etc., otherwise you will use 1/2 the bottle trying to get enough liquid to wash it off. However, if you have bugs, silt, dust film, the product works great...and yes, you need multiple fresh micro fiber towels...a few to do the job right.
Even havning said the above, my car gets a proper wash, maybe a field spray, if the conditions are right, or nothing all at. IMHO
R\
Scott

Optical TDI

I have it used it with good results on my 996 in the winter. But I clean it first at the self spray place to get it somewhat clean. Then all is left is a thin film that needs taken off. The product when used with their thick micro fiber cloths takes the rest off just fine.

I use 3 deep pile micro fiber cloths for the entire car and a lot of spray. I do it about 2x per winter and even wax once in the winter after doing this.

My paint is super, super clean and one has to look very hard and at the correct angle in the correct light to see any imperfections in my paint.

ivangene

I use ONR 2 bucket system...no hose and can wash in the garage year round - saves water and I have not washed either of my P-cars any other way for almost 4 years....

truth is I dont wash the 3.2 very often, maybe once every 2-3 months

ivangene

love the new avatar James!

Optical TDI

Thanks. I was at the gym and parked behind this cherry picker and snapped it.

ivangene

gym...what's a gym

mclaudio

I have been using Griot's spray car wash regularly on all my cars including original-paint Ferrari and non-galvanized Benz. I'm afraid these cars may melt if I use buckets of water. :-)

DD Porsche goes through car washes...

Zurichgnome

Like much of Griot's line, this is likely a repackaged version of someone else's product. In this case, Optimum's no-rinse car wash. This overview on Autogeek will give you a good idea of how it works. If you want to try it, buy the Optimum (you can get it by the gallon -- and it's a concentrate) and mix your own. You'll save a fortune.

I've used it and find it to be ok in a real pinch I believe it was designed for folks who want/need to wash their cars in water-ban areas or in the winter in their garage. You need a TON of microfiber clothes to make it work and I use 3X the recommended concentrate

http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-no-rinse.html

knfeparty

Optimum No Rinse is legitimate as long as you follow the directions. I've gone through a whole gallon and definitely can't tell that it left any marks. But again, you can't do it on a really nasty car and you have to pay attention to your microfiber.

My girlfriend has the griot's version and while it does work and requires no bucket of water, it is relatively way more expensive than the ONR.

Sue Esponte

Thanks for the great information everyone! I'm still not sure if I have the guts to give it a shot...maybe after a self-service wash. Then again, when it gets colder and I'm desperate to clean the car again I'll probably give it some extra thought.

I definitely like the idea of it for my SAAB since, like 'mclaudio's Benz and Ferrari', I'm confident that it will melt if it gets wet.

-Eric