Cleaning and Radio Issue

[abd12482]

I really need to wash my 4R but it's too cold to be outside washing it by hand. I want to take it through the car wash but I've only found soft cloth in my area, not touchless. Thoughts on soft cloth...?

Also, wondering what is a good product to use on my interior?

And while I have your attention...I've noticed that when I put my the radio on FM sations I get a high pitched noise. I really only notice it when switching stations or chaning from XM. Has anyone else had this problem? I did tighten my antenna, but it's still making the noise. My dealer is a good 40 minutes away so I was trying to solve this problem without making the trip - unlike the noisey break pedal issue, ugh!

 

[westwind77]

I really need to wash my 4R but it's too cold to be outside washing it by hand. I want to take it through the car wash but I've only found soft cloth in my area, not touchless. Thoughts on soft cloth...?

:sobbing::sobbing::sobbing::sobbing:

That is what you probably will be doing after you see the results. The 'cloth' is not the problem here, think about it, use you a sponge or some other physical means to wash your own car. The problem is that you have NO idea what is on that cloth in regards to dirt/sand/other particles. The machines use more force that you or I would with washing so if the 'cloth' had some road sand on it and then went back and forth across you 4R I think you can tell me the results! I am sure it would clean your 4R, but you would probably also notice a lot of fine scratches when clean and dry.

In the winter I do one of 2 things, bring it inside the shop (when free) on a weekend day and wash it, or I will wait until it is about 38* out, fill my bucket with hot tap water, and wash away.

 

[NHinAK]

Most people don't know how to properly wash a vehicle which is why 98% of the vehicles you see on the road have swirl marks. Living in Alaska, I know what you are going through regarding the weather. Your best bet is to use Optimum No Rinse (ONR) using the two bucket method with a good wash mit and some quality (Cobra, Griot's) microfiber towels. I would suggest checking out autogeek.net for all your detailing accessories. While your there, make sure to stop by the forums. They are considered the best source of detailing information on the web.

 

[4Robber]

I'd never go through a wash w/ cloths or brushes. Just wait until the weather thaws a bit or find a touchless.

When I bring my cars to the dealership, I post a note on the steering wheel- "NO WASH!" They'll put swirl marks on a black car immediately.

Meguiar's NXT Tech Protect interior cleaner is pretty decent. And I use the Lexol two-part leather cleaner w/ leather buffing mitts on the seats and stuff.

And I do not have the problem w/ the radio.

 

[abd12482]

Thanks for the info! I think I will stay away from car washes altogether. I thought I was being a little crazy about this issue, but you all proved I had reason to worry. I guess I will take it to the dealership to have the radio looked at - only 2500 miles so any little thing that seems wrong makes me nervous.