Car Wash Cannon & Soap Recommendations?

[scode]

Everyone have given me some things to think about. Wait for Prime day and see what my choices will be.

Sponsored

 

[Deleted member 19354]

Be careful of Amazon cheap foam cannons. I bought one because it was rated good and had extra nozzles for my power washer that I needed at the time. The foam cannon lasted maybe 6 washes and stopped working after 12 uses. Way past the time I could return it. I have used the two-bucket method for years but wanted to speed up the process in the summer heat of Texas. Using buckets is still the best IMO. I've used several dozen soaps over the years and they are mostly the same. Others might disagree but mild dish soap or stuff you can buy at Target like Turtle Wax or Meguiars has always worked fine for me. Clean fiber towels and mitts are the priority.

I can’t agree more with Amazon that’s why I hate to shop online. I’ve seen cannons from $20 all the way up. Help me choose without breaking the bank

 

[Vulnox]

I bought this foam cannon in May 2022 and it is still going strong, even after a lot of washes on the F-150 and MME.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HC898GM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also bought Chemical Guys foam, but won't be doing so again. Chemical Guys stuff is a big mix of results, but they have a reputation that seems well earned now that I know more on the detailing side of being a marketing company first and actual product company second. Their stuff is often "fine", taken in a vacuum, but unless you get it on a very good sale is often overpriced for its actual quality.


I have no issues with the method I use for washing the vehicles, which has been power wash rinse to target bugs and tar and the like, foam, clean wheels, then power was rinse. The vehicles look outstanding, and even with the massive F-150 the actual process is only about 20 minutes for the truck and 10-15 for the MME. Drying usually takes the longest.

Our vehicles get used very regularly and being in Michigan the next rain storm or road work detour through tar and dust and whatever is usually only a day away. I have little interest in an hour of scrubbing every week, which I was doing before 2022. If done well the vehicles look good as new.

 

[scode]

Here is what I purchased. Used on my collector Bullitt. Seemed to work well, now going to try it on the Mach E


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SHXTRPJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IQXFO?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

[1st_EV_2011]

Before using a foam product, one is well advised to adequately protect your Mustang Mach-E's clear coat and paint.

I use a three wax system to provide paint protection, and boost appearance.

• The base layer (and first product applied) is Meguiar's "Ultimate Fast Finish", a synthetic polymer coating that bonds to the paint. It affords a degree of protection for up to a year.
• The second layer of wax consists of Meguiar's "Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Paste Wax". This blend of carnauba wax and polymers provides shine and deeper reflection.
• For the top layer I apply Meguiar's "Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax". This is a SiO2-based hydrophobic sealer that causes water to bead on the surface. Consequently, rain rolls off the car reducing the need for frequent car washes.

Caveats:
- Only wash and/or wax in the shade (never in direct sunlight).
- You may need to clay-bar your Mustang Mach-E before applying a foundational wax.
- Another thing to know is that a drive through touchless car wash uses acids which will completely strip all of the protectants and wax off of your paint.

Before foaming, I power wash the Mustang Mach-E with plain water.

As mentioned by previous posters, there are many good products available. I use (you might have guessed) Meguiar's Ultimate Snow Foam Wash. For me, the purpose of the foam is to remove scratchy micro abrasive dirt particles prior to the two-bucket wash.

After washing, I boost the SiO2-based hydrophobic sealer with Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax (spray).

I use an EGO cordless blower and microfiber towels to dry.

Between the SiO2 top coat and the blower, the time expended is dramatically reduced. I haven't always done it this way, and have been surprised by how much wash time I save. Yes, the wax foundation does require a full day, but it provides ease of maintenance thereafter.

Resources:
I enjoy and have learned from this U.K-based detailer's You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@epicautomotivedetailing

and the Meguiars videos (particularly "Shop Talk") at:
https://www.youtube.com/@meguiars

Sponsored