Why all the Swirl Mark Complaints?
#1
Driver
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Location: NY
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Why all the Swirl Mark Complaints?
I understand that swirl marks are basically inevitable. On darker colors, it can be a frustrating thing.
But all the complaints of heavy swirl marks from people who've just purchased their ISX50s have me worried, if a bit perplexed. Swirl marks don't just happen. They're the result of poor/hastily-done washing and drying...at least in my experience. A brand new car shouldn't have swirl marks/etching in the paint if the owner has carefully washed it themself using the right products.
So to everyone complaining about swirl marks on their brand new ISX50s...How are you washing your car?
But all the complaints of heavy swirl marks from people who've just purchased their ISX50s have me worried, if a bit perplexed. Swirl marks don't just happen. They're the result of poor/hastily-done washing and drying...at least in my experience. A brand new car shouldn't have swirl marks/etching in the paint if the owner has carefully washed it themself using the right products.
So to everyone complaining about swirl marks on their brand new ISX50s...How are you washing your car?
#2
mooncake master
iTrader: (12)
Then again, most new cars go through the process of a free pre-delivery car wash.
So maybe that is where it starts.
I know my car is swirled from the get go. But it's not too bad on my lighter colored car. It's going to get it's TLC treatment soon.
I say don't fret, just give it a good polish.
So maybe that is where it starts.
I know my car is swirled from the get go. But it's not too bad on my lighter colored car. It's going to get it's TLC treatment soon.
I say don't fret, just give it a good polish.
#4
You are correct. Cars are not born with swirl marks. It is the result of careless/or ignorant washing and waxing. For starters the dealer should be kept out of the loop when it comes to the "we'll wash your car for you while it's here for service". And for those who for very valid reasons don't wash their own cars, they must ascertain ahead of time how the car is being washed and polished/waxed. Just my .02cents worth.
#5
Cycle Savant
iTrader: (5)
Originally Posted by iStyle
How are you washing your car?
My sister's Lex is a black GS, and it's quite difficult to maintain, but doable. To prevent swirl marks, I use a clean cloth that does not lint. Waxing after some washes will help it keep its shine streak free. If I don't do these, there will be swirl marks with any dark colored car, whether it's a Lex or not, new or a few years old.
It's all about maintenance. Some people maintain their cars better than others...
#7
Lexus Champion
Originally Posted by Lexustom
Cars are not born with swirl marks.
It is the result of careless/or ignorant washing and waxing.
Despite my disdain for scratches, I consider them unavoidable and something that can be taken care of periodically with a PC/Rotary.
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#8
I was just at the dealer and had the protective paint option put on my car. I figured, anything is better than nothing. While I was talking to the service department person, he talked to me about swirl marks. He said the best thing you can do to not have them is to use a pressure washer on your car before you wash it. This will remove the dirt to start with. Just soaking your car with water before you starting using your mitt to wash it only makes the dry dirt wet dirt before you "smear" it in.
Isn't it bad to use a pressure washer? I do have a clear bra also, so...should I invest in a pressure washer or just use a conventional hand wash?
Isn't it bad to use a pressure washer? I do have a clear bra also, so...should I invest in a pressure washer or just use a conventional hand wash?
#9
Liquid Bra Champion
Originally Posted by Kavistar
...should I invest in a pressure washer or just use a conventional hand wash?
#10
By design, wash mitts/car sponges/rags all work to the detriment of automotive paint. By using them, dirt and road grime is trapped between the material and the clear coat and when you rub rub rub guess what happens?
I've found that Griot's claims about their boar's hair brush are true...it's pricey but does a GREAT job of lessening the chances of swirl marks. It's extremely soft, and when you wash the car, the dirt isn't trapped against your paint. Shake it often in the wash bucket to allow the dirt to fall out and soak up plenty of suds and fresh(er) water. It kept my 6-year-old A4's paint looking flawless.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=66073
I've found that Griot's claims about their boar's hair brush are true...it's pricey but does a GREAT job of lessening the chances of swirl marks. It's extremely soft, and when you wash the car, the dirt isn't trapped against your paint. Shake it often in the wash bucket to allow the dirt to fall out and soak up plenty of suds and fresh(er) water. It kept my 6-year-old A4's paint looking flawless.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=66073
#11
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
Originally Posted by conekiller
By design, wash mitts/car sponges/rags all work to the detriment of automotive paint. By using them, dirt and road grime is trapped between the material and the clear coat and when you rub rub rub guess what happens?
I've found that Griot's claims about their boar's hair brush are true...it's pricey but does a GREAT job of lessening the chances of swirl marks. It's extremely soft, and when you wash the car, the dirt isn't trapped against your paint. Shake it often in the wash bucket to allow the dirt to fall out and soak up plenty of suds and fresh(er) water. It kept my 6-year-old A4's paint looking flawless.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=66073
I've found that Griot's claims about their boar's hair brush are true...it's pricey but does a GREAT job of lessening the chances of swirl marks. It's extremely soft, and when you wash the car, the dirt isn't trapped against your paint. Shake it often in the wash bucket to allow the dirt to fall out and soak up plenty of suds and fresh(er) water. It kept my 6-year-old A4's paint looking flawless.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=66073
#12
Fresh clean sheepskin mitts are my pick. I never apply heavy pressure. If the dirt doesn't come off don't rub harder. Revert to clay to remove any stubborn dirt. I wash with the the two bucket method with grit guards.
Remove the hose nozzle and reduce the water flow and sheet off most of the water then dry gently with waffle-weave microfiber towels. Gentle is the key. I don't have any swirls in my cars. Even my 15 year old 1991 MR2 shown below is swirl free.
Remove the hose nozzle and reduce the water flow and sheet off most of the water then dry gently with waffle-weave microfiber towels. Gentle is the key. I don't have any swirls in my cars. Even my 15 year old 1991 MR2 shown below is swirl free.
#13
Originally Posted by DaveGS4
That exact brush left a lot of tiny scratch marks on my Black Onyx GS. Not as advertised, I'll never let one be used on my car again.
#14
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
Originally Posted by conekiller
Odd...everyone I know who's used it loves the thing. I've never had a problem with anything from Griot's.