Wash. Wax. Wake.

Benvenuti amici!

Driving season is in full swing and cruising always seems to feel infinitely better in a happy, shiny FIAT. I'm not sure exactly how the cleansing ritual began, but I know it's been practiced by many... for a long time (including yours truly).

Recently, a follower of the CC5C Facebook page inquired why I've never written an entry about my process & recommendations for cleaning Cinquecentos. Well... to be absolutely transparent... I don't consider myself much of an expert on the subject. That stated, many people I know comment on how good Sombrita always looks. Some assume (at a distance) she has a fresh wash when a few days have passed since her last "spa day". So, despite my misgivings about being the person anyone would turn to for advice on car care, I've decided to give it a shot. I invite you to visit our Facebook page and join in the conversation with your tips & techniques.

Frequency (Intro):

I recommend washing once a week or as needed. Very early morning on T.G.I.FIAT is an ideal time to do this... if you're an early riser like me. Saturday or Sunday, just after household chores, is a good alternative if you like to sleep in. I think of a thorough wash as a reward for good behavior. I dig my setup, because being eco-friendly plays a central role. I can keep my ride "So Fresh & So Clean" without guilt spoiling my "Wax on, Wax off" time. On the subject of time, this entire process requires anywhere from 45-90 minutes. Your obsessiveness will dictate when, between 45 and 90, you end.

• Tip - Seek out a reputable local detailer to perform 1-2 thorough annual jobs on your favorite FIAT. This allows you to maintain rather than create a 100% finished look. Sombrita has been through the wringer... three harsh/long Wisconsin winters (and the other 3 seasons) parked outside. She still looks good with one detail per year plus the work I do in-between said full details.

Tools:
Thanks to CMG Detailing for introducing me to their detailing philosophy. I use an eco-friendly No Rinse cleaner. One capful mixes with 4 gallons of water and last 2-3 washes without all the extra water used to rinse. I use a capful of vinegar (not soap) to wash my drying/detailing towels, as needed. I dry them in the dryer. They come out SUPER SOFT.

1. Soaker/Hand Pump Sprayer
2. 5 gallon Water/Cleaner Pail (2-3 washes)
3. Pail Grate (prevents dirty swirling in pail - forcing it to settle)
4. Serrated Sponge (picks up dirt and minimizes unwanted dragging)
5. Cleaner (there are lots of eco-friendly, No Rinse options on the market)
6. Spray Wax (preferably an eco-friendly one containing carnauba wax)
7. 3 each 600-1000 thread count two-sided Drying/Detailing Towel; Make no mistake... the thread count of your microfiber matters
8. Window Cleaner
9. Microfiber Towels (for window only)
10. Tire Shine; I recommend one of the many eco-friendly options on the market
11. 2 each Tire Sponges (one for cleaning, one for Tire Shine application)
12. 1-2 each Wheel Microfiber Towels (recycle your old drying/detailing towels); I recommend washing these by hand
13. Interior Plastic/Vinyl Wipes (something with UV protection is your best bet)

• Tip - Product prices vary by brand and outlet. I am purposely staying away from mentioning one particular brand/outlet or another, because this is not a sponsored blog and you may prefer a specific brand and/or outlet. The choice is always yours to make. That adds to the fun.                          

Location:

Driveway or Garage? That is the question. I've washed outside, in the shade, and inside. I definitely prefer inside. When you live in the city you find dust rapidly settles on your car before you can finish the job. That's not only frustrating, but you can end up leaving light streaks and/or scratches in your clear coat.

Temperature:

Keep it cool. Most cleaners and waxes work best at specific temperatures. Figure out what that is for your cleaners and waxes of choice and follow the directions. A team worked a long time to sort out the best conditions for use. Don't reinvent the wheel.

Steps:

1) Soak.

• Tip - Depending on how dirty your car is... you'll want to drive her through a touch-free carwash or a good spray with hose, if you have one at your disposal, before you use your Soaker/Hand Pump Sprayer. This isn't always necessary... You should make the determination based on good ol' fashioned "common sense".

2) Rub. Repeat if necessary.

• Tip - Just watch for anything gritty (sand, excess dirt, leaves, grass) as you rub your car clean. Anything you drag across your clear coat is gonna leave light surface scratches. Things like this are why I simply don't have much patience for the level of detailing I know I'm capable of doing. I obsess too much. That stated, it's still important to keep your eyes open for potential troublemakers.
• Tip - Work on one section at a time. I work from the roof to the bonnet (hood) to the boot (trunk) and down. The idea is to keep the water flowing down. Learn where panels of your FIAT overlap. This will help you decide what area(s) to work on first.

3) Remove excess water with [dark grey] drying side of detailing towel #1.

• Tip - Don't obsess too much here. I usually just lightly drag my super soft towel across the surface of the car. You want to leave behind a little bit of water. Dry too much and you could leave difficult streaks you will need to rub away later.

4) Spray wax on damp (not wet) car. This technique helps dry your car faster and prevent unwanted streaking.

• Tip - Do not allow to dry on clear coat. Rub onto clear coat in circular motion with the [dark grey] drying side of detailing towel #2. Turn over towel and remove excess wax in a straight motion (one direction) with the [light grey] "polishing" side of detailing towel.

5) Did you pop the doors, bonnet & boot and dry?

• Tip - It's called detailing for a reason. Get in there! Your work will feel that much more complete when you need to climb in those "hidden places" and you stop to pat yourself on the back... rather than kick your own behind.

6) Finish (exterior). Wipe in a straight motion (one direction). Go over the entire painted surface of your "precious" once or twice to make sure you didn't miss some lingering wax or streaks. The towel should glide over your FIAT.

• Tip - Only use the [light grey] "polishing" side of detailing towel #3 for this step. Complete this step regardless of how good you think your Cinquino looks. It's the part of the ritual that makes you think, "Damn, you're pretty."
• Tip - The car should be cooled down. It's time to hit the tailpipes & wheels. I only do the exterior [black] plastic as needed. I'm not as crazy as I seem. Well... that's what the voices in my head keep telling me, and I hate getting into an argument with them.

7) Finish (interior).

• Tip - Don't waste too much time admiring your work. Now you have the exterior complete... it's time to hit the interior you may or may not abuse on a daily basis. Glass (mirrors/windows), dash, seats, floor. You may do this first or leave it for the final step. I leave it for you to decide.

That's it, folks. You'll make mistakes. You'll forget things. Sometimes you won't have time to complete it all. That's okay. It's meant to be a peaceful time for you to get to know your FIAT (and a bit about yourself). Doing so will help you appreciate your experience as well as the effort that went into designing & engineering that much more. It's time to take her out for a cruise. Get in there!

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

(Special thanks to BourbonPro, Gigante & Topobro)

Ciao!

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