Exterior black plastic discoloration

[Neonspinnazz]

Has anyone seen this after using an automatic touchless car wash?

Because since it's cold during a long time of the year I'll probably end up using automatic touchless washes...

[SuperGeek]

I just had mine detailed by a pro... 30 for the wash, 15 for the wax and another 45 for Maguiar's newest 'permanent' i.e. annual polish. Holy mirror finish, Batman, it looks awesome.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by SuperGeek

I just had mine detailed by a pro... 30 for the wash, 15 for the wax and another 45 for Maguiar's newest 'permanent' i.e. annual polish. Holy mirror finish, Batman, it looks awesome.

But! Did you have the trim discoloration and, if so, did they remove it?

I suspect mine came from wax delivered through the high pressure soap setting at a self serve pressure wand system. I could tell it was wax, not soap, by its appearance. I then dried the car, which might explain the fact that the discoloration is not uniform.

Black plastic trim has been on almost all cars for decades. Why the frack can't wax manufacturers make a product which doesn't discolor the vast majority of vehicles on the road today?

As noted by others, even the fixes they are aware of are only good for a couple washes, then the discoloration returns. I did not notice this after giving my car the full Zaino treatment (not cheap stuff, excellent shine). But, it did show up after the high pressure wax fiasco.

[Neonspinnazz]

Any answer to my question yet? (above post of mine)

I might want to avoid this whole wax thing until we know what's best for the car...

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by Neonspinnazz

Any answer to my question yet? (above post of mine)

Neon, I doubt the touchless automatic washes use any better wax than the self serve wand systems do.

[Kermit]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

But! Did you have the trim discoloration and, if so, did they remove it?

I suspect mine came from wax delivered through the high pressure soap setting at a self serve pressure wand system. I could tell it was wax, not soap, by its appearance. I then dried the car, which might explain the fact that the discoloration is not uniform.

Black plastic trim has been on almost all cars for decades. Why the frack can't wax manufacturers make a product which doesn't discolor the vast majority of vehicles on the road today?

As noted by others, even the fixes they are aware of are only good for a couple washes, then the discoloration returns. I did not notice this after giving my car the full Zaino treatment (not cheap stuff, excellent shine). But, it did show up after the high pressure wax fiasco.

Whoa there Starbuck - your inner BSG is coming out.

I've used Mother "Back to Black" on other cars with faded black and actually older Smart is getting discolored black trim. A few weeks ago I literally soaked it with whatever protectant I had in the garage at the time. I am a HUGE fan of Meguiar's products. Love their new NXT wax.

[Neonspinnazz]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

Neon, I doubt the touchless automatic washes use any better wax than the self serve wand systems do.

So I think that we're dealing with application & pressure causing the problem?

[Suze]

Ncc -
I posted about this ages ago - The black plastic parts...
It's been a constant struggle for me to keep the white off the black. In fact I've found keeping this car clean in the Oregon winter is a real challenge.

OK, so, Susie is right - Bryce gave me one of those sponges. Works like a charm.


I'm careful about applying wax, but I still get the white. I can only assume its something in the water at my local car wash.

So here's the routine:

Run it through the auto wash.
Dry with micro fiber towel.
Clean windows with another micro fiber towel.
Clean Wheels using window towel.
Use ICE - spray on (yet another) micro fiber towel, wipe of with 4th MF towel.

Use special sponge on black bits.

Apply Ultimate Tire Shine to a fresh micro fibe towel and wipe black plastic bits.

Use same MF towel on tires.
Get one last towel and do windows a second time.
Admire beauty of zippy. Check detail of black bits.



Return home and run a load of laundry for micro fiber towels (never mix loads, they'll pick up lint)

[Suze]

Originally Posted by Neonspinnazz

Any answer to my question yet? (above post of mine)

I might want to avoid this whole wax thing until we know what's best for the car...

Yes, Neon - I use the auto touchless wash (see my long-winded post above). I started noticing the white on black after about 2 months of ownership, with weekly car wash.

[Neonspinnazz]

Anybody NOT have this problem?

Anybody with 09's notice this problem?

- This seems to be the only thing I'm worried about right now so I'd like to know if it's anything serious or preventable...