How do people in SoCal in particular Carlsbad wash their cars ?

[Merlin_83]

Being a native of Southern California and for the time living in Pacific Northwest (Oregon) I have friends in SoCal that are NOT car people and so they couldn't give me a very good answer. So, how is it that you can truly wash your cars with the whole drought thing going on ?

In Oregon I could let the hose just run between rinses (we have lots of water here) but I don't. But, the company I work for has hinted that the SoCal branch will need people to leave from the main base in Oregon...I offered to put my name in for this although it won't happen for at least 12+months...and I would likely end up in Carlsbad or so. Are there any M3 or BMW fanatics that live in and around Carlsbad ? That can comment on how or IF you can wash your car ?


The Merlin

[W Cole]

In Orange County. Never had an issue or even thought about washing a car being a problem.

[rjd598]

i live in san diego like 15 minutes away from carlsbad. it's not an issue. i guess it depends on your neighbors and if they want to give you a hard time. if you're washing your car every week then you might get some looks otherwise i think you'll be fine.

if you would like there is an amazing detailer in the carlsbad area that could answer any specific questions you have. message me for more questions or if you want his contact info.

[BimmerRookie]

Research water-less/ rinse-less washes! Optimum, chemical guys, pinnacle, etc.

Living in an apartment and not having access to a hose is kinda of difficult. For light dirt and dust, I've been using a 2 gallon bucket w/ grit guard and one of the above solutions. It's pretty neat! Check em out

[PandaM3]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

Research water-less/ rinse-less washes! Optimum, chemical guys, pinnacle, etc.

Living in an apartment and not having access to a hose is kinda of difficult. For light dirt and dust, I've been using a 2 gallon bucket w/ grit guard and one of the above solutions. It's pretty neat! Check em out

+1 on waterless or rinseless wash

I live in Orange County and use either chemical guys waterless wash or rinseless wash.

It's faster, uses hardly any water, and works pretty good even on a heavily soiled car.

I used the waterless wash when I drove from Orange County to Portland... Washed the car in the hotel parking lot and drove to Portland cars and coffee... I'd like to say it was probably the cleanest car there

Here in Orange County, even with a garage and driveway I still use these for washing my cars because it's a lot faster and gives great results if done properly.

[roastbeef]

just get a shut off valve for the end of your hose. i have a brass cylinder valve on the end of mine and it also does a great job of making a fanned out spray or a concentrated high pressure stream of water.
using this plus a bucket method doesn't use much water.

[sdalpha]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

Research water-less/ rinse-less washes!

I agree. Even if you have access to a hose, rinseless and waterless save a lot of time.

[BimmerRookie]

I know I suggested a waterless/ rinseless wash previously....but one thing I still can't get over is how to clean my wheels with it...Anybody care to comment or advise?

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

I know I suggested a waterless/ rinseless wash previously....but one thing I still can't get over is how to clean my wheels with it...Anybody care to comment or advise?

With a waterless just spray on the wheel, let it sit for a few seconds, then wipe away with your mf towel. I've used it on really dirty wheels and I'm still amazed at how well they clean up.

[evilspiritM3]

Great feedback! I just moved from the east coast to San Clemente and was wondering how seriously some of these rules were.

[stevelp99]

I've used chemical guys Eco Smart when its too cold to wash cars outside and ended up with good results while staying warm in the garage, so long as you take your time and have enough microfiber towels on hand. It works well on wheels that are not too dirty, or it make take a couple tries to get more embedded debris off the wheels. I'll generally be a bit more liberal with the waterless cleaner so that you don't end up dragging dirt on dry paint.

[ShaunPatrick220]

Living in a complex with nowhere to wash, I've found that coin-ops are the second best way to do it yourself. Of course stay away from their soap and brush, go at an off hour when no one is waiting and bring your own bucket and supplies. They're a little few and far between here in South OC, if anyone knows of a good one please do share!

[admranger]

Originally Posted by Merlin_83

Being a native of Southern California and for the time living in Pacific Northwest (Oregon) I have friends in SoCal that are NOT car people and so they couldn't give me a very good answer. So, how is it that you can truly wash your cars with the whole drought thing going on ?

In Oregon I could let the hose just run between rinses (we have lots of water here) but I don't. But, the company I work for has hinted that the SoCal branch will need people to leave from the main base in Oregon...I offered to put my name in for this although it won't happen for at least 12+months...and I would likely end up in Carlsbad or so. Are there any M3 or BMW fanatics that live in and around Carlsbad ? That can comment on how or IF you can wash your car ?


The Merlin

You won't be able to afford to wash your car w/real estate prices in Carlsbad.