Quick question (sort of) about dealership car wash. First off, I bought it brand new, polished it, and religiously maintain the paint (3 bucket method). It went to the dealership last week for some warranty repair and they washed it after I asked them not too. So... I washed it today and noticed a thin rough film across the entire car. So much so that when I used the windshield wipers it sounds like they are going across sand paper. I called the dealership and asked if they use anything other than soap and they told me no. Thinking it was some crappy spray wax or sealant, i used citrus wash/ gloss at a 10 to 1 ratio in an attempt to strip whatever it was off. Nothing. Ended up having to use menzerna si 1500 on an orange pad to get it off. Any ideas what the hell it was?

 

Soap scum I would imagine, I watched the dealership wash my car when I bought, never again.

 

Would soap scum be that difficult to remove?

 

Closest thing I've had to that was tree sap. But...if it was tree sap, it shouldn't have been THAT difficult to remove...

And it doesn't matter what time of the year it is...depends on the tree.

Here in Texas - some people like to park near/under a tree for the shade. Me? I park far away from everything!

Oh - and by the way - I always tell the dealership to NEVER EVER wash my car. I've gone so far as to put a sign inside my car to NOT wash it. By doing that - even when someone forgets, I still get the message out.

 

Harsh detergents that contain emollients (its formlated in detergents to protect the skin from the harsh chemicals) will leave a residue (scum) on the paint surface, add to that hard water and you'll have a problem

 

Yes, I live in Texas too. Water comes from the Edwards aquifer where there is enough minerals to etch the clear coat if not immediately wiped clean.