How often do you wash your SLK?

**etyu** · 08-27-2006

Thanks to -1-, this sounds like an interesting topic for a poll. This is for all SLK's (R170 and R171). Feel free to enter comments like: I always have my neighbor's kid wash my car, etc.,

I have so far not allowed anyone to wash the car except myself. My wife thinks I'm nuts since I wash the car about once every two weeks. (Not much rain in southern California, this time of the year, just dust).

mtiede · 08-27-2006

I suppose I mostly wash it when it is pretty dirty. But I must admit, I wash this car more than any other I have owned

.

Of course, there is no sense to washing it in the winter because within 24 hours it will be covered in salty, dirty slush again.

It amazes me how well it cleans up in the spring.

I like using the Mr. Clean cleaning system. It used to bother me when I would use a chamois to dry off the water. I could feel how scratchy the chamois was before adding water and I just couldn't believe it wasn't scratching somehow. So now with this system the only thing that touches the car is a wool mitt.

I don't have the MB shop wash it when in for service. Don't trust anybody. Barely trust myself with the job

**-1-** · 08-27-2006

As stated before, I try to wash the SLK twice a week or as necessary. My wife and I have other vehicles to drive. If the SLK is clean and it's raining, or there's a chance of rain, it stays in the garage. I don't mind keeping it clean, but I don't want to clean it every time it's driven. I keep the tires shiney and the windows clean between washes. I also use the Mr Clean cleaning system and I highly recommend it. A clean SLK is a happy SLK, and the envy of it's owner and those that see it.

equipeduciel · 08-27-2006

I clean it about twice a week as well.
I clean it on my own, either with clean water, or with a little bit of cleaning product - but not that much - and I dry it with a chamois.
I have only had it done once in a cleaning center or whatever the name is... the result was disastrous. It was badly cleaned in my eyes, and after one day you could see that the chamois they had used was not fo the upmost quality despite a hefty price to pay :-/

ierax · 08-28-2006

Nothing like a feminne touch when washing your car I say...(and I do not get to do it either

... I will wash it on my own the first time though.....

Corkscrew · 09-04-2006

I have my SLK handwashed at least once a week at my Q8 station across the river from my place.

N4PWJ · 09-06-2006

varys betwenn 2-4 timse a week deepending on weather. i live in countryside so also depends on when farmers are using tractors on road as it alwyas covers them in ****!
i always wash chamois slick tyres and dry windows every time. also dry in straight lines to avoid swirls.
i would have to admit im very anal about my car and would give it a good polish and wax once a month. however having said all this my car is currently 2 inches thick in dirt and wheels are black from brake dust!!

chris_m · 09-11-2006

Every week, usually on a sunday (as i spend about 2-3 hours on it). When the weather's bad it seems like a waste of time, but i have to still wash it. When the weather's nice it makes it all worth while though. I washed it yesterday, we've got some pretty nice weather predicted for the next day or two, so was looking forward to having a nice clean car for a few days. The birds had other plans though, three seperate bird droppings on the bonnet and hood of the car this morning!

What's the best way to take a bird dropping off the car individually or do i have to get the bucket out again?

Wimbledon_SLK · 09-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_m

Every week, usually on a sunday (as i spend about 2-3 hours on it). When the weather's bad it seems like a waste of time, but i have to still wash it. When the weather's nice it makes it all worth while though. I washed it yesterday, we've got some pretty nice weather predicted for the next day or two, so was looking forward to having a nice clean car for a few days. The birds had other plans though, three seperate bird droppings on the bonnet and hood of the car this morning!

What's the best way to take a bird dropping off the car individually or do i have to get the bucket out again?

It probably depends on the altitude at which the birds decide to drop their bombs and the specific gravity of the same

LOL

Beautyful weather in the UK this weekend, and beautyful summer, this is allowing us to leave the top down.... but now... I will make sure I stay away from your area chris_m, in case they aim at me now! LOL
I am sure you have been enjoying your car. I wash it every week like most of you guys, and i dont trust anybody to wash it on my behalf.

Ciao

P

chris_m · 09-11-2006

I don't trust anybody else to wash my car either! The wife doesn't even bother to ask if she can help now, after all my "no, it's ok, i can do it" responses. The only time i take off my wedding ring is when i wash my car.

I can count on my fingers the amount of journeys i've made both ways with the hood up over the past 11 weeks or so, and i've done 2500 miles, so that's a lot of hood down driving considering the repuation the british weather has. However, i'm just making up for all the weeks i'm going to be driving with the hood up, which will start soon enough i'm sure.

Wimbledon_SLK · 09-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_m

I don't trust anybody else to wash my car either! The wife doesn't even bother to ask if she can help now, after all my "no, it's ok, i can do it" responses. The only time i take off my wedding ring is when i wash my car.

I can count on my fingers the amount of journeys i've made both ways with the hood up over the past 11 weeks or so, and i've done 2500 miles, so that's a lot of hood down driving considering the repuation the british weather has. However, i'm just making up for all the weeks i'm going to be driving with the hood up, which will start soon enough i'm sure.

Chris,

Dont worry, I drove most of last winter with the hood down! the airscarf is brilliant, you will love it. The next step is to convince your wife ...that its nto too cold..

Ciao

P

Vin · 09-11-2006

i wash my car once a week,

black gets dirty really quickly, also prevents swirl marks

chris_m · 09-11-2006

There's no problem there mate! The wife loves the heated seats and airscarf so she's all too happy to have the hood down. Plus, the cabin isn't that windy, even when travelling at speed, so there's none of that "but what about my hair!" business (from the wife of course, not me!).

One bugger with the hood down, is that you can't clean your windscreen with the spray and the wipers, the spray just goes all over the place inside the cabin! Maybe i just need to adjust the angle of the spray.

Wimbledon_SLK · 09-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_m

There's no problem there mate! The wife loves the heated seats and airscarf so she's all too happy to have the hood down. Plus, the cabin isn't that windy, even when travelling at speed, so there's none of that "but what about my hair!" business (from the wife of course, not me!).

One bugger with the hood down, is that you can't clean your windscreen with the spray and the wipers, the spray just goes all over the place inside the cabin! Maybe i just need to adjust the angle of the spray.

I solved that problem shaving my head! well to be honest... its been shaved for years...

As far as cleaning the windscreen is concerned, if you spray at a speed > 50-60 mph you wont get a shower, the liquid will fly over your head nicely.. hopefully...

Ciao

P

chris_m · 09-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wimbledon_SLK

As far as cleaning the windscreen is concerned, if you spray at a speed > 50-60 mph you wont get a shower, the liquid will fly over your head nicely.. hopefully...

LOL! Hopefully! I think i'll give it a go though. But again, you can't use the spray at all if your car is looking nice and clean otherwise it just ruins the finish.

RacerCub68 · 09-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_m

LOL! Hopefully! I think i'll give it a go though. But again, you can't use the spray at all if your car is looking nice and clean otherwise it just ruins the finish.

Yeah... Don't ever check out the headlight washer button with the car in the garage. Complete spray of the entire hood.

chris_m · 09-11-2006

I always forget to check out the headlamp washer! I try to remember to do it next time i wash the car, but i forget and i only remember when i'm doing the interior and notice the button, and by then it's too late!

Next time...

**etyu** · 09-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_m

What's the best way to take a bird dropping off the car individually or do i have to get the bucket out again?

I usually use the off-the-shelf "bug and tar remover" products. Soak for a few minutes and wipe off with damp cloth. Then spray the same area with gloss enhancer products like Z6 or use Meguair's Speed Detailer/ Final Finish.

chris_m · 09-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

I usually use the off-the-shelf "bug and tar remover" products. Soak for a few minutes and wipe off with damp cloth. Then spray the same area with gloss enhancer products like Z6 or use Meguair's Speed Detailer/ Final Finish.

Is the bug and tar remover not runny? If so, how do you get it to not trikle down the car?

View Poll Results: How often does the SLK get washed?
more than once a week	16	12.50%
Once every week	60	46.88%
Once every 2 weeks	26	20.31%
Once every 3 weeks	7	5.47%
Once every 4 weeks	10	7.81%
Once every 2 months	2	1.56%
Once every 3 months	2	1.56%
You're supposed to wash the car?	5	3.91%
Voters: 128. You may not vote on this poll

08-27-2006	#1 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	How often do you wash your SLK? Thanks to -1-, this sounds like an interesting topic for a poll. This is for all SLK's (R170 and R171). Feel free to enter comments like: I always have my neighbor's kid wash my car, etc., I have so far not allowed anyone to wash the car except myself. My wife thinks I'm nuts since I wash the car about once every two weeks. (Not much rain in southern California, this time of the year, just dust). __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant., EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled. Last edited by etyu; 08-27-2006 at 08:31 PM.*

08-27-2006	#3 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,224 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	As stated before, I try to wash the SLK twice a week or as necessary. My wife and I have other vehicles to drive. If the SLK is clean and it's raining, or there's a chance of rain, it stays in the garage. I don't mind keeping it clean, but I don't want to clean it every time it's driven. I keep the tires shiney and the windows clean between washes. I also use the Mr Clean cleaning system and I highly recommend it. A clean SLK is a happy SLK, and the envy of it's owner and those that see it. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

08-27-2006	#2 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,642 Thanks: 100 Thanked 55 Times in 45 Posts	I suppose I mostly wash it when it is pretty dirty. But I must admit, I wash this car more than any other I have owned . Of course, there is no sense to washing it in the winter because within 24 hours it will be covered in salty, dirty slush again. It amazes me how well it cleans up in the spring. I like using the Mr. Clean cleaning system. It used to bother me when I would use a chamois to dry off the water. I could feel how scratchy the chamois was before adding water and I just couldn't believe it wasn't scratching somehow. So now with this system the only thing that touches the car is a wool mitt. I don't have the MB shop wash it when in for service. Don't trust anybody. Barely trust myself with the job

08-27-2006	#4 (permalink)
equipeduciel SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Houston, TX Vehicle: SLK 280 - 2006 - Black on Black Posts: 34 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I clean it about twice a week as well. I clean it on my own, either with clean water, or with a little bit of cleaning product - but not that much - and I dry it with a chamois. I have only had it done once in a cleaning center or whatever the name is... the result was disastrous. It was badly cleaned in my eyes, and after one day you could see that the chamois they had used was not fo the upmost quality despite a hefty price to pay :-/

08-28-2006	#5 (permalink)
ierax Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Vehicle: Obsidian black SLK Posts: 293 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Nothing like a feminne touch when washing your car I say...(and I do not get to do it either ... I will wash it on my own the first time though.....

09-06-2006	#7 (permalink)
N4PWJ Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Belfast,N.Ireland Vehicle: 2006,slk280,carlsson Other Toys: Caterham Posts: 1,417 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	varys betwenn 2-4 timse a week deepending on weather. i live in countryside so also depends on when farmers are using tractors on road as it alwyas covers them in ****! i always wash chamois slick tyres and dry windows every time. also dry in straight lines to avoid swirls. i would have to admit im very anal about my car and would give it a good polish and wax once a month. however having said all this my car is currently 2 inches thick in dirt and wheels are black from brake dust!!

09-11-2006	#8 (permalink)
chris_m Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London, UK Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 171 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Every week, usually on a sunday (as i spend about 2-3 hours on it). When the weather's bad it seems like a waste of time, but i have to still wash it. When the weather's nice it makes it all worth while though. I washed it yesterday, we've got some pretty nice weather predicted for the next day or two, so was looking forward to having a nice clean car for a few days. The birds had other plans though, three seperate bird droppings on the bonnet and hood of the car this morning! What's the best way to take a bird dropping off the car individually or do i have to get the bucket out again?

09-11-2006	#10 (permalink)
chris_m Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London, UK Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 171 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I don't trust anybody else to wash my car either! The wife doesn't even bother to ask if she can help now, after all my "no, it's ok, i can do it" responses. The only time i take off my wedding ring is when i wash my car. I can count on my fingers the amount of journeys i've made both ways with the hood up over the past 11 weeks or so, and i've done 2500 miles, so that's a lot of hood down driving considering the repuation the british weather has. However, i'm just making up for all the weeks i'm going to be driving with the hood up, which will start soon enough i'm sure.

09-11-2006	#12 (permalink)
Vin Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London/GX Vehicle: Audi S5 Posts: 186 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	i wash my car once a week, black gets dirty really quickly, also prevents swirl marks

09-11-2006	#13 (permalink)
chris_m Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London, UK Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 171 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	There's no problem there mate! The wife loves the heated seats and airscarf so she's all too happy to have the hood down. Plus, the cabin isn't that windy, even when travelling at speed, so there's none of that "but what about my hair!" business (from the wife of course, not me!). One bugger with the hood down, is that you can't clean your windscreen with the spray and the wipers, the spray just goes all over the place inside the cabin! Maybe i just need to adjust the angle of the spray.

09-11-2006	#17 (permalink)
chris_m Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London, UK Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 171 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I always forget to check out the headlamp washer! I try to remember to do it next time i wash the car, but i forget and i only remember when i'm doing the interior and notice the button, and by then it's too late! Next time...