I've heard conflicting reports about how to best keep the car looking nice day to day without a full wash. They have dry brushes you can use to get off dust and pollen, but won't that scratch the coat? Some use a cover, but then mildew or mold could be a problem. Also, what are your thoughts on powerwashing (gently, of course), especially in the wintertime when you don't want to accumulate TOO much ice in the driveway.

Taking delivery tomorrow of a shiny black '07 530xi. Black wouldn't have been my first choice, but it was luck meets opportunity, so I went with it. I heard black shows EVERYTHING, so looking for the best way to keep on top of it when a full wash isn't in the cards. Any suggestions?

 

Start out with giving it a proper polish/wax treatment. (If your dealers detailer ha not done this). Normally high end wax will give a good protection on your car and generally you would not need a lot of waxing between the washing. At wintertime I usually hand wash at the local carwash. They have the icing then ;-). I would not go through a carwash because of swirls. For birdie accidents and some other minor fouling, I keep a quick detailer in the trunk. Mind you.. bird shit/poo/fecies (whatever reads more pleasant). is damaging to your paint. The sooner you get it of the better (shooting it before it sh**s is the best protection) Specially on a black car.
Early spring and end of summer are waxing times for me.

Oh.. and congrats on the car ;-) Black is a beautiful color.

 

What do you reccommend for the daily elimination of road grime, dust, pollen, water spots, etc? Isn't there some kind of soft brush that can be used on the finish?

 

Quick Detailer and a fiber cloth.
If the stains are too bad however, I just give it a quick wash. But not on a daily bases though.

 

i bought a 60 dollar car cover from pepboys. its the smartest thing i ever did. keeps dust, bird shit, sprinklers,sun off the car all day while im home or at work. i dont give a shit if people think im werid covering it up. keeps me from having to wash it 3 times a week. car looks damn clean for many extra days over just keeping it in the elements

 

this is the good method...

also, you can use a quick wax when you wash your car to protect it.

 

+1 on the cover screw other people if they make fun its only because their accord never needs to be washed..