skc, you have to fine something that doesnt effect the wax protection we have on our cars.

i believe the soft wash does not contain anything that will remove the wax. http://www.meguiars.com.au/Products_Retail_PC_W.htm

 

Soft Wash Gel from Meguiars is great since it actually contains wax particles and washing with it will add to the layer already on the car.

Smells great as well!

 

Think of waxes as relatives of fats and oils. Detergents are designed to allow these substances to be dissolved in water. All car washes will eventually wash off even the most expensive (highest quality?) waxes. Some do it quicker than others.

The mixtures used in some automatic ("brushless") car washes are to be avoided. To get road grease and tar off in one hit, they have to use high concentrations of detergents, and to help them along, may also contain high concentrations of alkali like caustic soda or caustic potash. This will rip off any wax finish quick smart, and if the dosing equipment isn't looked after, will also rip into your paint too.

The "wash and wax" shampoos aren't a bad idea. A little wax is dissolved in the detergent, and the formulation is organised so that when the mix becomes more dilute (eg, when you wash it off), the wax comes out of solution and deposits on the car. A good idea to help prolong the wax finish.

My partner doesn't use the chamois on his car. He rinses off with R.O. (reverse osmosis) quality water which doesn't contain any dissolved salts, and leaves a spot-free finish.

 

I would be an interesting exersice to compare the various polishes at a club meet.

I like my Rx8 looking the best it possibly can.