OK I don't know if this is a new topic, but how many people actually notice any performance gains after washing the car. I know it might seem weird but actually I feel that way. I know I am just talking out of my @$$. But I usually wash my car every 2 weeks, and sometimes it just takes me longer so it gets to the point where people just start writting on my windows "wash me" hehe. Any way after washing my car and detailing it I do feel like if it's runs much better and much more quiet. I was just talking to one of my coworkers about this and he feels the same way about his jetta. Have you guys notice anything like that?
Maybe the dirt in Arizona is heavier.

 

speaking of washing/detailing... ever since my car has gotten hit, i've been visiting bodyshops and I noticed how my car may look nice in pictures and from a distance in person (mirror quality) my paint sucks *** if you look close up... so many swirl marks and tiny scratches.

I just read almost every article on detailing on autopia.org ... very interesting stuff. As soon as my car comes back from the bodyshop, I'm going to polish (for first time since i've had my car) and then wax it over and over. I think I'm going to have to look for products that specifically remove swirl marks... then I gotta get some touch-up paint and attempt to fix some of big chip marks on my rear bumper... aah I can't wait lol.

In the meantime, I realize i've been useing the wrong kind of towels and such for cleaning... gotta go find me some microfiber towels as well as the waffle (??) ones for drying and such. I guess I shouldn't use my "absorber" cloth

 

If I don't wash my car before a race it runs like sheit. Someday I am even going to try wax.

 

Same here. Seems to run SOOOooo much smoother after a nice LONG detail.

I just figured I've began to exhibit signs of heat stroke, since it took me 9+hrs. in 110-degrees shade. Dehydration and heat stroke play games with your mind sometimes, but I've gotten used to it.

 

LOL Your serious? Come on ppl its all a mental thing. Oh wait I think I have an explenation, the process of washing your car takes off the dust therefore, making your car alot more aerodynamic.

 

Just think if Jime actually waxes his car, the cd will decrease and he'll run 11's maybe even 10's.

 

Wait a couple of weeks after you get your car painted before you wash/wax it.

 

It should be faster, Look at a sharks skin, Its as ruff as sandpaper, And there skin was made to be stream line and make them quiker, I dont know if it works the other way in air, Logic seams the same though

 

sometimes i crap on the hood, let it sit for about 10 mins and then clean it off. works wonders. try it sometime. id say i get about 15-20 horse from it.

 

On a related topic, they used to buff to a high gloss the recon planes in WW2 (like the P51 and the P38 as well as the MK V Spitfire), and they gained speed in the double digits (MPH). The recon version of the P51D (unarmed too) was able to acheive 473 MPH in level flight with a full camera complement and full fuel load. They also used flush rivets and stuff like that on the recon planes...

Just thought I'd throw that out there for ya!

 

Your all nuts, I dont know about the dirt being heavy or whatever but I havnt had time to wash mine for like 3weeks now and it seems to run just fine. Hell I even laid down a good 20ft of rubber on the road today, ( I shouldnt be doint that, but I didnt pass the speed limit ) I was surprized it actually lost traction since its an auto. I went back a bit later to take a look and there were two patches of rubber with Yokohama threads. That was a first, totally unintentional!

 

i run in low 11s after i wax the car
high 15s before i wash/wax my car

 

me too.

 

You must have the car that's in that birdsh!t game then...I could see losing 4 seconds to that...

 

thats strange, my car runs better when its dirty, it seems more spoiled when its clean..

 

the car goes faster because washing is another form of weight reduction, waxing might harm your 1/4 mile times cause it adds an additional layer

 

I seriously think washing a car makes it go faster... Kinda like how stickers add +10HP each!

 

ok I don't know how much of this is true but read this last paragraph on this page
http://www.thegsmstore.net/bg-diamond1.htm. It might not be a big change but if you really know your car you should feel the difference. I know still sounds nutz but oh well just my opinion.

 

Actually it is proven say at 100 mph a sticker on a car will change the drag co , and aerodynamics.Not as slight as you would think

 

The skank bich!

 

My car runs hella good after a wash and wax.

 

I really think it's a mental thing. Mine runs finw with and without dirt.

BTW, nadir, make sure you wait 30-60 days before waxing the car.

 

All I know is that I spend about 3.5 hours washing and waxing my car today, and now I looks VERY NICE.

 

It could be true b/c of electronics. Washing the car gets water everywhere, and water enhances your electrical connections, even shorts 'em if you're not careful. So the ECU is talking to all it's components better, like O2 sensors, KS sensor, etc. The car may run better because of that. Looks like you guys qualify for a ground wire upgrade.

DW