Had to add something here: we are totally spoiled--including me. Our "washaterias" are nothing, if not spectatular compared to overseas. Indulge a short story. For the last 12 years have spent most of my time in China, living in Bejing but am all over the place - in more cities than I care to mention. In Xian for example, they have "carwash stores" in narrow one-car-wide shops...all lined up the street for maybe 4 blocks--each competing for business. Cars are lined up--many of them fine rides for the worst care anyone can imagine. One low-watt light bulb in the ceiling, maybe a high pressure sprayer or one bucket, totally dirty rags used repeatedly, 3 small young men or girls climbing all over the paint. AND no switching to new towels from car to car to wash or dry--and with the constant dirt of most places there, the cars are usually not diry, but coated, dried dirty. I have stood and watched the process--no pixs--and have been ill at what I have seen. So sad.
Am with owners of many fine cars most of whom actually take a LOT of pride in their rides, but have NO idea of what it should look like. It was not my place to point out the defects--very rude. Many simply cannot do it themselves: no personal hoses downstairs at their 20 floor apartment or in underground garages. Carrying buckets etc that far--well, its not done. "Now WHO is going to pay for all that water, and hey you are wasting resources." They know nothing of waterless wash, and most car shops do not carry a fine line of products tho you can get them. If you are determined as some are--your ride can be done to greatness. Every once in a while you will see, rare tho, a car with pristine care...and you know that SOMEone somewhere knows what they are doing. The endless dust in most places have discouraged 98% of owners from anything else but going to the rag shops who eek out a meager living to take care of their cars. I recently stood on a back street and watched a young fellow washing a very dirty Lexus, with one shallow plastic pan of water, one rag, and no rinsing. He finished the wheels with the same rag and some fresh water. That was it. No soap of any kind.
Sorry for long post--could not be more in tune with article Mike..thanks. I just was sitting here thinking of the many sites I have seen that would bring cardiac arrest to forum members--very quickly. We obviously are blessed, and we strive for more and more of everything, detail perfections included. The below average, unconcerned USA car owner is light years ahead in paint and car care than most other places. Its all relative of course. I am in no way critical of my friends there; many are as concerned as I am, but feel almost helpless. Thanks for reading, if you got this far. Here's to the Forum and the Fun. BTW- If anyone wants to make a bundle, head to any major China city, set up a truely professional shop..charge just a bit more than the average, and you will be rich above your eyeballs. :buffing:
rops:
This took out all motivation to tackle the RIDS and left me with an empty tank of gas.
