I know, I know, it seems kind of odd to give basic instructions on washing a vehicle. However, the new C8 is unique and a different experience in many ways to new owners, including washing your prized possession.
Let's get a few of the basics out of the way, which are included in your owner's manual.
Number one, owners should avoid using solvents and aggressive cleaners, as they may actually
cause harm to components under the hood. Rather, owners should only use water when washing
the engine compartment. If you have a pressure washer, it can be used, just be careful on what
your spray and how much pressure you use. For instance, you don't want to spray 1500+psi of
pressure directly on any sensors. Personally, I would avoid the pressure washer under the hood.
This is probably common knowledge for most, but it is mentioned.
The simplest and most effective way to wash your new C8 is with a foam cannon. I know you’ve
seen those photos of cars dripping with colorful shaving cream like foam. Don't worry, it doesn't
take a lot of expensive equipment. There are versions that can be used with your garden hose
and normal house water pressure, as well as high pressure washers. A foam cannon is a piece of
car washing equipment that mixes the perfect amount of car wash soap, water, and air to
generate thick suds, then shoot them all over your car.
If you can swing it, pressure washers are amazing. They take water from your garden hose, use a
small electric or gas engine to power a pump that shoots water out at high pressures. People use
them for all sorts of things, but when attached to a foam cannon, it will spray large amounts of
suds that will cover your car like a heavy snowstorm. There are inexpensive electric versions, all
the way up to heavy duty commercial electric and gas. You only need a light duty sprayer, usually
around 1000psi to 3000psi of pressure is fine.
Recommended doses are pretty much the same across all brands. Mix 1 – 3oz of your favorite
foam wash soap and water into the canister of the foam cannon. We always use warm water
because it helps the aerate mixture better. If this is your first time using a foam cannon, it can be a
challenge to get the right snow foam consistency. We recommend starting with a baseline mixture
of 1:16, that is, 1 part concentrate to 16 parts waters.
Generally, we like to lay down a thick layer of suds over our car and then rinse it off before we
even go at it with our mitt. Simply coat your car, allow the foam to sit for a few minutes and let the
soap and gravity work for you. Then, rinse our car off with just water. This simple step helps
minimize the chances of installing wash induced scratches and swirls.
Next up, re-foam the car again. Spray another layer of foam on your C8 once again. You can use a
wash mitt to scrub off the remaining dirt and debris. We recommend the two-bucket method to
further avoid swirls and scratches.
The two-bucket method isn't really any addition work or cost, so we recommend using it.
The whole idea behind the two-bucket wash method is isolating the dirt you've wiped from the
surface of the car as much as possible. With each trip to the bucket, you want to rinse your mitt of
as much dirt as possible in a second, clean water rinse bucket. Then dunk your mitt back into the
soapy wash water.
After scrubbing, make sure to rinse your car again to rid your car of the remaining dirt and
bubbles. Finally, dry your car with a super soft towel as you would during any other wash. Some,
including us, prefer to use a blower to dry the car off before finally using a drying towel. It's really
up to you.
If you need a foam cannon, products, or have any questions feel free to email, message, or give
us a call. We carry a full line of products to shine up your ride.
