Critters Nesting in 2024 BS Big Bend

[Bill G]

Due to ladies, and other squeamish folks, being in this discussion I won’t go into detail of my dispatching rats . . . Let’s just say it involved a size 13 boot

Sponsored

 

[Jillrm]

Ok...hopefully, I've got the mouse thing down...nothing since using the spearmint. We put an old rug under it and doused it in peppermint spray. Being we live in that pine forest, it's now covered in bright yellow pollen! Ordered a tent for it, but it won't be here for a week or so. I'm too old to get out in the hot Texas sun to hand wash it. Spraying it won't do it...it's like a fine powder. It has a diamond ceramic coating and even though the videos show them setting it on fire, the dealer said don't use a carwash...really? We live outside a small college town and have 2 car washes...1 old and 1 new-ish...neither is touchless. Has anyone else used a regular old car wash with no bad issues? Please say "why yes we have!"

 

[Dude]

Well think about it this way… car washes that use roller brushes or those swinging hanging “rags” transfer grit and dirt and small rocks from previous vehicles onto your ceramic coated vehicle. Causing scratches and swirl marks (especially into the piano black plastic pieces if your vehicle has those)

Some car washes use strong and harmful chemicals which negatively affect the ceramic coating and paint and clearcoat finish on your vehicle

If your ceramic coating came with a warranty, check the warranty because the warranty can be voided by use of certain types of car washes

I have paint protection film (PPF) on parts of the vehicle and over that I have ceramic coating. I use certain touch free car washes for reasons given above and only certain touch free car washes that don’t use harmful chemicals and don’t use high speed blowers that can lift and damage the PPF.

But other owners said they run their vehicles through any type of car wash and never give it a second thought. So they will give you I think the answer you hinted at.

 

[Jillrm]

Dude! I wanted the BEST answer...not necessarily the one I would be happiest with...so thanks! I guess I'll have to get off my lazy butt and do the right thing (but ONLY until I get my first ding, scratch, or window chip from a rock), then all bets are off!

 

[CableXJ]

After my last oil change, I discovered a mouse nest on top of the engine. Pretty sure it was the same area where lamented fuel leak would build up. I cleaned it out and then checked my GF’s Escape. Same thing in same location. Now I check every time I need to open the hood on either vehicle.

 

[Jillrm]

After my last oil change, I discovered a mouse nest on top of the engine. Pretty sure it was the same area where lamented fuel leak would build up. I cleaned it out and then checked my GF’s Escape. Same thing in same location. Now I check every time I need to open the hood on either vehicle.

Me too...and trust me...you need to be vigilant about it. If you read this thread, you'll see the damage they did to my new Bronco and the $500 it cost me. We have peppermint and spearmint in the engine compartment now and even though they say it doesn't work, we haven't seen further instances. Good luck!

 

[Bill G]

Don’t wanna start a fight, but have run my Sport through the local “cheapie” car wash for the last four years. Wash and spray wax every few weeks (Sport sits in SoCal sun, next to a big pine tree near a freeway). Still shines and looks good to me when it’s clean.

 

[Jillrm]

Don’t wanna start a fight, but have run my Sport through the local “cheapie” car wash for the last four years. Wash and spray wax every few weeks (Sport sits in SoCal sun, next to a big pine tree near a freeway). Still shines and looks good to me when it’s clean.

Same here almost...sits out in the Texas sun surrounded by pine trees, next to a highway! Maybe I'll alternate between your idea and Dude. No fights here! I'm an equal opportunity kind of gal!

 

[Davexxxx]

Same here almost...sits out in the Texas sun surrounded by pine trees, next to a highway! Maybe I'll alternate between your idea and Dude. No fights here! I'm an equal opportunity kind of gal!

The pine tree sap is a different story all together. I doubt any commercial carwash is going to do a good job on that and we all have to face our own realities about where we can park but the car washes with brushes or mops, WILL scratch your paint and especially the gloss black plastics. Which, on the BS, has quite a bit and right at eye level.

OTOH, that is likely to be more noticeable on paint and plastics that are in new condition, whereas repeated use, would tend to eventually become less noticeable, forming an almost ... Sort of slight matte finish, that wouldn't be so eye catching, as a single scratch or two, on an otherwise pristine finish.

We wash at home. First with a foam cannon, which gets all the big stuff but followed by hand, because nothing "touchless", actually gets it all.

If we have time and feel like it, we then follow that up with a ceramic detailing spray. And don't forget to treat the rubber and matte finish plastics, with a lube and UV protectant. It makes a LOT of difference, especially if routinely parked in hot sun.

 

[Mark S.]

Well think about it this way… car washes that use roller brushes or those swinging hanging “rags” transfer grit and dirt and small rocks from previous vehicles onto your ceramic coated vehicle. Causing scratches and swirl marks (especially into the piano black plastic pieces if your vehicle has those)

This claim requires qualification. Not all automatic car washes do this--it depends on how well the owner maintains the equipment. Like Bill, I've used nothing but auto car washes since I bought the Badlands over three years ago. I have no swirl marks or scratches, even in the piano black trim pieces.

My suggestion is to carefully inspect your vehicle for swirls and scratches beforehand, take it to a reputable auto wash, then reinspect. If you see swirls and scratches after using a particular wash then don't use it again. If you don't see any damage, then feel free to continue using it. Again, like Bill, use a spray wax every few weeks, which provides a good opportunity to monitor the paint and trim pieces for swirls and scratches.

 

[Jillrm]

I've never heard of a foam cannon, but will look into it. I do have a tent coming, so hopefully that will protect it a bit. We'll see and I'll be as vigilant as I can be...I love driving my new "shiny" toy!

 

[Dude]

To car wash or not to car wash, that is the question
Touch me or don’t touch me (brushes or touchless)
Only you can answer those for your vehicle (and prevent forest fires)

 

[Dude]

I've never heard of a foam cannon, but will look into it. I do have a tent coming, so hopefully that will protect it a bit. We'll see and I'll be as vigilant as I can be...I love driving my new "shiny" toy!

And because your vehicle is ceramic coated, were you provided any vehicle care instructions?

If not, check out these for ideas:

https://bobmosescc.com/ceramic-coating-maintenance/

https://bobmosescc.com/wp-content/uploads/Maintenance-Products-Instructions-Sheet-1.pdf

 

[Jillrm]

And because your vehicle is ceramic coated, were you provided any vehicle care instructions?

If not, check out these for ideas:

https://bobmosescc.com/ceramic-coating-maintenance/

https://bobmosescc.com/wp-content/uploads/Maintenance-Products-Instructions-Sheet-1.pdf

Interesting article...I was not provided care instructions, except don't use a car wash...probably to protect their rears. It's all good. I can depend on you guys to make things clear as mud...LOL!

Sponsored