I wipe my car down at least 2-3 times/day with micofiber towels. Lately I've noticed lots of swirl marks in the clear coat. Not real visable except when light shines on it, then its real noticeable. My question is, does wiping a dry car down w/ dry microfiber towels put scratches in the clearcoat?

 

The microfiber itself doesn't, but the dust and dirt on the paint or trapped in the fibers does.

 

How can I detail b/t washes w/out messing with the clear coat?

 

At the very least use a good quick detailer and microfiber towels. Many people like the California Car Duster for that purpose. There are some "waterless" car wash products marketed as well. I can't recommend any products specifically since I don't choose to clean that way

 

It could be the microfiber towels putting scratches in your clear coat, when you wipe your car down you are using a detail spray correct? If not that is probably where your scratches are coming from. Did you do a scratch test with your towels and a CD? If you just wipe your car down without detail spray it's like washing your car without car wash (plain water) there is no lube so the dust and dirt will scratch your finish, the use of a good detail spray will lift the dirt off the finish, and prevent scratching.

 

hcvone Pretty much sums it up if you're paint is in good shape I would not be wiping it down 2-3 times a day. I agree with the saying ''I would rather see a dirty or dusty swirl free car than a clean swirled car''

Try this site for more info autopia.org

 

That's alot of wiping. You might need to invest in a California Car Duster.

 

Agreed!

Wipe it down every few days with a Cal car duster and if needed use some detail spray and micro fiber towills to clean it up. I dont use detail spray and micro fiber towills on the sides or behind the wheels between washings since even then you can still scratch it and move the dirt around, I just do the top panalls where it gets the most dust.

 

After it rains, I usually wipe it dry. Is that bad?

 

I would say it's bad, at least from the bolded text above. If you want to dry it off without messing up the paint, I'd say you should invest in a leaf blower.

 

EXACTLY, dust is a must before micro rubbing it, also try sprqaying very lightly the towel with liquid detailer for an even more brilliant glaze.

 

I wouldnt! Unless it was just washed and not driven since and absolutely needed to be dry.

When you drive in the rain the road grit, sand and water stick to the dust on your car, thats why they look dirty after a rain. Wiping it down is just spreading around the grit. I find that if it rains the car drys better on it's own without spots as long as it has some wax on it.

 

Honestly With A Black I'd Just Wash And Wax It Once A Week. Thats What I Do And Have No Promblems.

 

You wax your car weekly?