b5tob7

Washed my black car yesterday for the first time (29 degrees). This being my first black car I didn't realize water stains were such an issue with this color. It's the same as cleaning glass, it has to be perfectly dried in the proper amount of time to have it look nice. I must say when it was done it did look NICE.

Anyway getting to the tin part, I noticed when I was washing the side of the car applying normal pressure that the door panels flexed quite a bit. Is this part of a weight saving program that they are using lighter, but just as strong materials? I had a Red 1996 A4 and there was zero flex when washing. Makes me wonder how that inevitable first door dinge is going to look (hopefully it will be awhile since I only had one small one in 10 years of owning the B5).

Is there a way to fight the water stains without having to dry like a maniac? Is there a certain car wash I should use (currently using Armour All blue gel)?

Tanner

Noticed that too, the roof flexes a lot easier when I was waxing it one day

audiboi

Someone mentioned that it helps prevent dings by flexing more. Not sure if it was a reliable source, but sounded pretty good.

dmac

while washing and waxing (Zaino) my new black B7 this past weekend. I'm going to hope the theory on limiting door dings is accurate. Water spots are particularly a problem with black cars. The quality/ hardness of water in your town may also be a factor. I generally use the Meguiars Gold wash (which I get in the gallon jug at Target) with good results.
If you don't already have one, you might want to pick up one of those "Absorbers" synthetic chamois-like things. Walmart usually has them for about $10.
You are sure to find more info than you can digest on sites like www.autopia-carcare.com

b5tob7

Thanks Dave - Appreciate the advice