... posted by Kenny on Monday, 26 February 2001, at 4:41 p.m. ...in response to "Need advice on
                       how to maintain exterior of car" posted by Zelly.
 

                      Need advice on how to maintain exterior of car [S70][1998]... posted by Zelly on Monday, 26 February 2001, at 2:48 p.m.
 

                       I just got a '98 S70 previously leased Volvo in January of this year and I want to keep it in good shape. The
                       winters here are harsh on cars and we use a lot of salt on the roads. I've been having the car washed once
                       a week and waxed once a month by a full-service car wash. Is this a good wash/wax schedule for winter?

                       Once winter is over, what can I do to the exterior of the car to seal it or whatever the proper term is so
                       that it is ready to thwart off rust for the next snow season?

                       --
                       Zelly

                       I washed my 1998 S70 at least once a week, if not twice, regardless whether it is WINTER or SUMMER.
                       I waxed it every month too. Between waxes, I use one of the various detailers( you know those products
                       that keep those cars free of fingerprints @ car shows, etc... ) available on the market. I am currently using
                       EAGLE ONE, but previously was using MOTHERS. I found EAGLE ONE better.

                       Please reply with your e-mail address. I'll send you the complete list of car care products that I use on my
                       1998 S70. The other person I hope replies to your post is Steve F. It's to my knowledge that he cleans &
                       waxed his 2000 S70 GLT sedan frequently.

                       I also need to know how much time you're willing to spend taking care of your S70's exterior - 1 hrs ? 2
                       hrs ? ... 5 hrs ? I just came back in from washing, waxing, clean & conditioning the leather seats, etc.. ( I
                       started @ 9 am, and it is now 2 pm ).

                       Full-service car wash are GOOD, only if they're TOUCHLESS. If they're still using the brush, STAY AS
                       FAR FROM THEM AS POSSIBLE ! One of my friends didn't listen to me earlier about using those car
                       washes that still use brush, his 1997 850 T-5R sedan is full of scratches from the brush @ the car wash.
                       He finally had to re-sprayed his Volvo last month.
                       He swears that he will NEVER take his second Volvo, a 1999 V70 XC to the car wash AGAIN. If you
                       are worry about the salt, then you honestly don't need to spend your hard-earned $$ on those full-service
                       car wash. Park your car on the driveway, run hot/warm water underneath your car for a few minutes on
                       each portion. ( BTW, I installed a separate hot water tank that is connected to my tap in the garage for this
                       purpose, so unless you have one too, you might want to be careless not to drain the whole tank that is
                       needed in your household ). I did that on my previous 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix STE, and I traded it for the
                       S70 in May 1997, the dealer gave me a much better value for it since there was no rust. I only use my
                       nearby TOUCHLESS car wash only if it is " freezing " outside, and I need the S70 spotless for some
                       occassions later in the day or/ night.

                       Hope this helps ! Waiting for your e-mail !

                       Kenny
                       1998 Volvo S70 GLE
 
 

This link was also submitted in response to the question by KC. It is mirrored locally here.