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?

I don't plan on doing all of my own polishing and waxing and detailing, but am going to make a note of the products and sites so I know what to use when I do do them myself. Also, just wanted to add, that my paint is in good condition and that my main concern is protecting my car from rust. Thanks again for all your input.

zelly,

There are a lot of ways you could go about this.....it all depends on what condition your paint is in now.....and how much time you are willing to spend on the care of the car. There are some very very good products on the market, but most(not all)of the good ones cost a few bucks though.

I wash my car as soon as it gets dirty......I have been using Pinnacle products for the last 6 months or so....and they are the best I have ever used. The Pinnacle Souvern wax($60/12oz.)

is outstanding.....also the paint cleaners....and the Pinnacle quick detail spray are very good, and most of all easy to work with. BTW: FWIW I like to use only carnauba wax products....but the "tools" you will use to apply and remove the product are high on the list of "quality items" you will need to keep the Volvo clean. Just remember it is most inportant that you get the paint as clean(not just by washing)and flat as you can before waxing for best results.

I get 99% o the info and products from two sister sites:

www.properautocare.com

and

Steve Ferraro

Hoboken, NJ

Click on the link below, it's a very informative article, and good advice if you're willing to spend the time.

KC

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

Remember that one time your "neighbor" came on here and talked about how you wash your "X5"? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I want to keep my car in good condition, but I don't have the time or the inclination to keep it in show-car condition. I've got a little baby now and won't have that much time to spend on the car.

I'm looking for just basic advice on how to seal the car, or wax it, or whatever is available out there that protects it in the winter from all the salt. My boss told me something I could do to the car once spring arrives and the car has been washed a couple of times to make sure all the salt is off. I forgot what it was but am going to ask him again.

Washing my car at home in the winter is not a possibility. I don't think we have hot/warm water coming out of the outside faucet and I wouldn't even want to wash it myself in the cold. I'm guessing you live in a warmer climate or have a heated garage.

I'm fairly sure that the full-service carwash I go to does not use brushes. But thank you so much for the warning. I've been tempted to go to an Amoco car wash for a quick wash to get the salt off. I'll make sure next time that these kinds of automatic car washes don't use brushes.

I like going to the full-service car washes (where actual people clean vacuum and wipe down the car) because it's so convenient. But also want to make sure their waxes are reliable. And wondering if there are other kinds of services out there that protects the car for winter.

Am still interested in the list of products you use for your car. My email address should be available in the header area of this reply.

Thanks, Kenny, for all your help.

Zelly,

there is no product on the market as of yet that will protect your car for more than six months.....and no product that will keep it looking "correct" for longer than two or three at the outside.

There is a very good product out that is made to go on a clean and preped surface....(wax is needed on top of this)called

Klass glaze/sealent....there is also "Klass all in one". It is a acrylic polymer....and lasts about 6 months IMHO....some people say it can last longer, but I dont think so.

Steve Ferraro

Hoboken, NJ

PS: I will send the two web sites to your e-mail address one is for products and the other is to talk about using them. You can buy the Klass sealent from them......good luck!