Optimum says its safe for wrapped cars including matte colours (https://www.optimumforums.org/topic/...apped-vehicle/)

It will feel really weird using it because the way you use it goes against everything you've been taught about washing cars. I use the Big Red Sponge (https://carzilla.ca/products/optimum-big-red-sponge) and I was always told not to use sponges on paint but, damn, it works! Just drag that sucker over my paint and there's no scratches or marks at all.

It's been a few years since I started using ONR and I still can't believe it works.

It's also a great general purpose product - it can clean windows and your interior, it works as a clay lube etc.

but wait a minute,

so you got this big tub of water + optimum and then you dip said sponge into the bucket, wash the panel/area and then you.....

REDIP IT INTO THE BUCKET!? doesnt that water bucket get dirty in like 2 seconds and arent you just washing your car with literally the equivalent of a hobo squeegee at this point? how does this not scratch the paint ? all the particles/dirt on the sponge will surely leave marks doesnt it?

That's exactly how it works if you use a Big Red Sponge (BRS) and it's crazy. The way it works is that ONR has these polymers in it that encapsulates the dirt and when you put the sponge back in the bucket the dirt releases from the sponge (give it a couple good squeezes) and sinks to the bottom. Swear to god it works.

If you don't use the BRS (or its cousin, the Big Black Sponge which is for those who like it "bigger and blacker") then you can use 5-6 microfibre cloths per wash and don't dip those back in the bucket.

Edit: If you want to try some out I can drop off a little bottle for you next time I'm in Richmond (as long as the earthquake and flood hasn't shown up). I've got a gallon jug of the stuff.

Appreciate the offer bro. I just bought the 32oz off Amazon. I got a sponge but I think I’ll buy that big black sponge of yours and just try it.

I also worry about mice or mold. I like being able to easily see in the windows or pop the hood and take a look. A mouse in there unchecked for a couple months will do far more damage than the extra UV exposure will.

Thinking of maybe transporting a vehicle from here / Washington State to LA for a trip but wanted to get an idea on the cost for an enclosed transport. Does anyone here have experience with this and know who to go with and what I should expect?

I haven't moved cars from Seattle to LA specifically... but prices have doubled in recent years for transpo in the USA, especially if you want enclosed... you're gonna pay $2500 easy. I can't imagine why anyone who isn't a sheik would do this.

Just go on Turo and find something equivalent to rent instead.

Are there any additional storage things I need to do when storing in a Condo? I think I need to worry about mice & buying a cover?

I'm in P2 and roughly 30 second walk from the front gates.

I am also in a condo and have had multuple cars for long periods of time in storage... if it's a newer place I wouldn't be too worried about mice at all... they tend to hang out more by the garbage rooms than anything car related.

I just unplug my negative battery terminal to preserve the battery... I've had good results trying to stick to a fairly regular start-up schedule, running to warm once a week... if I leave cars sitting for a long long time without running them at all, you get a lot of issues start creeping up.

Honestly in a condo setting, I don't really see the point of using a cover. I used to cover my 68 Mustang but not anymore... yes after 6 months it gets dusty and I need to wash it, but the ease of access and not being scratched by the cover itself trapping stuff makes up for it in my opinion. Covers are more for outside with sun and whatnot I feel.

For the last few years, I never started it up once fuel stabilizer was in, remove battery and put it on a tender. The last 5 years it started up with no issues at all, knock on wood. But it was garage stored where it was warmer.

Yeah, the dust wouldn't bother me anyways since I wash and re-wax/seal ever year anyways.

Now that the weather is colder, we are starting to turn on the heat. We have in-loor hydronic radiant heating but noticed that it's not heating up the entire area. There are certain "deadzones" such as the bedrooms. Is there maintenance required for this tyep of system and are there solutions other than ripping up the flooring to replace the tubes?

Probably will get good info in the real estate thread from some of the resident heating/handymen that post a lot in there.

Same, I actually don't start up my car at all.
I've read this is actually not good unless you're able to actually drive it and warm it up. If not, don't just let it idle and turn it off, that's worse.

My car's stored in the garage, but I leave the hood open. I figured that would actually make mice not want to hide there since it's not an enclosed space.

It is far better to start your car up periodically, even if it doesn't get to operating temps, than it is to sit.

Keeps oil in the bearings and valvetrain, keeps seals from drying out. This is common sense.

I'm with great68

Azn, you have a link to just starting up your car being bad :suspicious:

Im not a car mechanic, but I've heard thousands of compressors and motors start at work.
After being off for 2-3 seasons, I can tell you older equipment does not like the first start up of the season

Maybe this only applies to classic hot rods?:
https://journal.classiccars.com/2018...inter-storage/

This one sounds like there's just two different theories:
https://vehq.com/how-often-should-yo...ar-in-storage/

I personally put in fuel stabilzer, fresh oil, and use a battery tender. My car isn't insured so driving it around isn't an option, and articles I read made it sound like I should drive it around if I'm going to fire it up, especially to keep the battery charged (not applicable to me).

I'm not a mechanic either, so I could have interpret it wrong. This is just how I've been storing my car over the past 2 winters.

The articles aren't wrong, that's for sure

Gives you something to think about for your first world problems

Good! Thank you Horgan and Eby!

BC won't support bid for 2030 Olympics!

https://vancouversun.com/news/bc-not...-2030-olympics

With a possible recession on the horizon, it might be a wise choice. Nobody can predict how things will be like in the future. Let some other province or country take their chances.

I think it's a responsible move. The local indigenous leaders are pissed off, but something tells me when shit hits the fan, the tax payers will be holding the bag and they'll just bail.

just my humble opinion

Of course there would have been. The indigenous people were gonna foot the tax payers of this province with a mult-billion dollar bill in the name of reconciliation.

Coincidentally, there's recently discussions here
https://www.revscene.net/forums/7176...-included.html

https://kotaku.com/adidas-the-simpso...eme-1849712734

As a huge fan of the simpsons, THESE SHOES ARE MINE !!!!!!!

I read that article as more of an opinion piece rather than providing any actual measured fact.
The concerns about oil dilution is somewhat valid, but to the extent it might be detrimental is probably pretty negligible, especially if the oil is fresh when the car goes into storage. And yeah it's probably more an issue to old carbureted cars which run extremely pig rich when they're cold, compared to modern fuel injected cars.

I think it's FAR more damaging to an engine for seals and bearings to go dry than any effect fuel dilution could cause.

best neighborhood in Burnaby for trick or treating?

hopefully it dosent rain this year

I bought the Duff sneakers last year, and looking forward to this pair!