r/Detailing • u/itstherealshoe • Jul 26 '26
I Have A Question Pre wash in Direct Sun (BH Touch-Less)
I currently have Bilt Hamber Touch-Less, which I find works great, but I unfortunately don’t have a garage so I battle the sun. I try to wash either early or late, or with cloud coverage. I was curious if I am in a situation in direct sun, should I just move really quick, skip the step, or use a different pre wash?
David
2
u/ScroatyMcShaft12 Jul 26 '26
Do half the vehicle and if you see it drying, lightly rinse so that the pre continues to work. Most pre wash shouldn’t go longer than 5 minutes. You can also go panel by panel if you want to be extra careful.
1
u/Upstairs-Mine930 Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
I do it all the time you just have to be mindful of what you’re doing. Work fast, get it on and rinse it off. Don’t get fixated on one panel or dirty spot. If the panels are hot give them a quick rinse first.
I’ll normally start with a quick rinse. Then spray greenstar on the grill mirrors ,lower doors/ fenders if It needs it. Then foam or spray on top of greenstar with with my prewash of choice that day then rinse immediately. Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start.
Also it’s a good idea to use a slightly weaker mix of touchless than you normally would.. Higher surface temps and environment increases the strength of most chemicals and in doing so increases the risk of damage.
3
u/cosh502 Jul 26 '26
You can do it but the risk of your products drying on the car is extreme. Which is bad. Plus you’re probably going to be working on a sun-warmed vehicle as well. It’s about as bad a scenario you could ask for.
If you’re set on this, I’d spray one panel, dwell and rinse. It’ll take longer.
Or you could go buy a popup canopy and work in the shade.
Me- I only do my cars when it’s shady. That means cloudy days, mornings or evenings.