Best Way to Keep Black Q5 Clean?

[mvnsory]

For a little context, I own a 2015 Black Q5 S-Line (myAudi says Mythos, the dealership I bought it from said Brilliant, so I'm not too sure, but it doesn't really make a difference).

So, I got my car washed about 30 minutes ago, and whether or not it's due to the fact that the employees didn't properly dry my car, there is already dust and tons of water droplet marks all over both sides of the car. Although I can easily either go back and get it washed again or take them up on their "3-day guarantee", I'd rather not do that, because as a college student, I simply don't have that much time in a day.

What would y'all say is the most efficient way to keep a Black car clean? I am down in Texas, so the heat dries the car instantly, and of course, everything shows on a black car :/

I'm pretty sure I have F11 top coat polish/cleaner spray, which is said to last pretty long, but I just need to find time to put that on my car.

I have also seen many videos and pictures showing off the wonders of ceramic pro, and the capabilities of ceramic coats for your car- is it worth it, as a long time investment?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[Aries_27]

Get a proper ceramic coating done by a professional. Absolutely worth it in my opinion.


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[BahnSpeed]

A Black car requires more hands on care as you already know. Everything shows up right away. The plus side is nothing shines at night like a clean black car.

Try and find a good reputable no touch car wash and wipe it down yourself. If you’re going DIY a lot of folks like the foam cannon wash. Also buy OEM touch up paint to cover all of the chips that will show up on the front end.



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[choppstixxx]

I'd check your VIN with Audi USA to get the accurate color, Mythos and Brilliant are two very different animals. In all honesty owning a Black colored vehicle that is your daily is a PITA to keep clean. My first car was Black, owned it for the better part of 9 yrs and vowed to never own another daily that was that color again. My summer car is Berlina Black and spends most it's time in my garage under a cover because it pains me to leave it out for long extended periods of time. With that being said I've also professionally detailed cars for over 16+ yrs, I am going to tell you that F11 is garbage in terms of longevity/price. It seems like social media has really taken the car detailing scene by storm with gimmicky products that get the average person. Like the other member Aries stated, find a local credible auto detailer in your area that fits your budget and expectations. Have them properly decontaminate, paint correct, and seal/ceramic coat your vehicle and you will at least have a fighting chance of keeping it looking clean. Routine proper maintenance washes and application of a spray sealant will also help after your do a proper detail. But again as much as it pains me to say this, Black really is always a losing battle keeping clean. In the future if you want an Audi color that gets you a Black like appearance, but less maintenance go with Moonlight Blue or Lava Grey.

[greasykid]

My experience & recommendations. I have been detailing my cars for many years & not spending a lot of $$$$. Everybody starts with a really good car wash. Next buy a CLAY BAR kit for about $30. I prefer Maguiers. If you follow the instructions you will have a baby soft feel on all surfaces when you are done. Next step is a good polishing. Either by hand or buffer. Mostly depends on what paint condition you are starting with. Finish with a really good sealer or wax of your choice. When all done I go over everything with a good detailer. The detailer that you used when claying your car should be ok.
3 months ago I bought a 2018 CPO Q5 (mythos black) with 24,000 mi. Exterior in very average condition. Started with car wash,then clayed. Tried something new. I used Turtle Wax ceramic finish- 2 coats. a day apart to allow for curing. Followed with my detailer. Great finish. Will see how it lasts. My cars are garaged. I did this job all by hand for well less than $100. Last but not least-----. Use ONLY new or very clean microfiber cloths. NEVER go through a BRUSHLESS car wash after doing all this. The pressure that is used is very high & can remove whatever surface material finish you have worked on. To keep the new look I use my detailer & microfiber after every car wash. Wheels too. 30 min max.
I am a dedicated car nut & have owned many many vehicles. Many rather expensive. Has worked every time. COSTCO has excellent microfibers.

[q5 dave]

What would y'all say is the most efficient way to keep a Black car clean?

Still trying to figure it out after several years, but the best method I found is leaving it in the garage and driving another car dam thing is never clean but when she is- gorgeous!


Coatings will make it easier/quicker to clean but still, everything shows on a black car. Keep a quality set of microfibers and detail spray in the Q.

[DustinFennell]

I used to have a black SQ5, it was a part-time job keeping it clean. I had a clear bra and ceramic coating. The ceramic coating didn't keep it cleaner, it just made it easier to clean. The easiest way to keep a black car clean is to sell it and buy a white or silver car. LOL

However, nothing looks better than a clean black vehicle. :-)

[arjun90]

Heck mine is a Moonlight Blue Metallic and even that's hard to keep up with in terms of regular washes

I'd check your VIN with Audi USA to get the accurate color, Mythos and Brilliant are two very different animals. In all honesty owning a Black colored vehicle that is your daily is a PITA to keep clean. My first car was Black, owned it for the better part of 9 yrs and vowed to never own another daily that was that color again. My summer car is Berlina Black and spends most it's time in my garage under a cover because it pains me to leave it out for long extended periods of time. With that being said I've also professionally detailed cars for over 16+ yrs, I am going to tell you that F11 is garbage in terms of longevity/price. It seems like social media has really taken the car detailing scene by storm with gimmicky products that get the average person. Like the other member Aries stated, find a local credible auto detailer in your area that fits your budget and expectations. Have them properly decontaminate, paint correct, and seal/ceramic coat your vehicle and you will at least have a fighting chance of keeping it looking clean. Routine proper maintenance washes and application of a spray sealant will also help after your do a proper detail. But again as much as it pains me to say this, Black really is always a losing battle keeping clean. In the future if you want an Audi color that gets you a Black like appearance, but less maintenance go with Moonlight Blue or Lava Grey.

[choppstixxx]

Heck mine is a Moonlight Blue Metallic and even that's hard to keep up with in terms of regular washes

At least with MBM it has some nice metallic flake and hides scratches pretty well IMO. Black really is such a pain especially if you don't park it in the garage daily and if you live in climates that have all four seasons.
My prev. A4:

[Clun9]

Like many of said, ceramic coating and frequent maintenance of the paint is the easiest way to keep a black Q/SQ clean.
My SQ is parked in the driveway and I actually daily it everyday. The toughest for me is actually rockchips. It's a lot harder to hide it on a black car.
The aerodynamics of any vehicle with a hatch typically increases the amount of dust all over the rear thanks to the vortex generated.
Even though my SQ is ceramic coated, I wash weekly and also on occasion wipe down with beadmaker to help increase the ceramic properties that is reduced overtime.