Washing incorrectly causes more damage to a paint surface than road grime. That said, getting the road grime off correctly is paramount and more of a lifestyle committed to proper car care. It was killing me 2 years ago when I took my brand new Carbon Black X5 on a winter cross country trip and then let it sit at the Grand Floridian parking lot dirty. A quick car wash without the proper equipment would have left hairline scratches from top to bottom and done more harm than good. Since then I have developed a vacation washing kit from waterless car washing spray to collapsing buckets and multiple mitts and microfiber towels. This past year my X5 looked pristine in the same parking lot.
I like the foam cannons for home regular washing. Best new “game changer” tool I have used in the last few decades.
