How OCD are you about your car?

"Der Käfer" (Rhy)
12/03/2013 at 12:36 • Filed to: None

I may not drive a $100K car, I'm not "ballin' " and I don't have a 10 car garage to my car in, but I treat my car as if it is the finest automobile ever made. I hate when my car is dirty, I see a water mark and I'm outside with a microfiber rag and some polish to remove it. I'll be at work and notice a streak in my window, lunch out, and go buy window cleaner. My VW calls for regular gas but I still do a premium fill up every 5 fill ups, I take it to the dealer the moment it begins to chime for a service and I have it detailed professionally 2 times month (or more depending on what I encounter on the road.) To me my car is not just a car, it's an investment (my girlfirend).

My screen saver is my car the day I found it parked in the very back of the dealership..... I know it's weird for me to like my car so much but do not care, I love it.

How OCD/ crazy are you about your car?

DISCUSSION (52)

HammerheadFistpunch > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 12:41

I take a duality of views:

1. it means a lot to me and I hate the idea of something wrong with it, so I will fix the tiniest noises, smells or feelings promptly and well.

2. Its only a thing, a thing with a specific job to do. Lets go have some good times.

I don't stress about paint, or cleanliness as much as working order for good times.

Also, don't use premium, its actually doing more harm than good in an engine not designed for it. Best case scenario, you are just throwing money away.

Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 12:43

I'm too lazy to care when it gets dirty after a while. When I do clean it though, I make sure everything is as clean and shiny as possible. And for a few days after I clean it I make sure it stays clean. Once it gets dirty though, not many fucks are given until I feel like I should clean it. Oh, and I do make sure to change the oil with the best synthetic though, and I only use no ethanol premium gas (it requires premium, though).

dogisbadob > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 12:43

Not very.

The body and interior aren't that great, but mechanically it's awesome. I do have an oil leak though, probably the valve cover gaskets which are difficult to replace on my car.

Der Käfer > dogisbadob
12/03/2013 at 12:45

To each their own!

Der Käfer > Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur
12/03/2013 at 12:46

I went from a premuin fuel car to a regular fuel car and I love it.

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 12:46

I was literally just getting into this on another post.

I was pretty anal about my Focus at first but over time I got lazy and didn't care as much about keeping it clean. It was, after all, just a 2nd gen USDM Focus with a slushbox.

The Dart however, I'm pretty damn anal about. My girlfriend is constantly making fun of me for telling her not to put fingerprints on my door when opening and closing it and not scratching up my glovebox with her backpack (don't ask). I've been wheeling different spots on it almost every week since small scratches seem to appear overnight and every one bothers me until I do something about it. I waxed every inch of paint one night last week before I left work and I tried to avoid any dirt or puddles on my way home. The fact that it rained two days later was pretty depressing. I keep a microfiber in my door pocket and I'm always wiping the fingerprints and dust off the 8.4" screen and piano black trim around it.

We'll see how long I stay this anal about it, but it's my second brand new car and the first I've owned since my Bronco that I can consider a "cool car" so I'd like to keep it looking pretty.

Der Käfer > HammerheadFistpunch
12/03/2013 at 12:47

I was told by VW that it helps clean up the engine?

I do get your point, it's just a thing.... but I love my thing.

PNW20v > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 12:47

I got in an argument, borderline fight with my new roommate because he didnt understand NO FOOD IN THE CAR. Sat for 10 minutes for him to finish his food but he never even started eating, so I finally prompted him to eat because I was waiting. He mentioned he was going to take it, 20 minutes later I was leaving without him and more than a little worked up lol because he refused to eat his goddamn food before we left. Hows that for OCD?

dogisbadob > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 12:47

You drive a thing? That's awesome!

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz
12/03/2013 at 12:49

Exactly, dont touch the door paint, use the handles, I also keep a rag in the car because My dash and doors are the same shiny red as my car and show prints horrbly, I even looked into a screen protector for my nav screen.....

quarterlifecrisis > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 12:49

When the C6 lived inside (which stopped happening 2 months ago when I moved), it was always spotless, and every minor scratch was addressed with my trusty Porter Cable 7424 and some Poorboy's World light polish (and sealant and wax) as soon as I noticed it. Now that it sits outside...it gets washed and spray waxed when I'm motivated. I'm sure in the spring I'll find somewhere to do a full paint correction and detail on it.

My pickup, which I've had for 9.5 years, hasn't been washed in a year. I used to be OCD about it, and then every time I would do some body work, somewhere else would start to rust. So, it looks like crap. And has a weird idle from time to time, but I didn't have any hesitation about jumping in it and going on a 700 mile trip yesterday.

HammerheadFistpunch > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 12:50

Using premium in an engine not designed to run it means you get less complete combustion, which means more by products, which means a less clean engine. I suspect the 2.0 FSI engine can adjust to higher octane, in which case it will actually tell you in the manual to use premium, but regular is fine. Otherwise, its not something I would recommend.

Der Käfer > PNW20v
12/03/2013 at 12:50

LOL my friends and fam know that food dosent come within 5 feet of my car, unless its water and the water must be in a sippy cup (lol jk)

Der Käfer > HammerheadFistpunch
12/03/2013 at 12:52

I have the 2.5l 5 cylinder but the 2.0 actually performs better when using the premium gas as instructed, one reason I strayed away from it, my land rover was a beast on premium.

thebigbossyboss > dogisbadob
12/03/2013 at 12:53

Similar. Rust free, which in this climate is quite an accomplishment. However, the drivers seat needs help, and I need a carpet shampoo...badly.

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 12:53

Even getting in and out of my car is something of a contortion act, trying not to touch the door, pillars, jamb, plastic.

I'm even worried about the leather on my steering wheel getting crappy over time. I've been meaning to look into ways to keep it fresh.

And sure it's just a Dart, but like you said it's my baby. Plus it's a 1.4T 6MT, not just a 2.0 auto or something.

Der Käfer > quarterlifecrisis
12/03/2013 at 12:54

That is dedication.. *tears up* that corvette is blessed

Der Käfer > dogisbadob
12/03/2013 at 12:55

lololol I wish, i drive a 2012 beetle

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz
12/03/2013 at 12:56

You and I would get a long just fine.... We think the same.

Isn't that the multiair fiat powertrain? I heard it's pretty good!

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 13:02

Technically the 2.0 and 2.4 have Multiair as well, though the 1.4 is the only one branded as such and it's actually a Fiat engine whereas the others are Chrysler. And yes, aside from the Dart's weight giving the engine more mass to propel than in other applications, it is a lovely engine. The sound is simply fantastic even with the single exhaust tip on my Aero model. I plan to remedy that though.

Jayhawk Jake > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 13:03

As others have said, I take care of it as best I can but with the reality that it's just a car.

I wash and wax it myself, but I enjoy doing that so I don't know that I'd consider that babying it. I definitely don't like there being trash in it and will get on my friends for leaving trash in the car, but mostly jokingly. A car is not worth losing friends over.

Things like fingerprints don't bug me. As long as you aren't intentionally smearing shit on my car, whatever - it's a car. It gets dirty. I can clean it.

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz
12/03/2013 at 13:05

That's one thing I love about my Beetle, it sounds fantastic when grunting under full throttle, my has dual tips, but I want to put a full magnaflow setup on it.

Meatcoma > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 13:06

Your car: If you really loved me you would feel too guilty to run that bastard 87/89 octane in me!

Darigaaz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 13:06

-Very- anal.
This is my procedure when I order take out or buy fast food.
1.) Make sure it comes in a bag.

2.) Roll the top of the bag up tightly.

3.) Throw any soda that came with food in the trash.

4.) Open the trunk and open one of the concealed compartments.

5.) Put bag in compartment and secure with strap.

6.) Close compartments and drive home.

No food, no smoking, no feet on anything but floor, no animals, no drinks other than bottled water

Jayhawk Jake > oldirtybootz
12/03/2013 at 13:08

See, that gets to be a little extreme. Being that anal about how you get in the car is excessive. It's a car. It's going to get scratched, it's going to get dirty. Open the door and get in, when you clean it clean the door jambs.

Fingerprints are even less of a big deal, they don't do any damage. Wipe them off from time to time, but trying to not touch things is just silly.

Der Käfer > Meatcoma
12/03/2013 at 13:09

To my car: Do you want the premium every fill up and me return the Thule Roof rack and exhaust I ordered for you?........ You want the rack and pipes? That's what I thought...

Der Käfer > Darigaaz
12/03/2013 at 13:12

I'm dyinggg hahahahaaha So if were to take a trip to florida I cant put my feet on the top of the dash in your honda odyssey?

Meatcoma > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 13:14

Good rebuttal!

Darigaaz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 13:14

I don't have an Odyssey but no. I would toss you out like improperly prepared burrito.

Der Käfer > Darigaaz
12/03/2013 at 13:15

It was joke, That's the typical scene on the way to FL...

Der Käfer > Meatcoma
12/03/2013 at 13:15

I got my car stuff for xmas, I'm crazy.

Darigaaz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 13:45

Foot out of window is pretty common...I've also seen foot out of driver's side window a few time. o_o

Der Käfer > Darigaaz
12/03/2013 at 13:48

Wait, drivers side?............ I..... what?

Darigaaz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 13:50

I was hoping for a fender bender to see what would happen.

PNW20v > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 14:31

EXACTLY! I thought all my acquaintances were well aware of this, but I guess he does now

oldirtybootz > Jayhawk Jake
12/03/2013 at 15:06

Meh, I'd rather not scratch the jambs and have to constantly wipe finger prints off of black trim.

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 15:12

I'm debating on exhausts right now. There is a Flowmaster for $400+ with dual tips or a single pipe 3" Injen for $600+. The issue is that my rear fasica has no cutouts for exhaust so no matter what I do I'll have to cut an exit for the tip. Alternatively I could have a custom exhaust fabbed up for probably less money than either.

I also don't know how loud I want it. I don't know if I'd want to live with the 3" even though I'm sure it sounds amazing.

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz
12/03/2013 at 15:56

Same issue here, I want a deep sound but not one that sounds like a 1997 civic with 8 inch exhaust. I don't want to be too loud either.

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 16:17

That's what turned me off of the 2.0 and 2.4. Stock they both sound like riced Civics. You and I both have a pretty distinct sound to begin with, so they should sound fine, it's just a matter of how loud we want to go. Is yours one of the new Beetels?

Stupidru > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 16:59

I am of the opposite camp: I prefer my cars to be mechanically impeccable. One of my best friends is OCD like you with cleanliness, but doesn't know how to change his damn oil.

Me? I have shit all over the car in winter (it's super clean in summer— AutoX keeps me clean :) ), but as soon as something starts to rattle or squeak, I'm under the car making sure it's the best damn car on the road. I also drive an 11 year old car, so the paint and interior have already taken a beating.

911e46z06 > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 17:00

Crazy. With the trucks, I don't care. Trucks should be treated like trucks. With the m3, I allow drinks only when in a re-sealable bottle. So no cans or cups. Food may not be eaten, and must remain double-bagged (with the outside bag made of plastic) and tied for the duration of the drive. Water in re-sealable bottles only in the Porsche and Z06. No food. We'll order a pizza when we get where we're going. Also, if you put your feet on the dash in any of my cars, I'll cut them off.

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz
12/03/2013 at 22:21

Yup, 2012 2.5L 5 Cylinder

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 22:41

Ooo I assumed you had the 2.0T. There should be no mistaking your car for a Honda with an exhaust then. The 2.5 must sound badass with an exhaust on it.

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz
12/03/2013 at 22:42

The thing is, I can't find a 2.5 VW exhaust vid on youtube that I think sounds good.... either TOO loud, or too rice racer.

Der Käfer > 911e46z06
12/03/2013 at 22:44

If you put your feet on my dash, I will tie you to the back of my car and drive it like I stole it.

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 22:44

A custom exhaust might be the right balance, but there's no guarantee you'll get it right on the first shot. Very similar to my dilemma. I can't find a video of the Injen exhaust.

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz
12/03/2013 at 22:45

I think I may only replace the suitcase muffler and tips, just to add some audible grunt and an intake..

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer
12/03/2013 at 22:49

Yeah a resonator/muffler delete will usually be enough.

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz
12/03/2013 at 22:54

So this weekend I'm getting my Thule roof rack installed, some Stainless steel exhaust tips (for the time being) and looking to put some brighter whiter headlight bulbs in, I hate when I make online friends cuzz "can no hoon togetha" D; there's no car people in my neck of the woods!

oldirtybootz > Der Käfer
12/04/2013 at 07:46

Haha I feel ya. My one friend with a sporty car is selling it to buy a Ram so I'll be the only one with a car to hoon. The rest drive boats.

Der Käfer > oldirtybootz
12/04/2013 at 08:12

blah, well kudos to us for being so damn OCD about our cars and lets hope we find the right exhaust setups!

texasfordfan > Der Käfer
12/05/2013 at 23:21

I got a hand me down from my brother. He took shitty care of that car. It took 5 hours of cleaning to make it livable again. I don't give a shit about the outside because it was already scratched and dinged when I got it. I keep the inside mostly clean, but I am not anal about it.