show I cover my rental car?

burningman2008 · Post by **burningman2008** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:41 pm

I am renting a car from Hertz this year. I could stop by a Auto supply place and buy a cover for about 70 dollars. Would it be worth it, not having to clean the car inside and out? Or does the playa dust wash off at a car wash?[/img]

capjbadger · Post by **capjbadger** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:46 pm

Playa dust washes off. A cover on the car will trap dust on the car and scrub the paint right off.

If you're worried about dust on the inside, keep it closed.

Badger

hsdavis · Post by **hsdavis** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 1:58 am

capjbadger is right, the car cover will wear the paint right off the car. Hertz will be really pissed if you return the car with just primer or bare metal showing. There are several car washes in the Reno area and I think they are just a few bucks with a fill-up at gas stations. I bring a microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the car. Depending on the color interior you get you may have to work harder to make the car look like it was never on the playa. If they think you were at Burning Man, they tend to look very closely at the condition of the car. Take extra care to clean out the dust or you WILL get whacked with a cleaning charge. Again, it doesn't have to be perfect, just get what you can see on the interior and wash the outside.

Funky Monkey Mech · Post by **Funky Monkey Mech** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:37 am

also make sure on the way back before you do all the cleaning run the A/C full blast for a bit with the windows down to get all the dust out of the A/C vents.... even if you don't use the A/C on the playa the dust will still blow into and fill the vent system.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 3:03 am

I suggest covering the vent intakes.

Covers can be used without damage, but in this case you'd be better off spending your effort cleaning.
A loose cover can do damage and some are worse than others.

thirt33n · Post by **thirt33n** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 3:03 am

expect to have to clean the car inside and out.
unavoidable.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 6:05 am

One of those $70 car covers is a really bad idea because in addition to the scratching it will cause, it also won't keep the playa dust off the car! To keep playa dust from getting on stuff during a dust storm you have to completely seal it air-tight.
As for the interior, if you can get a car with a tan interior you'll have a big head start, you'll still have to clean it but every bit of dust won't stand out.
Don't plan on using the car as a storage place, unload everything when you arrive and close the doors and avoid opening them at all. Taping over the vents might be a good idea, and if you do, get some blue painter's tape. Don't use cheap beige masking tape, it'll make more of a mess than it saves.
Same with duct tape, even though it sounds so proper!
A big long-bristled paint brush works great when you're cleaning and dusting the dash and other little corners after the event.

burningman2008 · Post by **burningman2008** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:43 am

Thanks for all your help! I am not going to get a cover for the car, and just plan on washing it afterwards..

btw.. what vents were you talking about covering? where are they?

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 10:39 am

Typically they are on the cowl in front of the windshield.
AC on recirculation should work, but no fresh air will come in with the vents covered.

Use a vacuum or blower to remove as much dust as possible before you wash.
The dust washes off, but is very reluctant.

thorfio · Post by **thorfio** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:57 pm

This was a very informative post as I'm in the same situation.

Thanks all!!!

- Matt

hsdavis · Post by **hsdavis** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:12 am

When cleaning your rental car, or really any car that was on the playa, DO NOT WET THE PLAYA DUST ON THE INTERIOR! Any moisture or spray cleaner will make your life a living hell. A dry microfibre cloth is the only way to go. Don't dampen the cloth or it will only spread, imbed and streak the dust in the interior and make the most incredible mess you have ever seen in your life. (wow, another Burning Man experience)
For extra heavy interior dust, you can vacuum the dash board and accessory areas and bring a second or third cloth to use dry for more cleaning.
If you should make the deadly mistake and wet the playa dust, give yourself several extra hours to finish the cleaning job.
The outside of the vehicle could easily go through an automatic car wash and finish that job for $10.

Maybe this year there will be no wind or dust and this whole carwash discussion is a mute point!

capjbadger · Post by **capjbadger** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:08 am

hsdavis wrote:When cleaning your rental car, or really any car that was on the playa, DO NOT WET THE PLAYA DUST ON THE INTERIOR! Any moisture or spray cleaner will make your life a living hell. A dry microfibre cloth is the only way to go. Don't dampen the cloth or it will only spread, imbed and streak the dust in the interior and make the most incredible mess you have ever seen in your life. (wow, another Burning Man experience)
For extra heavy interior dust, you can vacuum the dash board and accessory areas and bring a second or third cloth to use dry for more cleaning.
If you should make the deadly mistake and wet the playa dust, give yourself several extra hours to finish the cleaning job.
The outside of the vehicle could easily go through an automatic car wash and finish that job for $10.

Maybe this year there will be no wind or dust and this whole carwash discussion is a mute point!

Exactly. Don't wet it! Not only is it an caustic dust (alkali), but it's also a clay. Picture smearing wet fine clay over your dash...

Badger

show I cover my rental car?

show I cover my rental car?

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