Regular cleaning of your car sounds like good practice; however, this should be done properly at the car wash because otherwise, it may have consequences.
Most car owners make the same simple mistakes that damage their car, either in terms of paint work, hardware, or speed, without even knowing.
Never forget this pre-wash step if you want to protect your car’s finish
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Omitting the pre-rinse is one of the most widespread errors of drivers. The importance of such a step is that it makes the loose dirt and grime fall off the surface of the car before you come in contact with it. There is a possibility that it will cause you to rub gritty particles into the paint without pre-rinsing.
A hose or pressure washer should also be used to begin rinsing and washing with the highest degree of contact with all areas.
Give special attention to wheel arches, bumpers, and lower panels as the most accumulators of the debris. When you are washing at home, give yourself an extra minute to soak up the car before scrubbing.
Be careful: This tool might be ruining your car’s paint every time you use it
That cruddy sponge or rag you have been working with? It might be one factor that causes your paint to lose its lustre. Washing in dirty and inappropriate materials leads to swirl marks and abrasion. Rather, make use of top-notch microfiber towels or anything that will be very soft on the paint. Use different cloths on the body and on wheels to prevent contamination. Washing tools ought to be cleaned after being used to avoid spoiling them.
“People often overlook the condition of their wash mitts,” warns Paul Cowland, car expert and TV presenter, “but that’s usually where the damage starts.”
You’re not doing your car any favors by letting it air dry naturally
Air drying your car may sound like an effective and efficient measure, but in the long run, it is a shortcut, causing the latter. When left on the surface, water leads to mineral spots, particularly where your water is hard. Such marks are scratched on the clear coat and diminish shininess with time. After washing, dry your car off as soon as possible with a microfiber towel or air blower. Make sure you work slowly and carefully, especially on the mirrors, trims, and other edges on which water tends to collect.
Using automatic car washes with brushes? Here’s what you’re risking
Although it’s convenient, most automatic car washes still use rotating brushes that are stiff on your car. These brushes can capture debris from previously washed vehicles and drag it across your paint. Less harmful are the brushless or touchless washes.
However, the best way by far is to wash by hand the old-fashioned way. In the event that you need to use a machine, select soft-touch or foam-only technology, which will be advertised if available. The swirl marks that are left behind by automatic brushes are permanent and more obvious on dark-colored vehicles.
Don’t use household cleaners unless you want to strip your car’s protective layers
Household detergents such as dish soap appear to be decent replacements for car soap, but they are too aggressive. Such cleaners remove the wax from the car, exposing the paint to the environment. That exposure over time may result in fade, rust, or dullness.
Rather, wipe the vehicle dry on the spur of the moment with a clean, soft microfiber towel after rinsing. Other drivers use car dryers or leaf blowers to accelerate the process. Appropriate dry-down means that your vehicle will be shiny longer and have a polished look in between washes.
