The do’s and don’ts of washing your car
For some of us washing our car is a weekly routine, but as simple as this mundane task may seem – there are certain things you have to look out for so that you don’t end up damaging your car in the long term.
First off, you shouldn’t only wash your car when it’s very dirty. DON’T wait for a layer of dirt to accumulate before washing. Dead bugs, bird droppings, and chemicals from the atmosphere all leach acids that can strip away wax and eventually eat into your car’s paint. Therefore, DO wash off dead bugs, bird droppings, and tree-sap mist as soon as possible. Other than this, a weekly car wash will keep the finish in its best shape.
There does exist some general guidelines when washing your car. DON’T wash your car when it’s hot, such as immediately after driving it or after it has been parked in direct sunlight for a while. Heat speeds the drying of soap and water, making washing more difficult and increasing the chances that spots or deposits will form.
DON’T move the sponge in circles. This can create light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks.
DO rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before you begin washing to remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching.
DON’T use household cleaning agents like Sunlight Liquid on your car. These aren’t formulated for use on a car’s paint and may strip off the protective wax. DO use a dedicated car-wash product, which is specifically designed for use on automotive paint.
A lot of us think that driving around the block will dry the car, but DON’T let the car air-dry. This can create watermarks and won’t dry off your car properly.
DO use a soft towel or chamois to dry off your car. It’s best to blot the water up instead of dragging the towel or chamois over the paint.