Washing a car is a bit more complex than you think. It's not just about removing dust and dirt; you have to be thorough. If you skip or overlook certain steps, you increase the risk of damaging the body of your car.
Here are some useful tips when it comes to exterior car care:
Rinsing
First, you need to hose the entire car down before you start washing. Ideally, you should use a pressure washer and aim at every square inch of the car, including the wheels, in order to dislodge sand and small rocks that could later become trapped in your wash mitt.
Wash mitt
The mitt has to be immaculate before you start massaging the body panels, windows, and wheels. Rinse it off regularly throughout your car wash. You'll avoid scratching the paint with the very same rocks you were so focused on rubbing away if you do.
Washing product
The product itself is actually less important than the technique. Pick the washing product that suits you best, preferably with a waxing agent incorporated into the mix. Some people even use dish soap (in liquid form, of course) and get superb results. Whatever you do, never wash a surface that you haven't previously hosed. When you're all done, thoroughly rinse your car.
Drying
This step is just as crucial as washing. Use a super-clean chamois, terrycloth or microfiber towel to dry your car; otherwise, you'll spread any remaining dirt over the body, which will leave stains. Also, it's better to purchase a single premium chamois than a bunch of cheap ones. This piece of cloth should easily absorb water, prevent streaking, and leave no residue.
Additional protection
Your car originally came out of the factory with a clear coat that deteriorates over time. Waxing or polishing the body panels helps restore this protective coat.
Waxing
Car wax can be either liquid or cream. It penetrates every tiny crack and evens the surface. Waxing can be performed on a regular basis -- just follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Polishing
Not unlike sanding, car polishing is about using an abrasive compound to remove a thin layer from the clear coat that protects the paint, resulting in a fresh new surface. A waxing agent is often blended in to get the desired shine. Polishing typically involves older, more deteriorated body paint, and is best left to a professional.
More tips...
Avoid washing your car under the sun -- we can't stress enough how important a cold, wet surface is. The hot sun may dry out your car before you even start washing it, and you're sure to create more harm than good.
Also, remember to wash the interior door panels and the inside of the trunk lid. Use a separate cloth so as not to get grease on your wash mitt, and let these surfaces dry completely to prevent moisture from generating rust -- leave your doors and trunk open to allow for drying.
Finally, keep in mind that dark body paint requires more attention and care than light as it tends to show more imperfections and dirt.
Here are some useful tips when it comes to exterior car care:
Rinsing
First, you need to hose the entire car down before you start washing. Ideally, you should use a pressure washer and aim at every square inch of the car, including the wheels, in order to dislodge sand and small rocks that could later become trapped in your wash mitt.
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Wash mitt
The mitt has to be immaculate before you start massaging the body panels, windows, and wheels. Rinse it off regularly throughout your car wash. You'll avoid scratching the paint with the very same rocks you were so focused on rubbing away if you do.
Washing product
The product itself is actually less important than the technique. Pick the washing product that suits you best, preferably with a waxing agent incorporated into the mix. Some people even use dish soap (in liquid form, of course) and get superb results. Whatever you do, never wash a surface that you haven't previously hosed. When you're all done, thoroughly rinse your car.
Drying
This step is just as crucial as washing. Use a super-clean chamois, terrycloth or microfiber towel to dry your car; otherwise, you'll spread any remaining dirt over the body, which will leave stains. Also, it's better to purchase a single premium chamois than a bunch of cheap ones. This piece of cloth should easily absorb water, prevent streaking, and leave no residue.
Additional protection
Your car originally came out of the factory with a clear coat that deteriorates over time. Waxing or polishing the body panels helps restore this protective coat.
Waxing
Car wax can be either liquid or cream. It penetrates every tiny crack and evens the surface. Waxing can be performed on a regular basis -- just follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Polishing
Not unlike sanding, car polishing is about using an abrasive compound to remove a thin layer from the clear coat that protects the paint, resulting in a fresh new surface. A waxing agent is often blended in to get the desired shine. Polishing typically involves older, more deteriorated body paint, and is best left to a professional.
More tips...
Avoid washing your car under the sun -- we can't stress enough how important a cold, wet surface is. The hot sun may dry out your car before you even start washing it, and you're sure to create more harm than good.
Also, remember to wash the interior door panels and the inside of the trunk lid. Use a separate cloth so as not to get grease on your wash mitt, and let these surfaces dry completely to prevent moisture from generating rust -- leave your doors and trunk open to allow for drying.
Finally, keep in mind that dark body paint requires more attention and care than light as it tends to show more imperfections and dirt.
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