Washing your car is a fun activity for the whole family when the weather warms up, but there’s definitely a right and a wrong way to do it. Luckily for you, we’ve written this guide to washing your car properly so that you can have fun with the kids and make sure that your clearcoat won’t get frazzled.
The first tip we have for you is to invest (and when we say “invest,” we really mean “spend a little more than you would otherwise”) in some car shampoo that is specifically formulated for exterior automotive use. In other words, don’t use dish soap. You can find it at any auto parts store, and when you use a microfiber cloth or cleaning mitt with the shampoo, you’ll get a great wash. Make sure you rinse your car off with the hose before you start washing and you’re good to go!
Make sure you don’t wash your vehicle in direct sunlight. It might seem like the thing to do, but it’s not. We’ll cover that in a minute.
When you do wash, don’t move the cloth in circular patterns. That creates swirl marks, which are visible on your paint if you look the right way. Rinsing your vehicle first helps get rid of the dust and other pollutants that collect on your vehicle and cause scratches when you wash your vehicle. The proper way to wash is in long straight strokes, doing one panel at a time. Don’t rub too hard, but make sure you are effectively washing each area.
Don’t rinse your vehicle off just yet – take the time to rinse and wash your wheels with a stiff brush. It really improves the look of your wheels, and makes sure they’re getting the attention they deserve. After that, take a clean cloth, dip it in the wash, and focus on the little details of your vehicle before the final rinse.
Now it’s time to rinse your vehicle off with a nice high-powered blast of water from the hose. Don’t let your vehicle air-dry – this is why you’re not washing your vehicle in direct sunlight – because if the rinse water evaporates it creates rings and deposits and can damage your clear coat and/or paint. Dry each panel with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, and then apply whatever protectant sprays or waxes you want.
Teach your kids the right way to wash a vehicle and you’re set for life on car washes! Trust us, ours are practically expert detailers.
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