How to wash a car - self-service car wash tips

For many car owners, car wash by hand is a therapeutic behavior that is beneficial to the mental state of the person and the appearance of the vehicle. This is good because frequent cleaning is also the best way to maintain a new car finish. However, although the car wash looks simple, there are still some things to be aware of in order to avoid accidental scratching or to reduce the quality of the paint. Here are some basic car wash tips.

What kind of product should I use?

Don't -- Use household cleaners such as hand sanitizers, dishwashing detergents or glass cleaners on paints. These are not suitable for use on automotive paint and may be stripped of protective wax.

Do -- Use a special car wash product that is milder and specifically designed for automotive paints. Apply foam with a large, soft natural sponge or cashmere glove. (See our car wax report for tips and advice on various waxes.) Grease, rubber, and road tar deposits collected from the road typically accumulate around the wheel rim and the lower edge of the body. These can be difficult to remove and may require stronger products such as insecticides and tar removers. Remove these deposits with a soft, non-abrasive cloth as they will quickly darken your sponge.

Do -- Use a separate sponge to clean the wheels and tires, which may be covered with sand, brake ash and other debris that could damage the car's surface. Mild soap and water can work here; if not, a dedicated wheel cleaner may be needed. Make sure the cleaner is compatible with the type of topcoat (paint, clear coat, chrome, etc.) used on the wheel. For example, a strong formula for mag wheels can damage the clear coating used on today's car wheels. For your safety, choose a cleaner labeled Safe for all wheels.

Is there any general precautions when I wash my car?

Don't -- When the body is hot, wash the car immediately after driving for a period of time after driving or in direct sunlight. Heating accelerates the drying of soap and water, making cleaning more difficult and increasing the chance of spots or deposits.

Don't -- Circle the sponge. This produces light, but obvious scratches are called eddy current traces. Instead, move the sponge longitudinally onto the hood and other body panels. Do not continue to use the sponge on the floor unless it is thoroughly rinsed. The sponge absorbs dirt particles that can scratch the paint.

Do -- Thoroughly rinse all surfaces with water before cleaning to remove loose dirt and debris that may cause scratches. Once started, focus on one area at a time and thoroughly clean each area before entering the next area. This will ensure that you have enough time to rinse before the soap dries. Start from above and then turn around the car. Use a hose without a nozzle to allow water to flow through the car from top to bottom. This will create a baffle operation that helps minimize water accumulation.

Do -- Pour the car wash into the foam, which is rich in foam and provides a lot of lubrication on the paint surface. Wash the sponge often. Rinse the sponge in a separate bucket to prevent dirt from getting into the soapy water.

How can I dry the car after I finish it?

Don't -- Let the car dry, don't expect to work around the street to work effectively. Both will leave traces of water from minerals in hard water. Also, do not use frosted towels or other materials that may leave scratches on the paint.

Do -- use suede (natural or synthetic) or a soft towel. If you choose a towel, you may need a few. It is best to drain the water and do not drag the towel or suede onto the paint. The drying process can be accelerated by using a soft squeegee to remove most of the water from the body, but make sure the rubber is flexible and will not stain with dirt that could cause scratches.