Pro Tips For A DIY Car Wash
Posted in: Driving Tips, News.
For car lovers, washing a car by hand provides a therapeutic experience and has a soothing effect. Aside from this, frequent washing of the vehicle is one of the best ways to keep the new-car finish. Though washing a car like a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox might look simple, there are a few things you have to do right and look out for. Doing the wrong thing could damage the appearance of your vehicle. This article shall look at pro tips to wash your car yourself without damaging the finish.
Basic guidelines
Never wash your car when it is hot. This means that if it has been in direct sunlight for a while or just parked, do not wash it. This is because the heat makes the soap and water dry much faster, making cleaning a bit difficult and increasing spots forming.
When washing the car, do not move the sponge in circles. This motion creates swirl marks which are light but noticeable. Instead, the movement should be along the body of the vehicle, either vertically or horizontally. When you drop the sponge, make sure you rinse it out thoroughly before continuing to use it. This is to avoid particles that the sponge picks on the floor from scratching the paint.
Before you begin washing the car, make sure you rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water to remove particles that could scratch it. Carefully rinse out each area at a time, making sure you clean it thoroughly before moving on to the next section. This will enable you to rinse out the soap properly before it dries out.
Remove the nozzle from the hose and start from the top of the car to flow to the bottom. This will create a sheeting action that will decrease the pooling of water. Ensure the car-wash solution you use lathers sufficiently so that there is a lot of lubrication on the paint surface. Rinse the sponge often and use a separate bucket to keep the dirt from getting back onto the paint.
Products to use
Avoid the use of household cleaning agents such as glass cleaner, hand soap, or dishwashing detergent. These cleaning agents are not designed to be used on cars and may cause damage to the finish.
Use only car-wash products suitable for your car’s finish. If you have to deal with stubborn stuff like grease, rubber, or road-tar, use a more potent product ideal for your new vehicle. Always use a soft cloth that is non abrasive to remove such deposits. Always use a separate sponge to clean the tires and wheels, which will have more abrasive particles. Also, consider using mild soap and water or get a cleaner that is compatible with the type of finish on the wheels.
Drying the car
Avoid letting the car air dry, and do not drive it around to dry it off. Doing any of those above will leave watermarks on the paint. Also, never use abrasive towels or materials that can scratch the paint. Make sure you use soft nonabrasive materials to clean the car. When drying the vehicle, use the towel to blot up the water instead of dragging it across the paint.
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