The Best Technique for Washing Your Car

Everyone loves that clean car feeling, but did you know that thorough, proper washing also plays an important role in the life of your paint job? 

 Automotive enthusiasts know that the hose and bucket offer a much more thorough clean than a trip through the automatic car wash. Even so, the right techniques and products can make all the difference in your end result. 

Here are six simple tips for bringing out the best in your vehicle. 

1. Choose the right cleaning products.

Carefully inspect the labels of any automotive cleaners before use. Not all cleaning products are created equal, and most are designed for a particular part of your vehicle. Avoid using cleaners formulated for your car’s interior, windows, or wheels outside of their intended purpose. 

If your car has PPF or ceramic coating, it’s especially important to ensure that any aftercare or cleaning products are approved by your paint protection manufacturer. Some products can damage film or ceramic, and may even interfere with your warranty. 

2. Use microfiber towels and washcloths.

When it comes time to wash and dry your vehicle, choose microfiber towels and mitts. 

Microfiber attracts and lifts particles in a way that regular sponges and washcloths don’t. These tools gently pull grit away from the surface of your vehicle so you don’t accidentally scuff your finish as you wash. 

Less rubbing and scrubbing during washes will keep your paint job looking brilliant as the miles roll by. 

3. Implement the two-bucket system.

The biggest hazard car owners face during washes is the possibility of scratching their vehicle’s surface with the particles of dirt they are trying to remove. The best way to prevent this is by keeping rinse and wash water separate.

Fill one bucket with soapy water and another with clean water alone. Use the bucket of plain water to remove grime from your washcloth or mitt before dunking it back into the soap.

Pause to change out the bucket of rinse water as needed if it begins to look dingy. 

4. Wash your tires separately.

Your tires are the exception to the two-bucket system. 

The tires and undercarriage are the dirtiest part of your vehicle. Wash and rinse them separately to avoid transferring any heavy road grit to other areas of your car. 

5. Use an automotive glass cleaner.

Resist the temptation to repurpose household cleaners for your vehicle. Windex and other glass cleaners formulated for the home contain ammonia, which can be damaging to your car’s exterior glass. 

Be especially meticulous about your choice of glass cleaner if you have tinted windows — certain chemicals can harm the film. 

6. Schedule periodic detailing.

Even the most meticulous drivers recognize that professional auto detailing provides a deeper clean than they can achieve in their driveways. 

Investing in an occasional professional cleaning helps keep routine maintenance easy and enjoyable for drivers. It’s also a great opportunity to identify and address small imperfections in your vehicle’s interior and exterior before they become larger issues. 

Reach out to establish an automotive detailing schedule that best meets your needs.