Are Automatic Car Washes Safe For Your Car?
Don’t run the risk of damaging your car’s paint with a sponge and some dishwashing liquid. Here are six tips to follow when washing your car if you want to keep it looking like new.
Rule 1: Use the two-week rule of thumb when planning car washes
Wash your car every two weeks if you drive it often. If you drive your car every day, and bugs and bird droppings regularly accumulate on the car, plan on washing your vehicle every week to prevent the organic matter from eating through the clear coat. If you only drive the car on the weekends, and you keep it in a garage, once a month is probably fine.
Rule 2: Wash in the early morning or late evening in warm weather
Hot Texas days can dry the soap and water on your car, which can allow water spots and mineral deposits to form. Try washing your car during the coolest part of the day to reduce the chance of marring your paint job. Also, never wash your car in direct sun, no matter what the time of day or season.
Rule 3: Never use household cleaning products on your vehicle’s paint
Harsh cleaning products can strip away the protective wax finish on your car’s paint. Instead, always use a cleaner formulated for washing cars.
Rule 4: Skip the sponge and use a pressure washer when possible
Cleaning your car with a pressure washer allows you to quickly remove dirt and grime without scratching the surface of your vehicle. It also helps you quickly remove stuck-on grime from wheel wells and tires. A pressure washer can help you speed up the whole process, and we highly recommend them if you want an effective clean.
If you must use a sponge, never clean your car using a circular motion, which can create tiny scratches. Do move the sponge lengthwise across the car to prevent scratches.
Rule 5: Get a squeegee to reduce drying time
Get a dedicated silicone squeegee made to remove water from your car to hasten the drying time. Start with removing the water from the windows, and then continue with the rest of the vehicle.
Rule 6: Always hand-dry your car
Get some terry cloth towels or chamois to dry your car after washing and using the squeegee. Chamois is preferable because terry cloth can mat and leave lint on the body. Don’t think that a quick drive around the block or air drying will do the job: Air drying can cause obvious water spots.
Washing your car every two weeks helps keep the paint in great shape. If you don’t think you have the time to devote to washing your car, consider investing in a pressure washer, which can speed up the process. Contact us if you’d like to learn more about hot and cold water pressure products.
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