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EXPLORE FURTHER: Specialists share insights on towel washing frequency
Many individuals dislike this task.
And as it turns out, you might have been cleaning your car incorrectly all along.
Specialists from Which? have shared tips on how to properly clean your car – and explained why you shouldn’t wash it when the sun is out.
As the weather is gradually getting warmer, when would be a better time than now to pamper your car? asked the consumer advocate.
It turns out to be quite a task that’s unexpectedly simple to mess up, however.
‘Drivers often end up damaging their vehicles through car washes.’
‘If not done properly, it may lead to scratches or marks on the paint.’
‘Nevertheless, using the right gear and appropriate methods, you can maintain your vehicle’s pristine condition both in the near and distant future.’
1. Avoid washing your vehicle when the sun is shining brightly and directly.
You could assume that a bright day offers an ideal chance to wash your vehicle.
Which? cautions that this may result in unsightly water stains on your vehicle.
‘It stated that water on your vehicle’s exterior will evaporate far faster than you can dry it when the metal is warm, resulting in unsightly watermark stains.’
‘In case it’s unusually hot, the soap might evaporate before you manage to rinse it, making it significantly more difficult to remove.’
Alternatively, Which? recommends waiting until a cooler time of the day and cleaning your car away from direct sunlight.
‘After your car is spotless and gleaming, try to avoid parking it beneath a tree, which can lead to it being coated with sticky resin and bird droppings, or close to dusty areas like construction sites,’ the guide suggested.
2. Stay away from automated car washes
While they may seem handy, for proper care of your vehicle’s finish, it’s best to steer clear of automated car washing systems.
‘The rapidly spinning rollers might gather dirt and debris left behind by preceding vehicles, potentially leading to minor scratches or “swirl marks” on your car’s finish,’ stated Which?.
These effects become more apparent on vehicles with darker hues, yet they will cause the paintwork of any car to look duller gradually.
Unfortunately, the self-service jets aren’t much better, according to the experts.
‘By the time you pick up this brush, numerous people would have used it and discarded it on the ground; consequently, it might be filled with sand particles. These grains of sand can potentially create scratches when you run the brush across your vehicle’s surface,’ noted Which?.
The most effective method to clean your vehicle involves using a fresh bucket along with a sponge, car-specific soap, and an external water supply such as a pressure washer or garden hose.
3. Avoid using dish soap or kitchen sponges
Dish soap and kitchen sponges should be kept away from your car, as advised by Which?.
‘It mentioned that your vehicle would have been crafted with features to safeguard you during collisions; however, its exterior coating might be more fragile than expected, and employing inappropriate washing tools could lead to harm,’ it stated.
Dish soap may temporarily make your vehicle appear clean and glossy, yet frequent usage can damage the protective layer of the paintwork.
In the meantime, harsh scrubbing pads can swiftly damage the paint surface.
Alternatively, Which? recommends purchasing the appropriate equipment — such as a hosepipe, quality car shampoo, a wash mitt, two buckets, a grit guard, and a microfibre towel.
4. Avoid removing bird droppings
If a bird has left droppings on your car, it’s best not to scrape them off using something hard and sharp, since this could damage your vehicle’s paint.
“It’s advisable to remove it at once (while it’s still wet) — though this might not be feasible if the bird strikes unexpectedly when you’re not near your vehicle,” stated Which?.
‘If it has become dry, soak a cloth in warm water and apply it to the affected area for several minutes.’
This ought to make the mess soft enough for easy cleanup.
If you’re pressed for time and lack the patience for the cloth/hot water technique, consider purchasing bird droppings cleanup wipes. These wipes swiftly dissolve the mess, making it simple to clean up.
5. Remember to buff and shine
It seems like an extra measure, but Which? recommends allocating some time to buff and coat your vehicle with wax.
‘You should polish first before applying wax, though it might not always be necessary,’ stated Which?.
‘Polishing agents work delicately on the upper layers of paint to minimize the look of imperfections and minor abrasions.’
On the contrary, waxing provides an extra shield for the paint and imparts a glossy look.
Both polish and wax can be applied quite easily; however, they demand a steady hand and lots of patience for optimal outcomes. Hence, make sure you proceed slowly and carefully.
6. Avoid ‘cockpit shine’ items
Should you choose to thoroughly detail your vehicle’s inside, Which? recommends avoiding ‘cockpit shine’ products.
Although these products may make your plastics look glossy, they can be oily to the touch — not only is this unappealing, but it could also pose a risk if it comes into contact with your steering wheel, gear shift, or pedals.
‘While numerous cleaning solutions promise to enhance your vehicle’s cabin, What? magazine found that using just a basic vacuum and dusting is usually sufficient, complemented by wiping down most areas with a moist cloth,’ they determined.
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