Going to a car wash might seem innocent enough, but even some small mistakes can lead to big problems for your vehicle. Believe it or not, going to a car wash is like walking through a minefield. You could be driving away with damaged paint if you don’t know about all the common car washing habits that do way more harm than good.
Let’s take a look at some of these mistakes that you don’t want to make at a car wash if you don’t want to damage your car.
Using Dish Soap or Household Cleaners
Dish soap might seem like a quick fix for cleaning your car, but it’s really not designed for the type of paint you find on cars. These soaps are excellent at cutting grease, but they’re way too harsh for cars.
If you end up using them regularly, they can strip the wax off your vehicle and weaken the protective clear coat, leaving the paint exposed to weather and fading. This will dramatically increase the aging you see.
Skipping a Pre-Rinse
One of the easiest ways to damage the paint on your car is to forget about pre-rinsing it. Dirt will scratch your paint like sandpaper if you start scrubbing without rinsing it off first. A strong rinse loosens these particles, reducing the risk of damaging your paintwork. This step is especially critical if you’ve just driven over some dirty or salty roads, as those particles can be even worse for your car if you don’t get rid of them.
Using a Single Bucket
Washing your car with just one bucket is one of those things that seem fine, but it really isn’t. You’re essentially spreading all the dirt you washed off right back onto your car. Each time you dip your sponge back into the soapy water, it picks up all the grime you just washed off. Over time, this can even create micro-scratches on your paint, so it’s not just a short term problem.
Switching to a two-bucket system, one for soapy water and one for rinsing is the only way you should be washing your car by hand.
Ignoring Microfiber Towels
Using old t-shirts, bath towels, or random rags to dry your car can leave lots of small scratches and swirl marks. These materials aren’t designed to be used on cars, so they often don’t absorb water very well. Microfiber towels are a much better choice because they’re actually built for car surfaces and they can lift dirt without harming the paint.
Forgetting the Wheels
Your wheels usually encounter the most dirt while you’re driving. However, stuff like brake dust and grease are often overlooked during a car wash. Allowing this grime to build up can literally corrode the metal of your wheels and ruin their finish over time. A soft brush and the right type of cleaning soap will get into all the tight spaces without damaging the rims or lug nuts.
Washing in Direct Sunlight
The sun might seem like a great time to wash your car, but it often does more harm than good. Water and soap dry too quickly under the heat, leaving behind streaks and water spots. These kinds of marks can be especially frustrating on darker-colored cars, so be wary.
Neglecting the Undercarriage
The undercarriage is another of the most overlooked areas of a car wash. Being the closest part of your car to the road, it shouldn’t be surprising that it collects some of the most damaging substances. Road salt, mud, and grime all accumulate here, leading to rust and corrosion if you don’t clean it regularly.
A hose with a strong nozzle or a car wash with undercarriage cleaning is all it takes to help remove these harmful materials. If you make sure to do this, you’ll be keeping essential parts like your suspension and brakes in good condition.
Overusing the Pressure Washer
Pressure washers are very powerful tools, so if they aren’t used correctly, they can cause lots of damage to your car. Spraying too close to your car can strip paint, remove wax, or force water into areas like seals and electronics which can cause serious internal problems to your vehicle. You should always maintain a good distance from your car when using a pressure washer.
Try and use a wide spray pattern to spread the pressure, but if you’re still unsure, just select the softest setting to be safe.
Using Dirty Sponges or Brushes
If you use dirty sponges and brushes to clean your car, you might as well be trying to scratch it. Although they’re only tiny, over time, these marks dull the car’s shine and make it look worn out. Inspect your cleaning tools before each use and rinse them frequently while washing to ensure they’re safe for your car’s surface.
Scrubbing Too Hard
When dirt or bird droppings stick stubbornly to your car, it’s tempting to try and scrub harder until you get them off. However, too much pressure can leave behind scratches or even damage the paintwork.
Paint isn’t indestructible, so you need to take care when washing it. Instead of scrubbing as hard as you can, just let the cleaning solution sit on the spot for a few minutes to loosen the debris, then wipe it all off gently with a cloth.
Using Harsh Chemicals on Windows
Some household glass cleaners contain ammonia, which can harm your car’s windows and tinting. This harsh chemical not only dries out rubber seals but can also create a foggy residue on the glass.
Rubber seals are what keeps your car dry and warm, so you really don’t want to start damaging them. Always choose your glass cleaners wisely if you want to keep your windows crystal clear and your car warm and dry.
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