When it comes time to wash your vehicle there is a love/hate relation. It’s either you love your car as a pastime and it’s your passion and your pride and joy, or you dread the thought of cleaning your floor mat. You just think it will rot wherever it’s placed. This article will provide some helpful tips for those who are interested in cleaning your vehicle’s exterior with the ease of a professional.
Are there any general rules I can follow?
Yes. If you’re in the realm of car enthusiasts and washing your car is like chicken soup to your heart then there are some issues you must consider. Cleaning your car is fun and easy, and regular washing helps a brand new paint job retain its shine. However, as easy as washing your car might appear, there are things to be aware of so that you don’t damage or scratch the paint. Here are some of the most basic car washing techniques.
- Shade will be your best friend. Your vehicle’s surface must be cool. If the car is too hot the soap suds may dry too quickly, leaving stains on the car’s surface and needing another wash. The pleasure of washing your car can go to the point of having it done once on your lunch break.
- Pre-soak. Pre-soak your car to get rid of dirt, bugs, and heavy pollutants like bottles of water, rocks, McDonald’s wrappers and bunny remains.
- Douse mild liquid, the best car wash soap and an easy car wash mitt or a different towel that is designed to protect your paint’s shine. Make sure to replenish your water frequently.
- Patience young Jedi. It is common to just soap the entire car before getting to work. Negative ghost riders Wash a portion at a time then rinse it off. Start by cleaning the roof of the vehicle, and then work your way towards the hood as well as the rear. It is logical to do this top-down, instead of creating more work for yourself.Next you should cleanse the upper quarter panel before moving to the lower sections including the rocker panels. The lower part of your vehicle is always stuffed with additional “stuff” on it and the longer time you soak your sponge as you progress down will eliminate the sludge. The sequence from top to bottom is important as you risk getting small bits of debris stick to your sponge or mitt, which could damage your car.
- Take your hands off of the hose! This is the most difficult advice since it’s a human diligence obligation. It is easy to place the mitt or the cloth back into our water, and then rinse it as it soaks up more soapy water. T his is bad! Always rinse your sponge or mitt prior to returning it to the bucket of wash to be re-soaped. Begin with clean water and finish with fresh water. Dodging your dirty glove into the bucket will help you rub the dirt on your car. If you’ve ever thought about why your car’s streaking even when you’re washing it, this could be the solution.
- Rinse, rinse, rinse. Rinse your vehicle thoroughly all over. If you’re happy and feel that you’re finished, you can go on and rinse it a second time.
- Tires, rims. Your car washing drawer should include a couple of different cloths and mitts inside it. We strongly suggest that you use a different glove to wash the rims and tires of your vehicle, and a different one for the body. A separate mitt specifically for your wheels reduces the possibility that you’ll scratch your car’s paint from brake dust or dirt you collect from the wheels. It’s surprising by how many people use similar water, and mitts to wash and rinse everything. You could take a drive into the bodyshop for your car once you’re finished.
- Wheels. Ah, your greatest joy and pleasure. Be cautious when cleaning wheels, particularly in the case of Spray-on cleaner for your wheels. Wheels can get extremely hot when the vehicle is just being driven or parked in the sunlight. If you spray cleaning chemicals onto metallic surfaces, chemical are likely to evaporate and you’ll likely breathe the fumes. This is not a good idea for your well-being and, depending on the temperature and chemical, you may result in damage to items such as Chrome or other specific coatings.
- DO NOT purchase expensive auto cleaners. Instead, choose the mild liquid soap that’s dilute. This will accomplish all the tasks you require, including cleaning grease, dirt and film without harming plastics or other substances. There are many people who use household soaps , but you must be cautious not to use a strong detergent. Choose mild soaps, and, if you can, find one which is safe for your car. The biggest advantage is that it’s going to cost less than highly-priced auto detailing products.
- The process of drying. Dry your vehicle quickly to avoid water spots. Chamois is very effective and will help you get around quickly in a car which may have sun shining on it.
What happens next after I wash my vehicle?
The wash should be completed procedure by applying wax and cleaning your windows inside and outside. Applying the wax to your car is similar to applying sunscreen to your skin. It provides protection against UV radiations, which can cause fade and also anything that could get on the paint.
It will allow you to maintain your high gloss finish for a greater duration. There are waxes available in either a carnauba or a polymer form. Both kinds of wax work similar functions, however polymer wax doesn’t be hazy when it is dried and is usually wiped off shortly after application. The decision between either carnauba, or polymer wax the same as making the choice between regular or synthetic engine oil. Polymer wax is more costly, but it is also simpler to apply and it performs better.
Glass The rules for glass are quite easy. Avoid the thing you’re most likely to do, which is to get Windex and other glass cleaners. They could contain ammonia that could damage your car’s window tint. Choose one of the best car window cleaner to achieve the best results. Make sure you clean the window twice to ensure that the dirt is completely removed. If you’re in a pinch you could make use of a white vinegar diluted solution, as it’s an organic, low-cost and healthy household cleaner that is likely to be streak-free.
Final thoughts and suggestions…
Don’t… move your sponge or mitt in circles. This can result in small visible scratches known as swirl marks. Instead, drag the sponge in a long way across the body panels, including the hood. If your sponge falls wash it off thoroughly. Never apply a sponge that is on the ground or sunk into the polluted water. Make sure to clean out your bucket.
Keep your car shining. If you’re likely to fall asleep at night because of the thought taking your freshly waxed vehicle out for an errand, or (God forbid!) take it to work you might be tempted to keep some tools at hand to maintain your shine. There are a variety of spray mists available to help remove everyday dirt and help keep your wax looking great. Throw this along with a micro-fiber cloth into the trunk and you’re ready.
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