With Spring finally here, many people are focusing on Spring cleaning. And while most people think of cleaning their homes, the warm, sunny days of Spring are also perfect for cleaning your car. While washing the car can be fun and even therapeutic, if you are not using the right kind of cleaners and methods then all of your hard work can go to waste. Here are some of the best car washing tips for keeping your car looking brand new for years to come.
Washing at the right time
Washing your car at the right time is the first of our car washing tips. How often you wash your car can have an effect on how the paint looks. While it doesn’t hurt to wash it once a week, any more may be unnecessary. An exception would be if you regularly park where bird droppings, dirt and other residues collect on the car. If this is the case, you may want to wash the car off sooner. Also, if you live in an area that experiences acid rain, it is very important that you rinse it off right after the storm. Otherwise, the acidic chemicals in the rain will remain on your paint and possibly cause damage once the water dries. Other than that, washing your car just once a week can help protect the paint and keep it looking showroom new.
Washing in the right place
The second of our car washing tips is making sure you are washing your car in the right place. Believe it or not, where you wash your car can make a big difference. It is best to wash your car in a shady location, out of direct sunlight. In addition, do not wash it when the hood is still warm as the heat from the engine can cause the water to dry quicker, leaving behind marks and residue from the soap.
What You Use to Wash Your Car Matters, Too
While most people think dishwashing liquid is enough to clean your car, it’s really not the best thing to use. Sure, it easily removes dirt, grease and old wax. But it also removes important oils from your paints’ finish. And the more you use it, the quicker you shorten the life of your paint job. So instead of dishwashing liquid, use a cleaner that is specially formulated for vehicles.
In addition, avoid using old towels and rags as these may be too rough. Instead, use a soft, clean mitt.
The Best Way to Wash Your Car
How you wash your car can make a huge difference in how good it looks once finished. begin by thoroughly rinsing the car. This helps remove larger pieces of dirt and debris that can scratch your car when washing. Then, clean mitts, begin washing. Instead of soaping up the entire car, do one part at a time and then rinse. This keeps the soap from drying on one part while you are washing another. Once finished, dry with a soft drying towel.
Finish with a Waxing
The last of our car washing tips is making sure to wax. Waxing is the final step, and a protective one, too. Wax is like sunscreen for your car. It adds a layer of protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays and helps prevent fading. It also protects against anything that may land on the paint.
Is no amount of washing helping to keep your car looking new? If it’s time for a new car, visit DCH Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT of Temecula where their team can help you find a car you’ll love!
Image courtesy bikephotomusic via Flickr