For many of us, washing the car is a weekend ritual, a chance to take pride in our ride as we give it a good scrub. But what if I told you that you might do more harm than good to your beloved vehicle?
It’s true – according to experts, many standard car washing practices can damage your car. So, let’s dive into how to clean the vehicle correctly and find out why checking the weather is important when you do this chore.
‘It’s a job that’s surprisingly easy to get wrong, though. Car washing is a common way for drivers to damage their own cars. Done incorrectly, it can result in scratched or marked paintwork,’ experts from Which? warned car owners.
‘However, with the correct equipment and proper technique, you can keep your car looking its best in the short and longer term.’
1. Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight.
Washing your car in direct sunlight is a recipe for disaster. The heat causes water to evaporate too quickly, leaving ‘ugly water marks’ on the car’s bodywork.
‘Water on your car’s bodywork will evaporate much more quickly than you can dry it when the metal is hot.’
They added, ‘If it’s particularly warm, the soap could also dry out before you’ve rinsed it, which will make it much harder to clean off.’
Instead, aim for a cooler part of the day, preferably when your car is in the shade. This will give you ample time to wash and dry your vehicle without the sun working against you.
‘Once your car is clean and shiny, if possible, avoid positioning it under a tree, where it will get covered in sticky sap and bird poo, or near sources of dust such as building sites,’ they said.
2. Steer clear of automatic car washes.
They’re quick, they’re easy, but they might also do more harm than good.
‘The fast-spinning rollers can collect dirt and grit from previous cars, which may cause fine scratches or “swirl marks” in your paint. These are more noticeable on dark-coloured cars but will make the paint on any vehicle appear duller over time,’ they said.
While self-service jets may seem like a safer option, the brushes are often dirty and abrasive, and you risk scratches as you clean.
‘The brush will have been used by countless others and then left on the ground, so it will likely be full of grit, which could scratch your paint as you rub it over your car’s bodywork,’ they added.
The safest bet is to take a DIY approach, using a clean bucket and sponge, car shampoo, and a reliable water source like a pressure washer or hosepipe. This way, you can ensure that your tools are clean and gentle on your car’s paint.
3. Do not wash your car with dish detergent or kitchen sponges.
It might be tempting to grab the washing-up liquid and kitchen sponge when you’re ready to wash your car. However, keep in mind that these household items are not designed for automotive paint and can cause damage.
‘Your car will have been designed to protect you in an accident, but its paintwork can be surprisingly delicate, and using the wrong cleaning equipment can cause damage,’ they said.
Over time, washing up liquid can strip away the protective clear coat, while abrasive sponges can scratch the paintwork.
Invest in the right gear instead: a hosepipe, quality car shampoo, a soft wash mitt, two buckets (one for clean water, one for rinsing), a grit guard to keep dirt at the bottom of the bucket, and a microfibre towel for drying.
4. Refrain from scraping bird droppings.
Bird droppings are not only unsightly but also acidic and can damage your car’s paint if not removed promptly.
The experts said, ‘It’s best to clean it off as soon as possible before it dries, although this isn’t always an option if the bird in question makes a stealth attack while you’re away from the car. If it has dried on, drench a cloth in hot water and place it over the affected area for a few minutes.’
For those on the go, bird poo-cleaning wipes are a quick and effective alternative.
5. Always polish and wax your car.
Many people skip polishing and waxing, but these steps are crucial for maintaining your car’s appearance and protecting its paint.
‘Polishing should be done before waxing, although it won’t always be needed. Polishes eat into the top layers of paint very finely to reduce the appearance of blemishes and fine scratches,’ experts said.
On the other hand, waxing adds a protective layer and gives your car that showroom shine.
‘Polish and wax are both easy enough to apply but require a consistent hand and plenty of patience for the best results, so take your time.’
6. Stop using ‘cockpit shine’ products.
When it comes to cleaning the interior of your car, less is often more. While ‘cockpit shine’ products might make your dashboard gleam, they can also leave a greasy residue that’s unpleasant to touch and dangerous if it gets on the controls.
‘There are plenty of potions available that claim to bring out the best in your car’s interior, but the truth is you can do most of the work with a simple vacuum and dust, followed by running a damp cloth over most of the surfaces,’ they said.
A simple vacuum and dust, followed by a damp cloth over most surfaces, will do the trick without the need for fancy products.
Have you learned any tricks over the years? Do you have a car-washing disaster story to share? Leave us a comment below!
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