In the U.S., many car owners unknowingly make mistakes when cleaning their vehicles. For instance, 72% of car owners perform maintenance on their own, and while many are confident in basic tasks, such as checking tire pressure, a large portion still uses improper methods. For example, about 36% of Americans aren’t sure how to fix a flat tire, and 41% struggle with identifying car engine parts.
To avoid car cleaning mistakes don’t wash a car in direct sunlight, using dish soap, or scrubbing with dirty clothes. Don’t ignore detailing small areas, use excessive water pressure, or allow water spots to dry. Avoid applying wax or polish on dirty surfaces, and don’t forget to clean under the vehicle.
Washing your car is an important aspect of owning a vehicle. Car washing is a common way for drivers to damage their own cars. If done incorrectly, it can result in scratches, spots, streaks and marks. There are specific things you need to learn for cleaning a car in a perfect way. Read below common mistakes to avoid while washing your car
Never Wash A Car In Direct Sunlight
Washing a car in direct sunlight is something to avoid for a few important reasons. First, the sun heats up your car’s surface, causing the water and soap to dry too quickly. This can lead to water spots and streaks, making your car look worse instead of cleaner. The intense heat can also make it harder to properly clean your car, as soap might not work as effectively on hot surfaces.
Another issue is that cleaning products can dry out faster in sunlight, making it difficult to rinse them off in time. This can leave behind a residue, which may harm your car’s paint over time.It’s best to wash your car in the shade or in the evening of the day, like early morning or late afternoon. This way, you can avoid streaks and damage, leaving your car with a smooth and shiny finish.
Avoid Using Dishwasher Detergent Or Rubbing Sponges
Your car will have been designed to protect you in an accident, but it’s paintwork can be surprisingly delicate, and using the wrong cleaning equipment can cause damage.
Dishwasher detergent, for example, is designed to shift baked-on grease and will strip any wax that’s already been applied to your car. Your car will appear clean and shiny, but repeated use will also affect the paint’s protective clear coat. Ultimately this will age and dull your car paint faster.
And, whatever you do, don’t use a rubbing dish sponge unless you want to quickly ruin your paintwork.You don’t need to spend a fortune but investing in a right way will make cleaning your car much easier and protect it from damage.
Choose the best mitt and car wash detergent.
Cleaning Off Bird Poop
Bird dirt is acidic and will leave permanent marks on your paint if left too long.Tempting as it may be to scrape it off when you spot it, using hard, sharp-edged devices to remove dried-on bird poop can scratch your paintwork.Even a rapid attack with a sponge is ill-advised – it probably won’t work and can damage your paint.
Yes, bird poop is irritating, and you just want to scrape it off at first sight; we get it. However, there is a proper method of getting it off, and it involves lubrication. Bird poop is highly acidic, so it will eat into the paint when it dries. Spray on some lubricant or drench the washcloth in water, and hold over the poop stain for a while till it dissolves.
Using a Pressure Washer
Avoid using your pressure washer on a stoney surface.if aimed at the ground, the high-pressure jet could cause stones to fly up and hit the paintwork.
Using a pressure washer for car cleaning has some disadvantages to be aware of. One major concern is that high-pressure water can damage your car’s paint and trim if used incorrectly. If the pressure is too strong, it can strip away protective wax layers, chip the paint, or even dent the car’s body. This can lead to costly repairs.
Additionally, using a pressure washer requires careful handling. If you aren’t familiar with how to control the pressure settings, you could end up doing more harm than good. It’s important to use a lower pressure setting and keep a safe distance when cleaning a car. For a safer option, handwashing might be a better choice.
A pressure washer can save time and effort cleaning your car. Discover the best pressure washer for your car, according to your area space and need.
Two Bucket Method
The two-bucket method is widely accepted as the best technique for washing cars in a safe and efficient way.A two-bucket system is used by most car detailers because it increases efficiency and safety while detailing cars. It is one of the best car washing techniques.
Wash bucket
The wash bucket is an essential component of the two-bucket car wash method. This bucket is filled with a mixture of water and car wash soap or shampoo. You will use the soapy water from this bucket to clean your car’s surface.
When washing your vehicle, you’ll dip the microfiber wash mitt into the wash bucket, making sure it’s saturated with soapy water, and then proceed to clean each panel of your car, one at a time
Rinse bucket
The rinse bucket plays an important role in preventing scratches on your vehicle’s paint. This bucket is filled with clean water, and its purpose is to remove dirt and waste from the wash mitt after you’ve cleaned a panel of your car.
If you want to learn more about car cleaning and detailing, you can look more on our website fourwheelsdetail.com
Hi! I’m Harry, With over a decade of experience in car detailing and cleaning, I specialize in restoring vehicles to their pristine best. Passionate about sharing expert tips on fourwheelsdetail.com, I’m here to help readers maintain their cars’ beauty, from paint protection to tackling tough stains.