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6 Car Wash Secrets the Pros Don’t Want You to Know
A regular car wash helps remove bird’s dropping, bugs and dirt from the surface of your car and prevents these external agents from leaving permanent stains on your vehicle and keeps your car corrosion-free. There is no need for a daily hand car wash but by determining how dirty your car gets and in what time period, you can decide whether you should wash it every other day or once a week. There are several car wash products in the market that can assist you in your car wash such as a bucket, a hand mitt, car wash soap and non-abrasive linen towels. A pressure wash normally found at coin car wash stations is recommended once in a while but a regular hand car wash is just what your car needs.
Car Wash Secrets:
1. Dishwater Detergent
Dish washing detergent is considered safe for car wash purposes but in actuality you should never use anything that isn’t manufactured for car care. Regular use of dish washing detergent accelerates the process of oxidation and strips polymers from the surface. Car wash soap is essential as it protects the paint from drying out or stripping. It also protects the protective coatings on the car’s surface. You should remember to wash your car in a shaded area and only when it has cooled down. The car should be thoroughly rinsed to remove dirt and debris before using a sponge and soap on the car.
2. There’s No Difference between Washing and Cleaning
Washing a car removes surface contaminants whereas cleaning involves the removal of blemishes, bonded contaminants and stubborn stains. A gleaming car needn’t necessarily be clean. Your car should feel smooth to the touch and not rough. A clay bar removes bonded contaminants and should be used before polishing or waxing the car. It’s a myth that clay bars should only be used by professionals. If you follow the instructions, you can safely use a clay bar to remove bonded contaminants from your car’s surface.
3. Removal of Swirl Marks
Removal of swirl marks or scratches require a lot of care. Waxing is thought to remove swirl marks. However, this is not always the case and paint finishes actually magnify these marks. Very tine scratches can be removed with the use of non-abrasive paint cleaners whereas deeper scratches need to be attended to by professionals.
4. There’s No Difference between Waxing and Polishing
Polishing only gives a shiny finish to the car whereas waxing coats the car’s surface with wax polymers and resins, and protects the car’s finish. However, waxing will not make the finish shiny.
5. Non-Abrasive Towels aren’t Necessary
It’s commonly believed that any clean cloth such as a t-shirt or a piece of flannel can be used to dry the car. However, it’s best to use deep pile non-abrasive terrycloth towels as they prevent scratches. These towels work by picking up small particles instead of pushing them against the finish of the car.
6. Tire Shines are Beneficial
Although tire shines make your car tires look glossy and shiny, they contain oil and alcohol. When the car is in motion, the tire shine is splattered on the body of the car and it gets bonded into the hot metal finish. The alcohol in the shine also dries out the tires faster and dried tires can be dangerous. You should always use water-based cleaners for your tires as they leave you with clean tires after they’re rinsed.
You can maintain your car’s value and keep it in pristine condition by keeping the above tips in mind when washing your vehicle.
