How to Wash Your Car the Right Way

Did you just buy a new car and want its brilliant shine to last as long as possible? The tips below will help. 1. Wash your car regularly and correctly. If you leave dried-on dirt and chemically active substances such as bird droppings on the car for a long time, or if you wash it the wrong way, for example with stiff brushes or by scraping off dirt, the paint and clear coat will be damaged. The best approach is to wash the car as soon as you return to the garage. If you can't do this that often, try to wash it as soon as you reasonably can. 2. Before you start washing, check that all the windows and doors are closed so water doesn't get inside and damage the interior. 3. Wash the car with cool or slightly warm water. Never use hot water, as it can damage the paint. 4. Also, don't wipe a dry car with rags or brushes, because this can scratch the paint. If there is dried-on dirt on your car, soften it with water from a hose, then rinse it off easily once it has loosened. 5. Once all the dirt has been rinsed off, dry the car with a soft cloth or sponge that absorbs moisture and doesn't leave streaks. Don't let the water air-dry, because it will leave spots and streaks. 6. If you wash your car on a bright, sunny day, don't leave it to dry in the sun. Move it into the shade, because the sun's rays will also leave drying marks on the finish. 7. Never wash your car when the temperature is below freezing (0°C / 32°F). If you wash your car in winter, do it only in a heated wash bay or garage. 8. If you can't remove certain stains or residue while washing, try a soap solution made with about 100 grams (3.5 oz) of soap shavings per bucket of water (10 liters / about 2.6 gallons). You can also use any of the many car care chemicals and cosmetic products available on the market. 9. Clean the glass with a dedicated glass cleaner, and use appropriate cleaners for the body and for plastic interior parts. However, be careful when choosing car care products. Stick with trusted brands and don't be tempted by cheap knockoffs. Buy these products from specialized stores or authorized dealers, because at a flea market or from a street stall you may end up with a counterfeit that is not only useless but also harmful to your car. 10. Finally, never use alkaline products to wash your car, such as laundry detergent or kitchen dish soap, because they can quickly damage the car's paint finish.