Your car is probably one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Really – what would you ever do without it? Sadly, most people don’t take the time to learn all about it. One of the most basic elements of automobile maintenance is the car wash. Simple? Yes, but… there is much more involved than just throwing some soap and rinsing. Read on for an indepth look into how to wash a car for beginners.
You remember that day. You drove off from the dealership with your new pride and joy, or you were just handed the keys to your first car. Whatever kind of car – new or used- it was yours ! Now keeping it looking good is another story.
For many, the task is just another chore ranking right up there with cutting the grass. But for true fans of the automobile, the car wash has a cult following. I know for me, it is really a form of relaxation. I get a great sense of accomplishment when I’m finished. But how could we screw up something so simple? Let me show you…
When that car of yours left the dealer, it looked great. Gleaming, smooth surface and reflection like a mirror. Look at it now. What happened ? It all starts with the most basic of car care.
Choice of Products
Cardinal mistake # 1 people make when preparing for a car wash – their choice of products.
Don’t even think about grabbing the dish washing soap from under the sink. Big no-no! This soap is for dishes -not your pride and joy. Dish washing soap is made to strip. This is why it works so great on your dirty dishes. Dish soap strips off grease, dirt, and wax – essentially leaving your car naked! Yikes! When it’s time – use strictly car wash soap. This type of soap cleans thoroughly, rinses cleanly, and will not strip off the wax or glaze on your car’s finish. There are so many of these soaps to choose from ranging from the basic Zip Wax Wash right up to exotic formulas using coconut and banana oils!
Next up in the arsenal is the mitt or sponge. Once again – leave the kitchen sink sponge where it belongs – in the kitchen. Purchase a soft wash mitt or sponge made for this type of job. Besides – do you even know where that kitchen sink sponge has been? Yuck! For the finest protection, I suggest a micro-fiber mitt – which can be found at any local Walmart. Not expensive, and super soft.
The next item on our list is the bucket. There are two methods of thought on this one. Both try to achieve the same result but in a different way. First, some will suggest a standard five-gallon bucket with something called a “grit-guard.” The grit-guard is a small plastic screen that is designed to sit in the bottom of the bucket. When you drop in your soap and water, as you wash the car and rinse your mitt, the grit and dirt settle in the bottom of the bucket. The grit-guard keeps your mitt off the bottom of the bucket, hence you won’t pick up the dirt you just washed off, and grind it back into your paint. The second method is the two-bucket system. Here you have two five-gallon buckets. One filled with soap and water, and the other – just water. The bucket filled with water only is used to rinse your mitt before going back into the soap bucket for more suds. This also accomplishes the task of keeping the dirt in the bucket, and not back on your car.
Now many of you will read this and say – come on. Grit guard or no grit guard, soap or no soap – when I wash my vehicle and rinse it looks great. Here is a little confirming proof that your detailing system is really doing some damage. Get your nose right up to the paint. See those tiny swirls that look like spiderwebs ? That is the damage that is caused by your method of washing. More than likely, the older your car, the more swirls there will be. A wash without proper techniques and tools equals all that minor damage. Someone skilled in auto detailing can remove these fine swirls and return your paint to its showroom condition – but the heavier the swirling – the bigger the dollar amount will be to correct it. Choose your equipment carefully and keep your car looking showroom!