AUTOMOTIVE
Squeaky Clean
A proper car wash will shine things up, but a few common mistakes can make for a dull ride.
By Wendy Helfenbaum | Illustration by Tom Froese
WASHING YOUR VEHICLE regularly can improve the lifespan of its exterior finish. Want to go the DIY route? Here is some expert advice on the right products, tools and techniques.
GET STARTED
You’ll need a hose, two buckets — one for lukewarm soapy water, one for clean rinsing water — car shampoo, a wheel brush, a wash mitt, microfibre towels and a chamois for drying.
“Rinse first to get large particles and mud off the vehicle, starting from the top,” advises CAA Member Mike Black, owner of Valet Car Wash, which has 13 locations across Ontario. Removing loose dirt and debris before applying soap reduces the risk of scratching your paint.
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels and tires are the dirtiest part of your vehicle. Spray the wheel wells and undercarriage to remove buildup, including road salt, then wash using your brush, sponge and pail. Clear coated rims require a cleaning product different from one used for aluminum rims. “The wrong product can really scratch up [rims],” Black warns. “And rinse your sponge or wash mitt often.”
CHOOSE PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR VEHICLES
Invest in high-quality soap specifically for automotive use. “People use dish soap, which is made to remove oil and grease from your frying pan but will strip the protective wax right off your car,” Black says. You can also try using a foam cannon — a soap applicator that attaches to a power washer — which sprays a thick layer of pH neutral soap to help break down dirt, bugs and tar.
“Rinse first to get large particles and mud off the vehicle, starting from the top.”
WASH FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
Prevent dirt from running onto clean areas by starting from the top. And resist the urge to scrub or rub. Thoroughly rinse, working your way, again from top to bottom. Soft microfibre mitts or cloths lift dirt without damaging the paint.
BE CAREFUL WITH BIRD DROPPINGS
Bird droppings are like sandpaper, says Black. “They’re so acidic that if it’s on your hood in the hot sun, it will eat into your clear coat.” An effective method to deal with this mess is to place a paper towel soaked in hot water on the area to loosen the droppings before spraying them off the car.
PROTECT YOUR PAINT
In winter, spray with water to remove salt and prevent corrosion. In summer, protect against UV damage by following the manufacturer’s instructions. “Most manuals will tell you to wax and polish a couple times a year,” says Black. “We recommend spring and fall.”
DON'T SKIP THE DRYING STEP
Letting your car air-dry in the sun can result in water spots. Use an air blower or a chamois to gently dry the entire vehicle. “Microfibre cloths are good for a final polish and shine, but not as good for drying the car,” notes Black. CAA
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