How to Wash a Car

Washing your car is one of the main ways to keep it looking brand new. That much is obvious, but did you know that there are other reasons to wash and maintain your car’s exterior? Knowing how to correctly wash your car can prevent tiny swirls and scratches that can lead to paint peeling or worse. Learn more about how to wash a car with the automotive experts at Green Dodge, to keep your vehicle in top shape while you’re driving around Chatham. If you have any questions, then contact us today and we’ll get you squared away in no time. 

Plan Your Car Wash

Depending on how often you drive your car or whether it has been recently polished or wax, you can gauge how much attention it needs. If you regularly maintain the exterior of your car, it may only need a wash, but if it has not been looked after for a few months, you may need full detail.

Properly Rinsing & Washing Your Vehicle 

When learning about how to wash a car, it is important to thoroughly rinse any loose dirt off the surface, as this will prevent small scratches or other defects from appearing while washing. It is important to use clean wash mitts and premium microfiber to prevent any marring. After washing the car, you should carefully clean the windows with an ammonia free glass cleaner. The next step is to dry and wax the paint. You can also use a pH-balanced, acid-free wheel cleaner to clean both the wheels and tires.

Remove Contamination & Apply Compound 

Gently use a clay bar to get rid of any contamination from the surface such as tree sap or bird etching. To get rid of small scratches on your paint, use a compound teamed up with a dual-action polisher and quality cutting pad to remove any scratches or imperfections. On average, you should compound around 2-4 coats. 

Polish The Vehicle If Needed

When polishing your vehicle, dual-action polishers are recommended, as they are easy to work with and give you more control over the finish than an orbital buffer. It is important to ensure that your polishing pad is clean, as if any debris works its way in between the pad and your vehicle’s paint, you could be introducing scratches to the surface.

Waxing Your Car

Waxing your vehicle can both improve its appearance and protect the paint from the elements, such as UV rays or water spots. Some of the most common protectants are carnauba and polymer waxes. Polymer waxes are often more expensive than carnauba, but they last longer and do not haze.

How Often to Wash a Car

How often to wash a car depends on several factors, including your driving habits, and how far you drive. If you’re running around Rochester shopping or buying groceries, you should wash your car every two weeks. However, if you’re the adventurous type who enjoys driving on rugged terrain, you should wash your car as soon as you get the chance. In regular driving conditions, you should wax your car every six months. Let’s check out more tips for how to wash a car:

Tips on How to Wash a Car

• Cleaning Supplies: It is important to use car shampoo instead of household items such as dish soap or a glass cleaner with ammonia. You should also ensure you have a quality microfiber, sponge, or wool wash mitt. 
• Washing: Use a quality car soap and wash mitt, and ensure you’re cleaning the mitt throughout the wash. Make sure you use a separate wash mitt for the wheels to avoid cross-contamination. 
• Drying: It’s important not to air dry your car, as this could create watermarks on the paint. You should instead use a premium microfiber drying towel to dry the pain. 

Learn More Car Care Tips from Green Dodge! 

Now that you know how to wash a car properly, as well as how often to wash your car, you can make sure that your ride never looks humbug and covered in dirt drawings. Our service center is here to help with any other car care tips that you might need, as well as plenty of service specials for additional ways to save.