In order for your car to last long, there are several car washing and drying techniques that you should be aware of. These steps are not only effective in maintaining your car in good condition, but these are also very easy and simple to implement. Here are some of the proper methods in cleaning cars.

How to Do Proper Car Washing

• Always wash the tires and wheels first — It is necessary to use tire and wheel cleaners that are water-based and contain none-corrosive chemicals. These help protect the rubber and coating of the wheels. It is also very important to use a wheel brush to thoroughly clean all crevices of the tire without causing any scratches. It is advisable to wash one wheel and tire at a time and rinse them before going to the next one. After cleaning all the wheels and tires, it is important to empty and rinse all of the cleaning materials before proceeding to the body.

• Start washing the body — Your car wash cleaner should be rich in lubricants in order to effectively get rid of the contaminants. The lubricants help loosen dirt without scratching the paint of the vehicle. It is also not ideal for you to use dish detergents since they contain chemicals that can remove the car’s protective coating. Car shampoos with conditioner are ideal since they provide enough lubrication to eliminate dust and other particles.

• Make sure you prevent swirl marks — One way in order for you to avoid swirl marks on your car is to use two separate buckets of water. One bucket should contain soapy water, and the other should contain clean water. Every time you are ready to reload your car sponge with soapy water, it is necessary to dip it first in clean water to remove the grit and other particles on the sponge.

• Always rinse your car properly — Rinsing your car properly before washing is necessary to help loosen the debris. It is also important to start washing the car at the top going down instead of the usual front to back routine. You should keep in mind that the lower panels are considered the dirtiest portion of the vehicle. This is why you should clean your windows first and the upper panels before starting on the lower half of the car. This prevents you from transferring grit all over the body. Aside from this, you should also remember to rinse and reload your sponge as often as possible to help avoid cross-contamination and swirl marks.

• Using water hose is not necessary — Most car owners would use a hose to blast water and remove the soap. However, it is better to pour water or use hose without a nozzle to allow free-flowing water to gently and efficiently rinse the car.

Tips in Drying Cars

Drying cars is always as important as washing or rinsing your vehicle. Drying your vehicle is necessary to help prevent the formation of water spots. These water spots are caused by the deposits of minerals that outline the drop of water into your car’s paint.

Using drying tools that are made from medical-grade silicon is important to prevent scratching the paint or glass of your car. It is also advisable to start drying the mirrors and windows first by doing firm strokes to effectively remove water.

Use a large towel to dry the entire vehicle. The towel should be absorbent to help get rid of moisture. You should also wipe down all the door jambs and as well as your wheel using a tire chamois or towel.

Make sure not to use the same towel for the tire and for your paint to prevent cross contamination.

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•  Image courtesy of MyBlogGuest

Shannon Berks is an co-blogger for JunkBucks.com a cash for junk cars services based out of Long Island, New York.

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