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1. Be prepared
Make sure you have all the supplies with you when beginning to wash your car. You don’t want to have to stop mid-wash to realize you are missing a tool. Have a hose, a couple of sponges or mitts, a bucket of water, a bucket to rinse out the sponge and a microfiber towel to dry your car off. Also, make sure to use a proper car wash product rather than a household cleaner as these cleaners could potentially damage the car’s exterior. Be prepared yourself and dress for the part. Wear clothing and sandals you don’t mind getting wet.
2. Wash in the shade
You can still wash your car when it’s warm out, just make sure your car won’t be directly in the sunlight or has been parked in the sun for a long time. This way you will prevent your vehicle from drying too fast and spots from forming. Bonus: the shade will also keep you cool.
3. Pay attention to the wheels
Some car owners wash the wheels first while others leave it to the end. Either way you choose, spend some extra time cleaning the wheels and tires. The wheels of your car obtain the most dirt and grime. Be sure to use a different sponge for cleaning the wheels from the rest of your car.
4. First rinse
Rinsing your car carefully with the hose first is an efficient car wash tip. This will help get rid of any large pieces of dirt or debris that could potentially cause scratching and help make cleaning the car easier. Don’t forget to rinse between any cracks and crevices.
5. Wash car in sections
When it comes to washing your car, it’s best to tackle the task section by section. Start at the roof and work your way down. This way if any soap drips down, you won’t have to wash the same sections of the car again. With a clean sponge or mitt, wash the car in back and forth motions rather than circular movements. If you are using a sponge, don’t forget to rinse it in a separate bucket to keep the dirt from mixing in with the water.
6. Second rinse
After washing your ride thoroughly, you will want to rinse again to get rid of all the soap. When rinsing, use a hose without a nozzle or remove the nozzle from the hose, to let the water flow gently down the car in a continuous sheeting action. Walk around your vehicle to make sure all the soap is entirely off.
7. Dry time
When drying your car, be sure to use a large microfiber towel as they are more absorbent and will lessen any potential scratching. Drape a towel on the car and softly dry it section by section. Squeeze any leftover water from the towel as you continue to dry until you see no streaks and some sparkle. If you’d like to go the extra mile, you can polish and wax your car to further protect its exterior.
Along with giving your car a squeaky clean wash, have a look at your auto insurance policy to see if your coverage meets all your driving and safety needs.
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With warm temperatures in the air, many car owners decide to clean their own cars at home rather than take them to a car wash. Before bringing out the hose, sponges and buckets of water, read these car wash tips to have your ride sparkle.
These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.
In Quebec, Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins General Insurance Inc. In Ontario and Alberta, Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Direct Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance.
