Most car owners believe that scratches and paint damage are an inevitable consequence of daily use. It is true, however, that the largest number of fine scratches and so-called “swirl” of traces visible in the sun, is created precisely during washing and drying.
The way we touch the polish, whether it’s with a sponge, glove or drying cloth, directly affects its longevity and appearance. Although automatic car washes are tempting because of their speed, taking control of the entire process through proper hand washing is the only sure way to a flawless and long-lasting shine.
Preparation and correct technique
The key to successful and safe washing lies in preparation. Always wash your car in the shade or during a cooler part of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Washing in direct sunlight or while the bodywork is hot will cause the shampoo and water to dry too quickly, which inevitably leads to stubborn limescale stains.
Basic equipment makes the difference between a professional result and new damage. You will need two buckets, ideally with dirt-retaining inserts at the bottom, a good quality pH-neutral car shampoo, a soft microfiber wash mitt, and several clean and absorbent drying towels, also microfiber. Avoid using sponges that only push the dirt on the surface and dish detergents that aggressively remove the protective layer of wax from the varnish.
The washing process itself should follow a logical sequence. Start by thoroughly washing the entire vehicle to remove as much loose dirt and dust as possible. After that, focus on the wheels, which are the dirtiest part of the vehicle. Use a separate bucket and brushes for them so that brake dust and coarse dirt do not end up on the sensitive body paint.
The two-bucket method is used to wash the body, the most important technique for preventing scratches. There is shampoo solution in one bucket, and clean water in the other. After washing one part of the car, first rinse the glove in a bucket of clean water to remove dirt from it, and only then immerse it again in the bucket with shampoo. Always wash from top to bottom, in straight, overlapping movements, never in a circular motion, because such movements create visible swirlove.
And what about self-service car washes?
If you don’t have a yard to wash your car, you’ll probably go to a nearby self-service car wash. If used correctly, they can be a relatively safe option, but require a certain amount of caution. The recommended washing sequence begins with a thorough washing of the vehicle with water under pressure or the application of active foam, whose role is to soften and release dirt from the surface. After the foam has sat for a few minutes, the car should be rinsed again to remove most of the dirt before any contact with the paint.
Now comes the washing program. Such car washes usually have a manual brush through which the shampoo “springs”, but we definitely do not recommend using it. Although washed often, this brush regularly comes into contact with sand and coarse particles that can cause visible scratches. Rather, choose the classic, manual washing program with shampoo and wash the car.
Finishing programs with wax also require a dose of skepticism – waxes in self-service laundries are usually of lower quality, short-lived and often leave a greasy film on the varnish, without real protection. We recommend skipping it too. As with all washing, the process should be finished with a thorough rinse to remove any chemical residues before drying.
Foto: Unsplash
Drying and the dilemma of automatic laundries
As for drying, it is just as critical as washing. Allowing the car to air dry will result in limescale stains from the water. The safest approach is to use an air blower, such as a leaf blower, to remove most of the water from the surface without contact, especially from hard-to-reach places like mirrors, grills and around the manufacturer’s badge. Do the final drying with a clean and dry microfiber towel, by gently tapping or pulling the towel over the surface.
And what about automatic car washes? Although they are practical, they pose the greatest risk to your vehicle’s paintwork. Tunnel car washes with rotating brushes or textile belts are often abrasive and rarely cleaned, meaning dirt from dozens of previous vehicles ends up on your paintwork, causing severe damage. A slightly safer option is contactless car washes that use strong chemicals and water under high pressure. They are much less common here, but they reduce the risk of mechanical damage. However, their aggressive chemicals can damage the varnish over time and remove all protective coatings such as wax or ceramic protection.