How to Wash a Car Properly So the Paint Doesn't Fade Quickly
Washing a car is not just about wetting it and removing dirt that sticks to the body. However, the car washing activity can also be used to inspect whether the paint or exterior parts of the car have issues that need to be repaired.
Washing the car frequently does not mean you know how to wash a car properly. There are at least three things that need to be considered but are still rarely done when washing the car yourself.
First, many car owners still underestimate the choice of soap or car wash shampoo. Second, not using water with the correct pressure, and lastly, not paying attention to the timing when washing the car.
The general way to wash a car is almost the same, starting from wetting the car body with clean water without soap, then scrubbing the body with a cloth + special car wash soap to remove dust and dirt, rinsing the body with flowing clean water, and finally drying it with a fluffy cloth.
Tips for Proper Car Washing
Here are some tips on how to wash a car properly so that the car paint lasts longer and does not quickly look dull.
1. Use special shampoo
The most common mistake made when washing a car by oneself is using any shampoo. In fact, some car or motorcycle owners even use dish soap or detergent. This is certainly not good because it can cause the car paint to become dull and have many scratches.
For those of you who want to wash your car yourself at home, make sure to use special car wash shampoo that is widely available in the market. Use shampoo with a low pH or acidity level so that the car paint does not easily become dull due to acidic effects.
2. Do not wash under direct sunlight
Washing under direct sunlight will cause the water splashed on the body to dry quickly. As a result, water spots that are commonly referred to as mold will appear. It is important to note that mold is the main enemy that must be removed from the car body surface, as it will make the paint color look dull.
3. Wipe from top to bottom
The next tip when washing a car is to pay attention to the movement. Not many people are aware of this, but if done, it will make a significant difference.
The correct way to wash a car should be done with a constant motion from top to bottom. Do not use circular motions or the opposite (from bottom to top), as this will cause dirt to spread further on the car body surface.
4. Rinse the car body with flowing water
After cleaning the car body from dust and dirt, it is best to rinse it with flowing clean water. Start rinsing from the top and then continue to the windows and then to the wheels or tires.
Rinsing with flowing clean water is very important to minimize the emergence of new dirt that needs to be cleaned. After that, wipe with a fluffy cloth and also ensure that the window glass is not lowered during the drying process.
Conclusion
Washing a car cannot be done carelessly, as the risk is that the body or car paint can suffer damage such as dull colors, mold spots due to water splashes, and fine scratches that reduce the aesthetics of the vehicle. To avoid these issues, you can practice various tips on how to wash a car properly as mentioned.
Hope this is helpful.
