No matter where you live, harsh elements can leave your car’s paint looking dull, possibly causing permanent damage. Mud, bird droppings, rain, snow, dead bugs, sap, road debris, and the sun’s UV rays can lead to flaws (or worse) in your car’s finish, even simply sitting in your driveway. Regularly washing your vehicle is the first rule to keeping your paint in good shape. And, just as it’s essential to know some car maintenance basics, such as how to use NOCO Boost plus GB40, it’s important to learn the proper way to wash and wax to keep your paint looking its best.
Choosing the Essential Tools and Supplies
You can pay top dollar to get your car detailed at a car wash or risk an automatic wash. However, making the extra effort to do it yourself is your best option here. The first step is to ensure you have a few essential tools and supplies before beginning the process.
- Two buckets (one for soapy water and the other for clean water)
- Quality car wash soap
- Quality rubber hose
- Water nozzle with adjustable spray patterns
- Two microfiber high pile car wash mitts (one for lower vehicle and the other for upper)
- Non-abrasive scrubbing brush (for wheels)
- Microfiber drying towel
- Wheel and tire cleaner
- Tar, sap, and bug eliminator
- Car polish or wax, such as a ceramic car spray wax
- Non-streaking glass cleaner
Using the Proper Washing Technique
Avoid washing or waxing your vehicle in full sunlight or when the paint surface is hot a tip by EJ3 Car Detailing. Soap and wax dry faster on a hot surface, leaving a hazy appearance. Choose a shaded area or a cloudy day to give your car a good scrub. Plunge your wash mitt into the sudsy water and generously apply it to the paint to eliminate the dirt and grime. Then, rinse the mitt in the second bucket to release the debris. Next, it’s time to lather up again to continue cleaning the car. Repeat the process until you have the entire exterior clean. It’s best to use separate mitts for the lower and upper areas of the vehicle, as the lower regions are usually the dirtiest. After you complete your wash, dry it thoroughly with a clean microfiber towel.
Using the Proper Waxing Technique
You must wax your vehicle in sections to avoid letting the wax dry too quickly. Apply the wax, then buff it by rubbing the wax onto the surface with a microfiber cloth. Then, move on to the next section and repeat the process.
Maintaining and Extending the Shine
It helps to maintain your car’s exterior between washes. Be sure to clean noticeable spots with a quick detailer as soon as you detect them to avoid accumulation or permanent blemishes to the finish. You can also buff away fine scratches with a scratch remover.
Now is a wonderful time to get out and give your vehicle the care it deserves. Gather your supplies, including some high-quality car wash and Turtle Wax Pure Shine, and you can look forward to driving a beautiful, lustrous car.
