How to Wash Your New Car (No, We're Not Kidding)
Do you know the #1 cause of swirl marks on autos? Is it really necessary to clay your new vehicle? Knowing the answer to these two questions puts you two giant steps ahead of everyone else who just bought a vehicle!
After all, you want to preserve the life of your new car, truck, or SUV. So, find out how to wash, polish, and care for it. We show you how.
Car Washing is the #1 Cause of Swirl Marks
It's true. The car washing procedure is the number one cause of those ghastly swirl marks! So how can you avoid them?
Avoid automatic car washes! First of all, they often use equipment that has become damaged from washing so many cars every day and not repaired or replaced.
Secondly, it's not unusual for car washes to use cheap products that can cause paint damage. Not only that, dirty cars leave behind dirt particles that remain on the brush or cloth. Those particles are transferred to the next vehicle in line.
That's why we recommend hand washing. You control both the ingredients used as well as the performance of the job. Always use a high quality car wash shampoo, a wash mitt, and microfiber drying towels.
A car mitt is an excellent way to protect the vehicle's paint by collecting particle grime and dirt by trapping them in the mitt's fibers.
It's the best way to ensure that the paint is not scratched, leaving behind those telltale scratchy swirl marks!
Next, have two buckets ready. You want one for applying the car wash solution and one to rinse. (Get rid of those particles you just trapped in your mitt!)
Should You Clay Your New Vehicle?
A clay bar is a mix of engineered resin mixture used by auto detailers. It removes pollutants and contaminants from your vehicle's paint, fiberglass, metal, and glass.
It's an excellent way to clean your paint by removing gunk that has bonded to your car. The problem is most new car owners don't think they need to clay their new purchase.
Think again! Your car might be new, but it's been subjected to many environments, from the factory, to transportation by tractor trailer, ship, or train, and finally, to the dealer's lot where it sits until someone buys it.
If I Clay My Car, Do I need to Polish It, Too?
Claying is the preparation step before polishing. It ensures that surface contaminants have been removed. There should not be a lot of buildup on your new purchase, but removing those contaminants now makes future washings that much easier.
Polishing your car not only makes your car shine but it also removes etching, swirls, oxidation, and scratches.
Protect Your Car from Premature Aging
Mother Nature's elements are hard on people and vehicles! We wear sunglasses and sunscreen. But vehicles? They rely on us to protect them harsh environmental elements.
Many new car owners think that the clearcoat is a protective layer that will shield the vehicle from environmental harm. That's not really true.
Clearcoat is a tough clear paint. That much is true. But it's there to protect the vehicle's color coat and add more shine. It's really not a super high tech protectant. It's a clear paint that needs protection, too.
For paint protection, look to car waxes, paint sealants, and paint protectants. Each protects against premature car aging caused by oxidation. Some are better than others. So do check the reputation before buying.
In Between Car Washings-How to Maintain
Consider using a quick detail spray. These are special waterless formulations that evaporate quickly to prevent spotting, as well as lubricate to prevent scratching. They also contain gloss enhancers to refresh your waxed shine.
For those that love autos, a quick detailer is a necessity that saves time and keep's your car's finish looking great!
If you're looking for a new or used vehicle in the Harrisonburg, VA area, stop by Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Or, visit us online.
