For many people, the car they drive is an outward expression of who they are. The person who drives the Volkswagen van, for example, is far different from the person who drives the BMW. Many of us have a special attachment to our cars, whether they are vintage classics or modern-day SUVs. We spend a great deal of time in our cars, commuting to work, driving the kids to soccer practice, and going out for groceries. As a result, many people treat and care for their cars with great attention. And this certainly is not a bad idea. The car that is well cared for will last longer, look better, and, should you decide to sell or trade, will retain a higher retail and trade-in value. One way to keep your vehicle looking its best is to treat it regularly with a car wash and wax.
While some people opt for the drive through car wash, these can add up very quickly, and often do not allow sufficient drying time before you have to drive off into heavy traffic and dirty streets. One way to quickly add more dirt and grime to your car is to drive it into traffic while wet with a fresh coat of wax! Obviously, this completely defeats the purpose of a car wash and wax! A more economical way is to do a home car wash and wax. It doesn't take as much time as you might think, and it's a great way to enjoy a beautiful afternoon. What's more, a home car wash and wax uses significantly less water than commercial car washes, which is good for the environment. You do not need nearly that much water to clean your car effectively. All you need is a good quality car wash and wax product, a bucket, hose, and non-abrasive towel. That's it!
When choosing a cleaning product, many people opt for whatever is around the house. However, some cleaning agents, such as dishwashing liquid, will clean right through the wax on your car, leaving it vulnerable to the elements. Even dishwashing detergent labeled "gentle" is not appropriate. The "gentle" refers to how it will affect your hands, not how well it cuts through grease, grime, and wax. A better solution is to choose a product specifically designed as a car wash and wax. This type of car wash liquid, in contrast to a dishwashing or other liquid cleaning agent, will not damage the finish on your car or scratch the paint. Even some liquid household cleaners that appear "soft" can contain abrasives that can cause many tiny scratches on your car, leading to a dull appearance and rusting vulnerability. A car wash solution is designed to clean, shine, and protect. Many are designed for multiple purposes, combining both cleaning and waxing agents, which make the job of cleaning your car that much easier. It's a one-step process. When cleaning your car, use the "top down" cleaning method. The concept is that you start at the top and work your way down, so that the dirt flows downward and off your car. In other words, allow gravity to help you. Fill a bucket with cool water and either follow the directions on the car wash solution product label or simply add a small amount. These products are concentrated, and you don't need much to obtain a good clean. If your car has some buildup, such as dirt, road tar, grease, or bugs, consider using a car mitt specifically designed for use on vehicles with a car wash liquid. Again, these products are designed to not scrape or scratch the finish on your car. Also, when using a quality car wash and wax product, there is no need to use a high-powered spray nozzle. Some people do not use any type of a nozzle at all, but simply wet the car with a light flow of water from the hose. Dip the mitt in the bucket so that the dirt will fall off as you remove it; this helps ensure that no dirt will scratch your car. After all, there's no point in using a good quality car wash and wax if you're only going to scrape your car with the dirt you're trying to remove! Use gentle scrubbing motions with the mitt, and rinse and dry as soon as you are finished. Many absorbent towels are available for use on vehicles and other specialty uses that won't scratch or damage. A good, 100% cotton towel is best. To ensure that you don't damage the finish, use blotting motions rather than wiping.
If your car wash solution is designed for both cleaning and waxing, you're done!
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It is a proven fact that the better your car looks the higher the value you will get at resale or trade-in. Proper car care to include washing, waxing, and polishing will not only make your car look its best, but will help retain its value and make it last longer. For the purpose of this article we questioned numerous detailing experts and other similar professionals as to what works best. Here are their best car care recommendations:
Start by using a garage or shaded area. The hot sun will make proper car care and cleaning hard, if not impossible and could be detrimental to your car's finish. Next thoroughly wet down the car. This will remove dirt and road debris which will cause scratches if you skip this step and start using a sponge and soap on the car. If it is a hot day, be sure to routinely wet the car so it does not dry suds or cleaning chemicals on it.
Next use a car wash solution, don't use general purpose detergents and cleaners that were never meant for car care and car washing. A car wash solution will not dry out your paint or strip and possibly remove protective coatings. A long armed, soft bristled wash brush will greatly reduce the time it takes to thoroughly clean your car. It will also make it easier on your back and muscles. A good quality brush can be cheaply obtained at Walmart for about $10-$15 ? buy one, you will be glad you did. When you have finished washing the whole car, use a chamois to dry off your car. A chamois will remove water quickly and not leave lint which terry cloths are prone to do. Routinely washing your car will remove things like bird droppings, bugs and industrial fallout which are all detrimental to your car's paint and finish. If there is road tar or stubborn bugs left after washing you should use a bug and tar remover prior to waxing and polishing.
It is a good idea to follow washing with the application of a cleaner/polish. This will remove minor imperfections in the paint caused by the environment and sun damage, remove minor scratches, and provide a good surface for car wax or car polish. Follow the directions on the bottle. Basically you apply cleaner wax as you would wax ? in a circular motion and you treat one area or panel at a time. Use modest pressure and then let dry to a whitish haze. Buff with a clean cloth towel and reapply as necessary.
Then you need to decide whether to use car wax or a polymer car polish. According to the experts, carnauba car wax has the deepest and wettest looking shine, but it is also the weakest protection for the harsh environment (acid rain, extreme temperature ranges, bird droppings, etc?). Car polish is easier to apply as it requires less effort to apply and remove. It will also last much longer (some have polymers and even Teflon and will last as long as 52 car washes after 1 application). Car polish will still give you that new car look and was the unanimous recommendation from our experts for any outdoor use (car wax was recommended mostly for car shows). Both car polish and car wax are applied in the same way and many come with a cloth or foam applicator. Apply in a small circular motion same as with the cleaner/polish. Car polish will go on easier and come off easier than car wax and requires only one coat for great protection in any climate. After allowing it to dry to a haze, buff it off, but use a microfiber towel as it will leave a smoother finish quicker and without any lint.
The above recommended steps for properly washing, waxing and polishing your car will leave you with the best shine, maximum protection, make your car last, and maintain its highest value. Remember, a little proper car care can and will go a long way.
Both Vincent Platania & David Maillie are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Vincent Platania has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Family Concerns and Home Management. Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean. Visit. Vincent Platania's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
David Maillie has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Care, Hair Styles and Wrinkles. David Maillie specializes in automotive safety products and information. He holds numerous patents and awards for his patented headlight cleaner and restorer. For more information, tips, and money saving products for your auto please visit. David Maillie's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.