Washing your car is a necessary part of keeping it clean and looking its best. But when should you stop washing your vehicle? Here are some tips to follow to avoid unnecessary damage to your paint job.
1. Don’t Wash Your Car When It’s Wet
It may seem like a good idea to wash your car when it’s wet, but doing so actually causes more harm than good. Washing your car when it’s damp increases the risk of rusting and peeling. And since water drips off the surface of your vehicle, it also leaves puddles behind. These puddles can cause corrosion to form on the underside of your vehicle.
2. Avoid Using High-Pressure Washers
High-pressure washes remove waxes and sealants used to protect your car’s finish. They also strip away protective layers of paint. So if you’re going to wash your car, choose a low-pressure sprayer instead.
3. Use a Cleaner Instead of Water
Instead of cleaning your car with soap and water, try using a cleaner specifically formulated for cars. Many cleaners contain mild detergents and degreasers that won’t dry out your paint.
4. Let Your Paint Dry Before Waxing
Before applying a clear coat of wax to your car, let it completely dry before driving. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a cloudy film over your paint.
5. Wait Until Springtime to Wax
Springtime is the perfect season to apply a fresh layer of wax to your car. During the winter months, the cold weather makes it harder for the wax to adhere to the surface of your vehicle. Plus, the sun’s rays reflect off snow and ice, making it difficult to see imperfections in your paint.
