Motorists have been urged to take care with what products they use
Motorists have been warned to take care when cleaning their cars, as improper washing techniques could lead to significant damage. A study by Auto Express revealed that over 60% of drivers wash their cars themselves, while nearly one in 10 neglect to clean their vehicles altogether.
For those who do opt to roll up their sleeves and grab a bucket and sponge, the publication has offered some advice on what you should and shouldn’t do. Consumer editor Tom Jervis emphasised the importance of using appropriate cleaning materials to avoid scratches, dull paintwork, and damaged alloys.
He said it’s best to hand-wash your car, but you may want to think twice before applying your sponge. Mr Jervis said: “Going straight in with a sponge risks dragging dirt across your paint – always loosen grime first to reduce scratches.”
You can do this using snow-foam or a pre-cleaner followed by a thorough rinse. Another thing to think about is the time of day you do your wash. Mr Jervis said to avoid washing your car when the sun is at its peak or during particularly hot weather.
He said: “Washing in strong sun causes water and products to dry too fast, reducing effectiveness and risking chemical staining or streaks.” He also warned against the use of silicone-based sprays inside the car, which can lead to slippery pedals and dashboard reflections.
The Auto Express research found 15% of drivers only use the automated car wash to clean their vehicle while 16% use them occasionally. But Mr Jervis cautions against the risks associated with this.
He said: “Most drivers think a quick run through an automatic car wash is doing their car a favour – but in reality, this is gradually wrecking the paintwork. The worst offenders are drive-through washes with old-style hard nylon brushes.
“They are not great because they pick up all the dirt and grit from all the previous cars and it then gets rotated repeatedly over the paint.” He also said that these automated car washes may even dislodge and drag trim or wipers along your vehicle, leading to additional damage.
What’s more, these automated car washes often fail to adequately clean hard-to-reach areas, such as the interior of wheels and the corners near number plates. Mr Jervis also advises caution when using roadside car washes.
He said it’s a good idea to look at online review beforehand and to visit early in the day when the cloths, mitts, and water are likely to be clean. He said: “Look out for a proper pre-wash using snow foam – not acidic traffic film removers which some car washers mix up to be far too strong thinking it will work better.
“But it doesn’t and can end up marking alloy trims and stripping the lustre off window rubbers. They also tend to slop on painted-on tyre shine which may look good while the car is stationary, but as soon as you drive off it gets flung off onto the side of your car.”