How to
MOTORING
clean your car
Easter has been and gone and the clocks have gone forward . Spring is in the air so it must be time for a bit of spring cleaning . Not just your most expensive purchase , your home , but also what is likely your second most expensive , your car . While it appears a simple process to wash your car , chances are it is being done incorrectly and / or not with the proper materials . In the long run this can result in expensive paintwork that is full of swirls and holograms , which can be easily seen in sunlight or under streetlights at night . At best , they make your car look tired , at worst they reduce the overall value of the car come trade-in time . The biggest culprit is incorrect washing and drying techniques , which can be avoided for the most part if you wash and dry your car properly . Even one trip to the automatic car wash , or a quick wipe down with the wrong kind of towel or dirty sponge can quickly damage your paintwork . So what ’ s the best process ? Ideally you ’ ll need a long hose or jet washer , at least two buckets with grit guards , preferably
Before
After
three , traffic film remover , alloy wheel cleaner and sponge , car shampoo , wool wash mitt , drying towel , spray wax detailer and microfibre cloths for final buffing . Fill all the buckets with water , and two of them with car shampoo using the directions on the bottle . One bucket is your rinse bucket , one car wash , and one wheel wash . And read the instructions on whatever products you use and follow them . More is rarely better , and you will just waste product and money . Start with your wheels , cleaning one at a time . If these have brake dust deposits on them , spray with wheel cleaner or iron contaminent remover , then wash with a soft sponge using your wheel bucket . You don ’ t want the dust and grit from your brakes mixed with the water in your car wash bucket . Once the wheels are clean , rinse off with the hose or jet washer and discard this bucket . Then go round the lower bodywork applying traffic film remover to soften bug spatter and heavy dirt deposits . Do this before you start to wash your bodywork , as any water will dilute the products used . Then rinse your car with a hose pipe or jet washer on a fairly low pressure to loosen as much of the dirt as possible . It will make the whole process much easier .
Dip your wool wash mitt into the car wash bucket , and then clean one panel at a time using little or no pressure . You ’ re merely trying to float away dirt and debris from the surface , not scrub it back into the paintwork . When washing the bodywork , always start at the top and work your way down . Wash the roof , glass , bonnet , bootlid , and then move down to the sides . Once clean , rinse the dirty wash mitt against the grit guard in the rinse bucket before moving on to a new panel to repeat the process . Rinse each panel so that the wash solution doesn ’ t dry and leave spots . Once finished , your wash bucket water should be as clean as when you started . Thoroughly rinse the car from the top down using plenty of fresh water . On a car that has been protected with a car wax or paint sealant the rinse water will sheet off the paintwork leaving it looking nearly dry . Using the drying towel , gently ‘ blot ’ the panel and lift off to leave a streak free finish . Once dry , gently mist on some spray wax detailer and buff with a clean microfibre cloth to leave a clean , shiny and streak free surface . To find out what can be done to transform your car , call Bump Express on ( 01983 ) 401274 or see their advert opposite . www . visitilife . com 61