Cleaning Your Car? Avoid These Nine Common Mistakes

When it comes to keeping your car looking its best, good intentions aren't enough – proper technique matters as much as elbow grease. Avoiding commercial car washes with abrasive brushes is smart if you want to protect your vehicle. However, self-washing your car can be just as damaging if not done properly. Read on to discover nine frequent car-cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Using the wrong products

All cleaning agents do the job, right? Wrong. The biggest mistake you can make when washing your car is to use the same detergent you wash your dishes or floors with. These harsh cleaners can strip wax and damage the paintwork, leaving your vehicle vulnerable to acid rain or UV exposure, among other things. Use a pH-balanced shampoo or cleaner for the gentlest, most effective results.

2. Washing under direct sunlight

This strategy might seem like a good idea, but it’s not — especially in the summer. The water will evaporate too quickly, leaving dirty marks on your vehicle. Also, the cleaning solution contains chemicals that shouldn’t be used in direct sunlight. Park your ride in the shade or wait till evening when the temp has cooled off.

3. Only using one bucket

This is a surefire way to leave your car with dirty smears and can end up scratching the paintwork. Best practice: Use two buckets — one with car shampoo in the water and one with clear water. After washing a section of the car using the soapy water, dip your sponge into the clean water to rinse it. This helps keep the dirt and grit you’ve wiped off the car from getting mixed back in with the soap.

4. Using old or rough towels

Using old towels, rags, or even paper towels to wash and dry your vehicle may seem like a good idea, but the materials can be too rough. It’s worth investing in a wash mitt or micro-fiber cloth specifically designed for auto detailing. These highly absorbent towels will be gentle as you wash and dry your paintwork.

5. Cleaning bottom up

While there’s some debate on the best place to start, most auto detailing experts agree that working your way down from the top is the best way to wash your car. That way, any dirt will make its way to the bottom, and you can take care of it when you get there. However, the exception to that rule is the wheel rims (probably why there are two schools of thought on top vs. bottom). Clean the rims first so that dust and debris from there don’t end up on the bodywork.

6. Neglecting the wheels and tires

Your wheels and tires are arguably the dirtiest part of your vehicle, constantly in contact with the road. Cleaning them first removes all the grime and brake dust. Use a dedicated wheel cleaner and a separate sponge or brush for the wheels to avoid cross-contamination. Then, apply a tire shine product.

7. Not washing regularly

Washing your car regularly helps maintain its appearance and prevents the buildup of contaminants that can damage the paint. Aim to wash your car every two weeks or more frequently if you drive in areas with a lot of dust, pollen, or road salt. Regular washing keeps your vehicle looking its best and can even help extend its life and preserve its resale value.

8. Failing to wax

Unprotected paintwork is vulnerable to pollutants, bird droppings, and UV rays, so you always want to apply a coat of quality wax or sealant after thoroughly washing and drying your car. This will protect against paint deterioration and maintain the shine. However, anything more than two coats of wax will be overkill and just wiped away.

9. Neglecting the interior

Many people focus solely on their car's exterior, neglecting the interior. Regular vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and conditioning the leather can keep the interior looking and feeling new. Don’t forget to clean the windows from the inside as well.

Taking proper care of your car isn't just about aesthetics – it's an investment in protecting one of your most valuable assets. By avoiding these common cleaning mistakes and following proper maintenance techniques, you'll not only keep your vehicle looking showroom-fresh but also help preserve its resale value. Once you’ve got your car shining brightly, pop over to Wawanesa and check that your auto coverage is current. Ask one of our helpful agents to review your coverage levels to make sure you and your ride are fully protected.