The best rationale for keeping your car clean? It may sound superficial, but: “the better it looks, the more value you’re going to get out of your vehicle,” says Jennifer Olvera, director of creative and marketing at Chemical Guys, a car-detailing company based in Los Angeles. In fact, all things being equal between two used cars, the one that’s clean and well maintained will command the best price, she says.
Here are Olvera’s six dos and don’ts for making that new-car look last longer.
Don’t Use Just Any Old T-Shirt, Towel Or Rag
Old tees and tattered towels are easy to come by, but they’re not as soft as microfiber cloths, which are easier on your car’s finish. For a gentler wash, try a microfiber chenille noodle mitt. To dry the car, Olvera suggests using either a plush microfiber towel or a waffle-weave towel. For a fast, streak-free finish, use two waffle-weave towels and wipe off as much glass cleaner as you can with the first towel, then buff away any last drops or streaks with the second.
Do Use Two Buckets
Another way to keep your car’s paint job looking flawless longer: Avoid rubbing it repeatedly with dirt and debris when you wash it. Try the two-bucket method: Fill up one bucket with soapy water and another with just water. Wet your wash mitt in the first. Then, after you suds up your car, dip the mitt into the rinse bucket to clear off grime before you soap it up again. “It’s a way to make sure everything that could be on your mitt is off, reducing any chance of scratching,” Olvera says.
Do Brush & Vacuum The Floor Mats
Your vacuum can’t catch all of the dirt or dog hair that’s stuck on your interior’s carpet. Take a stiff brush to it first to loosen dust and caked-on mud. “Most vacuums are pretty strong,” Olvera says, “but this will make sure that anything captured in those fibers in your carpet comes out.”
Don’t Use A Circular Motion
“The moment you start doing circles, you risk introducing superfine scratches that are hard to fix,” says Olvera. Instead, for each step in the car-washing process, move your mitt or towel in straight lines or a Z-pattern. An accidental scratch in a straight line will be easier to touch up.
Do Clean & Protect Your Seats
“A lot of people forget to maintain their leather seats,” Olvera says. Even getting in and out of the car will eventually lead to cracking if you’re not conditioning it regularly. Depending on how much time your car spends in the sun, you should clean leather seats and moisturize with a leather conditioner every month to every six months. For cloth seats, regularly apply a fabric guard. If a spill happens, it’ll be easier to wipe up since the liquid won’t penetrate. (“Do this with your carpets, as well,” she says.) To address stains, spray a non-foaming all-purpose cleaner directly on the seat and scrub with a horsehair brush, then pat with a microfiber towel to dry.
Do Wear Car-Friendly Clothes When You Wash It
Zip-up hoodies, belt buckles and bracelets can hurt your paint job. Before you get started, consider what you have on—or invest in a microfiber apron (yes, they exist!) to wear while you do this chore. While it may seem overzealous to put on a car-washing outfit, Olvera says that even buttons can scratch paint.
Another important way to protect your car: the right auto insurance. Get a quote from GEICO and make sure your vehicle is covered for whatever comes your way.
Next article: Accidents happen. Find out what to do if you’re involved in a crash or a fender bender so you’re prepared.
By Catherine Strawn
Wilson Torrellas says,
Convetional oil or synthetic oil
Charlie says,
Argh! There was no mention about FIRST closing sun roof and windows. Now what?
stupid lizard……
Dan says,
???? overkill, ridiculous!!
Josh says,
Pressure washer and a foam cannon. Saves water and is way faster. Love that combo.
Veronika Carpenter says,
Thank you for the information,always good to know
Dolores F. Tamoria says,
I have a 2004 Toyota RAV4 it has been properly maintained ever since it was brand new. Never had a bit of trouble with it and still looks and runs great. Over 118000 miles.
Phil says,
Carwashing for the ultra paranoid! I recommend relaxing and take the car through a car wash.
Thomas says,
Although taking your car to a car wash can be efficient and less time-consuming, it is actually the last place you would want to take your car for a wash.
If it is a touchless wash, the soaps used contain harsh chemicals and it is the same soap used on different surfaces (i.e., glass, paint, rubber, plastic, carbon fiber, etc.).
A car wash that uses bristles can definitely cause microscratches or swirl marks on your paint. Imagine how many cars go through those bristles every day and then imagine all of the dirt and debris trapped in those bristles run across your paint.
Washing your car yourself is time consuming, yes I agree, but at least you know you’re getting all of the nooks and crannies that these places fail to get to and at least everything is clean to your standards.
Kathy says,
You didn’t mention that you need to use car soap because regular soap or dish detergent will dry your car paint out
Hai ngo says,
Very good to know about treat the leather seats which did not do often as suppose to . Now I know
Eduardo says,
Never forget to remove all dust using high pressure wash before start rubbing your car and if you go to a car wash, always choose the one on a well iluminated and safe area
Enjoy your car!
SimoneB says,
Great ideas–many are common sense, but you don’t consider them until the damage is already done. Definitely going to seek out a microfiber mitt.
Kearney, Rick (Me) says,
In the first “tip” it mentions wiping off the “glass cleaner”!! Off the paint or off the glass??
Galoof says,
Do wash in a sandstorm.
James caldwell says,
What about tires and rims ? You didn’t say anything about how to keep these lasting longer!
Craig says,
Do not wash in direct sunlight.
Cydni says,
Craig, I have not heard of that one… Why not?
Hai ngo says,
As a rule of thumb I know this part
Tyler says,
Why?
Fred says,
The reason you do not wash your car in direct sunlight is “water spots” which bakes into the paint — I live in Florida, and there is no joy in using rubbing compound. It is a similar rational to waiting for your engine to cool before washing and waxing. As for waxing, ever since I can remember (I got back to the Simonize hard shell wax for acrylic lacquer paints) you always wax in the shade.
Thomas says,
That is why it is recommended for you to use a car wash soap that is pH balanced. Hard water will leave spots but a soap that is pH balanced will help if not eliminate the water spots. I hate them as well which is why I hand dry after every wash.