Although car detailing may seem like a simple task to accomplish, the truth is that it requires a lot of knowledge and the right skills if you want to do it right. It is more than just scrubbing and buffing various washing products on your car.
If you’ve been doing this, you need to understand that there is a proper way of cleaning and polishing your vehicle to keep in good condition for a long time. In fact, if you don’t clean your car the right way, you may end up damaging your paintwork.
To help you take good care of your ride and ensure that it is sparkling all the time, we’ve compiled some of the most common car cleaning mistakes that you should avoid. Read on to find out.
Avoid Using the Wrong Type of Cleaning Agent
Laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids are some of the most common alternatives to car cleaning shampoo.
Although they are quite effective when it comes to getting rid of stubborn dirt and grime, you need to keep in mind that most of these products contain harsh chemicals that can easily remove the wax and sealer on your car’s surface, leaving your paintwork vulnerable to weather elements.
Stick to recommended car washing shampoo from Car Smart or any other authorised car parts dealer in your local area.
Never Wipe Dry Dirt/Grime Using a Dry Cloth
Another common mistake that car owners commit is wiping the dry dirt with a dry piece of cloth. The downside of this act is that you may end up bruising your vehicle’s paint. A dry cloth creates micro scratches on the paint surface that will start to manifest later on.
In the long run, your paintwork will be damaged, and you may be forced to use a lot of money to correct the effects of such a simple mistake. Therefore, you need to be smart when cleaning your car and consider using other smart things to wipe your car’s body surface.
Incorrect Wax Applications
It is highly recommended that you use the appropriate wax applicator or use the exact applicator that came with the product. The good thing is that most wax manufacturers usually include a small sponge or foam applicator, which helps you to achieve even wax application.
Avoid using old rags in wax application since they may contain dirt and other impurities that can scratch your paint during application.
If you are using liquid wax, avoid pouring it directly on your vehicle since it can lead to discoloration or uneven streaks.Instead, pour the recommended portion on a pad or applicator and use it to apply and polish.
Cleaning Wheels Last
Wheel-cleaning should never be the last thing to do. It should always be among the first things that you do. Keep in mind that if you are cleaning your wheels last, it means that you are cleaning the paint first, so you need to dry it first to avoid spots and stains.
If your paint is dried first and then you begin cleaning the wheels, there is a likelihood that your jet spray will sprinkle a significant amount of water on the paint. For as long as your paint is splashed with water, you will be forced to keep wiping it over and over which can be quite tiresome.
