Washing car is never been that simple. It takes time and patience to wash a car properly. There are many steps involved and you must have right equipments and techniques so that you won't damage your paint (if you don't have wax on it). Wondering why you have swirl mark? That is because of using the wrong equipments and procedures. That is why it is important to wax your car. This is because waxing not only makes your car look good but also protects your paint which is your investment, saving you heaps on the long run.
Here are some tools you need:
The most important thing to be aware of when preparing to wash your car is the temperature of the area being washed. This is even more important than the ambient temperature, which should be between 50° and 80°F (10° -26.7°C). If the car has been in the sun for any time, it should be brought into the shade and allowed to cool off before dousing it with water.
In addition, on recently driven cars, the brakes will be very hot, and if cold water gets onto the brake discs, they could warp. So get your car out of the garage and onto a flat, paved surface that is out of direct sunlight. Sunlight, as you know, turns drops of water into tiny lenses, burning the paint under them.
VERY IMPORTANT: Remove your watch, rings, keys and bracelets. Be alert to belt buckles, zippers and rivets on jeans. One slip can be a costly scratch or dent.
Step 1: Start the washing process by using the hose with a fine spray to fill your bucket with 2oz. (59ml) for car wash 'soap' and 5 gallons (19 litres) of cool water.
Step 2:Drop your sponge into the water for later use and begin rinsing the car from top to bottom with your hose. Use a medium pressure. Do not use a compressor driven power washer. High speed (pressure) water can lift paint and/or propel small stones at high speed across your paint or even worse, into your paint. During this first process do not wash below the midline (belt line) of your car.
Step 3:Using the soap soaked sponge, apply a heavy coating of soap suds (by squeezing the sponge) to a small area of the roof you can easily reach without moving your feet and lightly wipe the panels with your bare hand as you rinse it off. This assures you that there is no sand or dirt stuck to the car's surface that might be unknowingly picked up later by your sponge or towel.
Step 4:Now, rinse the entire car! This entire car rinsing should take place every time you wash anything on the car. This constant irrigation keeps the surface wet and does not let errant soap suds dry anywhere.
Step 5:Start the actual washing by using the soap filled sponge on the section you just 'hand washed' of the roof, and then rinse the entire car. Finish the other side of the roof, and then wash all the windows, lifting the wipers and working all the way down to the cowl. Remember to keep rinsing so that the water won't dries up with the soap which can damage the paint.
Step 6:After the roof, then work on the bonnet (hood). Washing one side, rinsing the entire car then wash the other side and rinse the car again. Follow up with doing the boot (trunk) the same way.
Step 7: After this is complete, work the entire upper portion of one side of your car, one panel at a time. Now is a good idea to empty the soap bucket after you finish with the horizontal and upper vertical surfaces, then start with fresh soap for the lower sides.
Step 8:Finish the wash sequence with the lower portions, including bumpers, grille and taillights.
Step 9:Push water off of the car using a chamois or synthetic chamois.
DO NOT USE THE CHAMOIS TO DRY THE CAR.
Chamois will remove wax and possibly scratch your car if used when almost dry and with a high amount of friction.
Step 10:Next, gently dry your car using 100% un-sized cotton towels or non-polyester microwipes being sure to open the bonnet, boot and all doors to dry up collected water in body drainage areas, door jams and sills.
This paint wash process is more work but your car will clean easier and look better.
Hope the above tips is useful and you can enjoy washing your car the RIGHT way.
Happy trying.
Source: Zymol Australia
