How to Wash A Car

Washing your vehicle regularly doesn’t just help make it look fresh and clean. When done correctly, car washes protect the exterior paint and control any imperfections you may miss, such as tiny scratches. Land Rover Charleston has a handy guide to how to wash a car and how often to wash a car, so you new Land Rover continues looking its best.

Know What Your Car Needs

Does your vehicle need the full package or a quick car wash? New or recently waxed and polished vehicles will need a wash and a wax. If your car has been exposed to harsh elements for the past few months without any attention, it will need more than a car wash.

Rinse & Wash

Before washing your car, be sure to rinse it and remove any loose debris and dirt. Car wash mitts and drying cloths are excellent products to use when cleaning the car’s surface more thoroughly. Once you’re finished with the vehicle’s body, clean the windows with an ammonia-free solution that’s only meant for cars. Then, switch to a low-strength, acid-free pH balanced aluminum wheel cleaner for the tires and wheels.

Remove Contaminants

With a clay bar, gently buff away tree sap and other contaminants attached to the surface. If needed, you can also use a compound with a dual-action polisher to smooth out tiny scratches that are beneath the surface. The compound normally needs two to four coats.

Apply Polish (If Needed)

Dual-action polishers are the preferred products. The oils give your car a sleek, glossy look. You can also use an orbital buffer or a soft towel to apply it. While orbital buffers are faster, you get less control over the finished look. Also, if debris comes between the pad and your car while it’s in motion, you could scratch up your car.

Waxing Your Vehicle

Car wax doesn’t just improve the vehicle’s appearance, but it also protects your car’s paint from UV rays and helps keep its shine. Carnauba and polymer are the top most common types of car wax that Huntington drivers use. Polymer costs more, but it doesn’t haze and you don’t have to let it set for long periods.

How Often to Wash a Car

You are probably wondering how often to wash a car. This depends on how you drive. Are you only running errands in the Parkersburg area? If you’re doing a lot of traveling from Charleston to Wheeling for work or school, you may want to wash your car every two weeks and wax it every six months. If you regularly take your car off the beaten path for off-roading adventures, you should clean it as soon as you can afterward.

How to Wash a Car: Handy Tips

• Cleaning Supplies: Instead of hand soap, dishwashing soap, or household glass cleaner, use solutions that are designed to protect your car’s paint. Use a natural sponge or wool mitt to wash.
• Washing: Lather up your car with soap and use fresh water to clean the sponge as you wash the car body, windows, tires, and wheels.
• Drying: Don’t air-dry your car because it can cause swirl marks. Use a chamois or terry towel to hand-dry the surface.

Learn More Car Care Tips from Land Rover Charleston!

Do you have more questions about how to wash a car? Land Rover Charleston is here to help! Our team in the service department can provide certified auto care for your Land Rover, as well as handy automotive service tips like hand car wash vs. touchless car wash, how to get the smell of smoke out of your car and ways to keep your vehicle performing at its best. While you’re here, take a moment to browse our current service specials! Contact us with any questions!