Proper Paint Maintenance is highly necessary for aesthetic and resale purposes. Whether you are a car enthusiast or just a person who wants your vehicle to maintain a sharp appearance, you need to know how to properly wash your car. White Dove Red Lion prides itself as one of the best car wash services in Red Lion, PA. Here is the in-depth guide to help you achieve the effectiveness of protecting your car’s paint job from any harm when washing it.
Knowing Your Car’s Paint
Before discussing the washing methods, one needs to know about the types of automotive paints. Cars usually have a single-stage or a two-stage paint system. Single stage paint combines color and gloss into one coating, whereas a two stage system would be base coat combined with a clear coat. Both types must be treated with some care to avoid damage but a two stage system is usually more sensitive because of the additional layer of protection.
Prep-wash Preparation
Pre-wash preparations are very much essential for holding your car paint job. And then there are some pre-wash steps that you must follow even before you start washing.
- Right Location
Wash in the shade when you can so that the sun will not dry up soap and water too quickly. This reduces the chance of water spots and allows you to get the job done much easier. If you are visiting the car wash in Red Lion, PA, choose a facility that has a covered washing area.
2. Prepare Your Supplies
The right equipment makes all the difference. Here is what you will need:
- Good car wash soap – do not use the regular old dish soap as it will nip the wax
- Two buckets are used, one for the soap and the other for the rinse
- Microfiber mitt to retain the wash.
- Light soft microfiber towels for drying the car
- Brush to clean the wheels
- Hose with spray nozzle or pressure washer
Procedure for Washing
Now that you are all set, give your car a wash nearby in consideration of the paint job.
- Wash
Wash the car on all sides with water. This will ensure that the dirt and muck loosen and fall off; it won’t get scratched during the process of washing. With a pressure washer, it is pretty advisable because dirt easily gets dislodged.
2. The Two Bucket Method
How to prevent scratches by using the two bucket method:
- Bucket 1: Soap water
- Bucket 2: Use it to rinse your mitt.
Wet your wash mitt with soapy water and clean one section of your car. Once you are finished, you can take the mitt out of the dirty water and rinse it in clean water then get it wet again in the soapy bucket. It allows dirt not to fall back onto your car as well as helps to maintain paint integrity of your car.
3. Start at the Top
Always rub top to bottom. This would prevent any dirt and grime from traveling all the way up as you clean, smudging it onto the paint.
4. Mild Overlapping Rubs
Brush gently to transfer all floor dirt without creating swirl marks or scratches as you wash. Then, one area at a time should be washed. Before reaching another area, rinse the area you have already cleaned.
5. Clean Your Wheels Last
Wheels are where dirt and grime usually accumulate so clean them last. You will use a dedicated brush on your wheels, this way you will not cross contaminate your paint. Your brushes and tools must be soft to prevent scratching on either the wheels or on your surrounding paint.
Drying
After washing, drying is next on the to-do list for preserving that paint job:
- Microfiber Towels
Always dry your car with soft, clean microfiber cloths. Microfiber cloths absorb less water than regular cloths and will scratch the paint less.
2. Pat, Not Wipe
Pat your car dry instead of wiping on it. This helps to prevent scratching as well as water spots.
3. Never Forget the Details
Some of the areas where you will find water clinging are just above the door sills, under the trunk lid, and many other such places which always stay out of sight. And dirt and grime can collect there and, if not attended to in time, cause rusting.
Coatings to Apply to Your Car’s Paint:
After you have cleaned your car and let it dry off, you may want to apply a special coating that would protect the paint finish:
- Wax or Sealant
After you wax or apply sealant, you will successfully safeguard your car paint from UV rays and contaminants. As this paint is protected well, your car will maintain shine longer, and subsequent car washes will become more efficient.
2. Regular Maintenance
Always essential, there is cleansing to maintain the hygiene of the outer body. If you drive, you will find the following at White Dove Red Lion: unlimited car wash plans for under $1 a day, making it easy and cheap to have that new-car look at all times.
Conclusion: Clean Car Equals a Happy Car!
Washing the paint on your car doesn’t have to be a daunting task at all. With proper techniques and tools, it is very simple to maintain your car. By following these tips whether you are washing at home or we service at one of our locations in Red Lion, PA will have paint that looks just like it did coming off the showroom floor. Don’t forget: Unlimited car wash plans available for anyone desiring to simplify the car maintenance routine for less than $1 a day! Show love to that car with the smell of freshness and that showroom shine every time you drive away.