Regular washing keeps road grime, bird droppings and sap from etching the paint. Doing it the right way avoids the fine swirl marks that dull a finish.
Before you start
- Work in the shade on a cool surface – sun dries soap into spots.
- Use a car-wash soap, not dish soap, which strips wax.
- Use soft microfiber wash mitts and towels.
The two-bucket wash
- Rinse the whole car to loosen dirt.
- Fill one bucket with soapy water and one with plain rinse water (a grit guard in each helps).
- Clean the wheels first with a separate brush and cleaner.
- Wash from the top down, one panel at a time. Rinse the mitt in the plain bucket before reloading it with soap.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry right away with a clean microfiber drying towel.
Protect the paint
- Carnauba wax – warm gloss, shorter-lasting.
- Synthetic sealant – longer protection, easy to apply.
- Ceramic sprays – strong water beading and UV protection in a spray-on, wipe-off form.
Apply thin, let it haze as directed, and buff off with a fresh towel. Strong sun makes UV protection worthwhile in Southern California.
Water-wise washing
Where local water restrictions apply, a rinseless or waterless wash is an efficient option for light dirt. Check your city’s rules on driveway washing and runoff.
Questions about products? call the parts counter at (909) 623-3151.