For many vehicle owners, washing a car by hand is a therapeutic act as beneficial for the person’s state of mind as to the vehicle’s appearance. That’s good, because frequent washing is also the best way to maintain a new-car finish. But as simple as washing your car may seem, there are some things to watch for so that you don’t accidentally scratch or degrade the finish. Below are some basic car-washing tips. Careful of using buffing machine while applying it in your car.

What Kind of Products Should I Use?

Don’t… use household cleaning agents like hand soap, dishwashing detergent, or glass cleaner on the paint. These aren’t formulated for use on a car’s paint and may strip off the protective wax.

Do… use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint. Apply the suds with a large, soft natural sponge or a lamb’s-wool mitt. (See our car wax report for tips and advice on all types of waxes.)

Grease, rubber, and road-tar deposits picked up from the road often accumulate around the wheel wells and along the lower edge of the body. These can be stubborn to remove and may require a stronger product, such as a bug-and-tar remover. Use a soft, nonabrasive cloth to remove these deposits, as they can quickly blacken your sponge.

Do… use a separate sponge to clean the wheels and tires, which may be coated with sand, brake dust, and other debris that could mar the car’s finish. Mild soap and water may work here; if not, a dedicated wheel cleaner may be required. Be sure the cleaner is compatible with the type of finish (paint, clear-coat, chrome, etc.) used on the wheels. A strong formula intended for mag wheels, for instance, can damage the clear coat that’s used on the wheels that come on today’s cars. To be on the safe side, choose a cleaner that’s labeled as safe for use on all wheels.

Are There Any General Guidelines I Should Follow When Washing a Car?

Don’t… wash your car when the body is hot, such as immediately after driving it or after it has been parked in direct sunlight for awhile. Heat speeds the drying of soap and water, making washing more difficult and increasing the chances that spots or deposits will form.

Don’t… move the sponge in circles. This can create light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, move the sponge lengthwise across the hood and other body panels. And don’t continue using a sponge that’s dropped on the ground without thoroughly rinsing it out. The sponge can pick up dirt particles that can scratch the paint.

Do… rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before you begin washing to remove loose dirt and debris that could cause scratching. Once you begin, concentrate on one section at a time, washing and rinsing each area completely before moving on to the next one. This ensures that you have plenty of time to rinse before the soap dries. Start at the top, and then work your way around the car. Use a hose without a nozzle and let the water flow over the car from top to bottom. This creates a sheeting action that helps minimize pooling of water.

Do… work the car-wash solution into a lather with plenty of suds that provide lots of lubrication on the paint surface. And rinse the sponge often. Using a separate bucket to rinse the sponge keeps dirt from getting mixed into the sudsy wash water.

How Should I Dry the Car When I’m Done?

Don’t… let the car air dry, and don’t expect a drive around the block to do an effective job. Either will leave watermarks caused by minerals in hard water. In addition, don’t use an abrasive towel or other material that can leave hairline scratches in the paint.

Do… use a chamois (natural or synthetic) or soft terry towels. If you choose towels, you may need several. It’s best to blot the water up instead of dragging the towel or chamois over the paint. The drying process can be speeded up by using a soft squeegee to remove most of the water on the body, but be sure the rubber is pliable and that it doesn’t pick up bits of dirt that can cause scratches.

Wheel Woolies are the safest and most effect way to clean vehicle wheels for the detailing enthusiast. Our favorite way to wash a car: drive it in and let the machines at it. But if you’re the industrious kind who wants to DIY, remember that not all washes were created equal. If your driveway wash-up is like lots of car owners’ you may be risking damaging to your ride. Carnauba wax are a great way to protect your vehicle against the elements.

Does this sound like your cleaning routine: Haul out the big jug of dishwashing detergent, squirt a healthy dose into a rusty metal bucket of water, then dip sponges in and began to scrub. These old-school steps can severely harm your car’s finish, if not its paint. But don’t fret. You don’t have to turn your filthy car over to the pros; the tips below will keep you on the car-cleaning straight-and-narrow. Follow our advice and your DIY weekly washes should keep your car’s exterior looking great while you save you a bit of cash.

Consider these ideas:

Put the car in a garage or shaded area. The hot sun will make proper car care and cleaning difficult, if not impossible. Even better, wash your car on the lawn. It’s better for the environment, too, because runoff has a place to be absorbed (presuming you’re not using eco-unfriendly cleaners!).

Thoroughly wet down the car to remove dirt and debris. Don’t use a harsh blast of water, but a light sprinkle or spray. Expect scratches if you skip this step and jump right in with a sponge and soap.

Don’t use detergent. Every car expert has their favorite automotive wash which is usually pH-controlled and has gloss enhancers. The great news is the washes are fairly inexpensive. Eagle One Car Wash, sold at retailers including Advance Auto and Wal-Mart, is about $7.50 for a 64-ounce bottle.

Invest in a plastic bucket. A metal bucket might chip the car’s paint if it is knocked over.This seems like a small thing, until you’re looking at hundreds of dollars of bodywork.

Wash the car one section at a time (top to bottom) to prevent wash from drying on the car.

If it is a hot day, be sure to routinely wet the car so it does not dry with suds or cleaning chemicals on it.

Do completely dry the car. This is especially key if you plan to apply wax. A chamois will remove water quickly without residue or lint. Start from the bottom and gently blot the water.

Apart from can carnauba wax can also use in many foods and household products. You may feel at a loss when you have to deal with your car problems. You don’t want to have this experience every time. Continue reading and learn more about how you can deal with any repairs confidently going forward. Produced in a wide variety of types and styles, leather care can be decorated using a variety of techniques and finishes, including our signature hand waxing.

Go through your owner’s manual and make sure to mark important pages. You can find the issues you have been encountering.

Always keep a record of any maintenance done to your car is repaired. If you experience future problems with your vehicle, it may help the mechanic to see these notes.

Look for online body shop reviews for any business you’re thinking of local auto shops online. This can give you a good idea about how the public feels and their skill in solving issues. You can find a place you’ll feel comfortable spending your money at.

Test out your vehicle after repairs before paying for its repairs.

Don’t leave anything of value in your car while you’re having it repaired. Mechanics may need to take these items out to do the inside of your vehicle and they cannot be held responsible if an item is damaged or missing. Remove everything from the trunk too.

Always think of how to fix your car before you bring it in for repairs. You probably know that certain mechanics will deceive you about your car repairs to charge more money.

Make sure the mechanic can work on your particular vehicle. If you’re not comfortable with your mechanic working on your car, consider having a dealer repair your vehicle.

A spare tire and a jack are valuable items to have in case of the time. Many new cars already have them. You would hate to be stuck somewhere you don’t know and be forced to spend money on a lot for towing. You can save a lot by doing it on your own.

Replacing the bulbs on your taillights or taillight is much cheaper when you do it by yourself. Some vehicles make it easier to do, but you can save a lot by doing it yourself regardless of how complex your system is. See if you know can get instructions from someone you a lesson.

It can be very dangerous to repair vehicles on your own car. Always have somebody nearby to help you in case of an emergency. Buy good quality tools that will not break under pressure. This is particularly important for the tools that you need to change your tires. The jack has to be strong enough to keep the car.A good investment is to purchase a hydraulic jack and use jack stands that are approved is your best bet.

There are several different classifications that determine the quality of parts. New parts are brand new and made to the manufacturer’s specifications. Refurbished parts are ones that these parts have been restored to working condition. “Salvage” parts are used without being improved or repaired.

If you need to have your car fixed, but need auto repairs, think about asking a local vocational school if they have an auto repair class. You can pay quite as much less for service since students do some work on your vehicle while a mechanic looks on.

Have you read over your car’s manual? The truth is that very few car owners actually do this. You should review this manual all the way through at least once. Your manual contains everything you should know when it comes to maintaining your vehicle and performing small repairs yourself.

Don’t hire the mechanic who diagnosed your car as soon as you receive a quote for service. Call competitors and other mechanics to see how much you’d pay if you need. If a cheaper price is available elsewhere, pay the repair shop for their labor and take your vehicle elsewhere.

It costs a lot to use the mechanics at the car’s dealer, but it’s often the safest option. The mechanics are specialists concerning your type of vehicle you have. They can diagnose problems quickly and are well trained for your car. They have participated in regular training programs.

Always try to hear the sounds what you’re driving is making. Noise is something that can mean everything when identifying a problem if you know what to listen for.

If you go to a auto body shop and they do good work, you should get back with them the next time your vehicle is having trouble. You will get discounts for your continued business.

Ask to have your mechanic to give you the old parts to be returned to you when a mechanic replaces a part. This helps you know whether the parts have actually been done. This isn’t particularly necessary for exhaust system changed.You can easily see whether a new system has been installed as promised.

You now have the knowledge you need to ensure your success when dealing with auto repairs. Win the staring contest next time you deal with your stubborn car, and don’t fall prey to those vicious, swindling mechanics. Keep reading for tips on what to do when your car is in need of repair. We have a variety of car products, you may click here.