Whether you’ve had your car for years or have just picked it up from an auto body repair shop, its paint job needs special care to retain its appearance. Although you should the vehicle routinely, doing this improperly can damage and dull the finish. Here are a few car washing tips for preserving your vehicle’s shine without damaging it.

How to Properly Wash Your Car

1. Use The Right Cleaners

To wash your car correctly, you need the proper tools. Household cleaners should be avoided; only use a shampoo designed specifically for vehicles.

The sponge or cloth you use to wipe away grime should only consist of microfiber or sheepskin. These soft materials provide the least risk of scratching the finish. Avoid circular motions when cleaning, as this can inadvertently leave circular scratches on the surface.

2. Use a Pressure-Washer With Care

If you use a self-serve car wash, the pressure-washers provided can effectively remove built-up mud or grime from the surface. However, the force of the spray can damage the car’s finish, trim, and tires.

If you choose to use a pressure-washer, keep the nozzle’s spray at least 20 inches from the vehicle. Any closer and you risk a visit to the auto body repair shop from chipping paint, loosening the trim, and piercing the outer layer of your tires.

3. Choose a Brushless Automatic Wash

Most newer automatic washes are designed to protect a vehicle’s finish, making them a safer alternative to hand washing. However, if you visit an older car wash that offers brush and brushless options, always choose brushless. The brushes at older automatic washes can leave behind fine scratches that might not be noticeable at first but become obvious over time.

If your vehicle needs body repairs caused by improper washing, the certified technicians at Valiante Auto Body in Norwalk, CT, have over 100 years of combined experience. This auto body repair shop services all makes and models of vehicles and specializes in car body painting, dent repair, and collision repair. Call (203) 847-3043 to request an estimate or visit their website to learn more about their services.