For many vehicle owners, hand washing their car is therapeutic and an act of pride. Many drivers take great pleasure in the appearance of their vehicles, which may extend their lifespan.



Washing a car regularly makes it possible to preserve the new car's finish for longer. While passing an automobile may appear simple, vacuum the interior first, wash with soap, and rinse off.

The following are helpful tips to avoid damaging or scratching your car's finish.


Wash With the Right Suds
Hand dishwashing liquid is a brilliant degreaser, but it's not the best choice for your automobile's finish. Yes, it removes dirt, grease, and old wax from your vehicle's finish. It also dries paint faster but sucks the paint's finish's essential oils away.



You can use it several times, which will shorten the life of your paint job. If you want to wash your car, use dish soap instead of a vehicle-specific cleaner (available at any auto parts store). After mixing the suds, go one step further and fill a second bucket with clean rinse water. Rinse the wash mitt with it frequently.



Most road grime will be removed from the glove, preventing scratches. Then put it in the washing machine to get rid of all traces of oil and salt.


Pluck the Finish
Any trash in the air will deflect a car careening down the road at 60 mph, making it a dartboard. However, your vehicle's clear coat deflects some of it. Washing removes the visible filth, but clay-barring is the only technique to remove the embedded debris.



A clay bar kit (one brand is Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit), which includes a lubricating spray and several pieces of synthetic clay, is available. Prepare the clay by breaking it into four parts. Flatten one side of a portion into a tiny pancake in your hand and move it across the paint with a back-and-forth motion. Knead the clay and flatten it until it is gray.



Then toss it and use another fresh piece until you've removed the "darts" to obtain a glossy surface.

Get a Mirror Finish With Synthetic Wax
Carnauba wax is a popular choice among some consumers. It has a rich, warm sheen to it. However, we like the wet-gloss appearance of today's synthetic polymer waxes (also known as paint sealants), such as Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax.



It's more expensive than other synthetics, but it won't leave a white film on your plastic or trim—which is fantastic. It also has a significant benefit: it's effortless to apply. Apply the wax to the foam applicator with a swirling motion and massage it into the finish.



Wipe away any fog with a microfiber cloth. Swap in a fresh towel as soon as the first one is filled up for one of our clever car tricks.