Basic Guide To Car Washing and Waxing

Car Care Guide Topics

They're two of the most important steps in caring for your auto: washing and waxing. Every owner should have a regular routine for each, washing weekly and waxing at least every six months. Take a good look at our guide below.

The basics of washing your car — essential help for every auto

A weekly wash routine is essential for protecting the appearance and value of your ride. Taking time now to set a cleaning schedule pays off down the line with a finish that lasts longer and looks sharper. Here are some tips on forming a basic wash routine at home.(Already have your washing technique down? Head for our basic waxing guide below or our other articles on advanced finish care for good info on getting a show-quality shine.)

Prep for washing

Before you turn that hose on full and start blasting, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your car wash is a success:

• Gather your materials
  Get everything ready to go before you start. Having everything you need ready to go cuts down on washing and drying time. The stuff you'll need: car-specific wash soap, a wash mitt, a separate mitt or brush for the wheels and several cotton terry or microfiber drying cloths.
   

• Pick the right spot and time
  Always aim for doing your car care—especially washing—in low heat conditions out of direct sunlight. Pick a shady spot and wash either in the early morning or late afternoon/early evening. Find the right place and time to wash, and you're more likely to end up with a satisfying result.

Washing your ride

It's time to liberate your paint from the evil forces of dirt. Follow these steps for the smoothest car wash possible.

• Blast the dirt off first
  Use your hose to blast off loose dirt and mud. This will keep your wash mitt cleaner, cut down on work, and prevent larger particles that cause small scratches or swirl marks from being worked into your paint.
   

• Start washing at the wheels with a separate brush
  Wheels and tires are generally the dirtiest part of your vehicle, which is why you need to get this grime off first. Use a separate brush, mitt or sponge for your wheels and tires to keep from mucking-up the one you'll use on the paint. You don't want tire grime rubbed all over the rest of your paint.
   

• Go to the roof next, then work your way down
  The rest of your vehicle should be washed from the top down. Start with the roof, using plenty of soap and water on your wash mitt. Clean in small areas and rinse-off the soap when each area is completed. Quickly go back over each area with water to prevent water spots.
   

• Thoroughly rinse-off
  When completely done washing each area, rinse your vehicle again with cool water. Once again, start with the wheels, move to the roof, then rinse from the top down.

Drying time

Now start drying your vehicle—but use the right techniques. Believe it or not, drying usually determines just how good your wash job is.

• Dry the right way with proper cloths
  Use soft cotton terry towels or microfiber drying cloths for absorbing the water. Resist the temptation to wipe—use a blotting technique instead. Wiping can cause swirl marks in your finish, while blotting virtually eliminates the chance of swirl marks. Only use clean towels—dirty ones mar your paint with trapped particles.
  
  Chamois cloths are also popular for drying cars, as they absorb incredible amounts of water without making micro abrasions in the surface. The only drawback to chamois: it's difficult to clean for the next use.
   

• Start with the areas most vulnerable to water spots
  Dry your roof first, then the hood and grille detail, trunk lid or truck bed next, and finish with the sides. Move up in priority any areas of the vehicle exposed to minor heat or sunlight.
   

• Other ways to dry
  Auto-specific squeegees cut your drying time by as much as two-thirds by wicking excess water away before you use your towels. Driving dry is a popular technique, but it's prone to water spots and imbedded dirt (in short, it doesn't work). Air drying is another popular method. But, unless the heat and sunlight conditions are just right, you'll get spots, lines or sheet marks—even with soft water.
   

• Hit the hidden places to prevent spotting
  Go a little further than just what you can see is wet. Be sure to mop-up inside the door wells, around side-view mirrors and along seams. This will prevent water spots in unsightly places.

Advanced care: the dirt that's still left after washing

A good washing can leave a brilliant gleam on your vehicle. It can also reveal missed dirt, embedded particles and even damage that washing alone can't get out. Fortunately, detailing clay is readily available to lift dirt and contaminants from deep within your layers of paint. Read more about using clay in our section on finish care between washing and waxing.