Car Washing 101

Here at KW Auto Body we consider our car a part of the family, and we do our very best to take care of it. Your vehicle’s exterior is the only line of defense against the elements which makes its regular wash so important. Below are four simple steps to maximize your car washing routine. 

1.     HAND WASH

Don’t let its simplicity fool you, hand-washing your vehicle is the way to go. Grab a couple of buckets — to separate the dirty and clean water — a large fluffy sponge, and get to scrubbing. You’ll be amazed at what a difference a quick wash will make. While you may think the job ends with a hand wash, a perfectly clean finish is just a few easy steps away.

2.     TRIM

Most people are guilty of skipping over any vinyl and rubber trim during the hand washing process. Unfortunately, without the proper care, these parts are the first to oxidize, and become brittle and stained. To lift any stubborn residue use a wet old toothbrush for scrubbing, and dry with a microfiber towel. You can find an array of affordable cleaning and conditioning solutions on Amazon to keep your trim in top shape. 

3.     CLAY

While scrubbing your vehicle with clay may seem counterintuitive this deep into your car wash, clay bars get rid of the toughest of residue without scratching your car’s finish. First spray some detailing fluid to lubricate the surface, then move your clay back and forth over the paint. Don’t forget to fold the clay every now and again to expose a clean surface. 

4.     WAX

Clay will remove almost everything on your vehicle’s surface but paint, therefore we recommend saving the car wax for last. Wax does an amazing job of providing both protection and shine, and we urge our customers to use some if they don’t already. Application is simple. Add wax to your applicator, move applicator in circles and work in one small area at a time, allow the wax to dry, then gently buff away with a microfiber cloth. We recommend repeating the waxing process every three to four months for ultimate protection and shine. 

When it comes to our cars, what’s on the inside counts as much as what’s on the outside. Resale value is significantly impacted by maintaining the entirety of your vehicle, which includes the surface. We understand that you may come across a few scratches and bumps along the way, and when you do, our professionals here at KW Auto Body are here to help.