Indeed, frequent automatic cleaning with rollers can lead to micro-scratches on your car’s paintwork.
Manual cleaning, although more time-consuming, proves to be significantly more effective as it is gentler and thus less harmful to your car’s exterior.
When is the Best Time to Clean Your Car’s Exterior?
Spring, with its sunny days, is the optimal time for car cleaning, as the weather is neither too cold nor too hot.
It is advisable to park your car in a shaded area before starting the cleaning process.
Cleaning your vehicle in direct sunlight can cause the water to dry too quickly, leading to streaks on the paintwork and windows, compromising the desired outcome.
Essential Products and Tools for Exterior Car Cleaning :
To clean your car’s exterior, you should have:
- A foam cannon
- A washing kit with brushes and cleaning brushes
- A telescopic broom
- A polishing glove
- A genuine or synthetic chamois
- Foam cannon shampoo
- Bodywork cleaner
- Rim cleaner
With all the necessary products and tools at hand, you’re ready to begin the exterior cleaning process.
Key Steps for Successful Exterior Car Cleaning Cleaning the Car’s Bodywork :
Start by cleaning the bodywork of your car:
- Fill the foam cannon with a mixture of foam shampoo and water.
- Coat your car with the foam.
- Use a telescopic broom or a polishing glove to scrub.
- Clean the corners of the bodywork, around the mirrors, window seals, and grille details with the brush.
- Rinse your vehicle with clean water to wash away the foam.
Cleaning Your Vehicle’s Rims :
Once the bodywork is clean, move on to the rims or hubcaps:
- Pre-rinse each rim with water to loosen dirt.
- Apply rim cleaner and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Attach a special nylon cleaning brush to a cordless drill.
- Use the drill to scrub the rims, removing stubborn stains and dirt.
- Thoroughly rinse each rim with water.
- Repeat the process for all rims.
Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Exterior Areas :
Next, focus on difficult-to-reach areas such as door openings, the trunk, and the fuel cap area:
- Apply bodywork cleaner to these areas.
- Scrub with a cleaning brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Final Rinse and Drying Tips :
After addressing these areas, perform a final rinse of your vehicle with a water jet.
For drying, it’s best to do so in the shade. Use a genuine or synthetic chamois to dry the bodywork and prevent water spots from forming.Now, you’re equipped with the knowledge to clean your car’s exterior like a pro.