Disclaimer - this is quite an 'anal' thread really, but then most of us here would be quite particular in how they look after their car, so why not.

 

How do you wash your car? Do you always make sure to do it by hand?

 

Do you use automatic car washes? Do you feel these can damage your car?

 

I always hand wash because:-

1. Machine washes have been known to pull off things like wiper arms, mirrors, radio aerials...
2. It has been suggested that pressure washers can force road grit into the paint.

I have a very good local valeter who cleans the car every month. Cost is actually less than 4 trips to local hand wash and of course it’s a much better job with 2.5 hours being spent on it as opposed to 10-15 mins, and is being done by a guy who’s business model depends entirely on his reputation.

 

if the car gets dirty between times my routine is:

 

plain water rinse

 

snowfoam

 

rinse

 

two bucket wash per video clip above

 

rinse

 

microfibre dry

 

must admit though that in winter it only gets done monthly 😂

 

 

Wash Top to bottom. Prerinse with just water if mud / really dirty.

Zip wax detergent polish.

Alloys last before wheel arches.

Use a dishcloth and then discard each time.

Chamois leathers hold grit and then leave scratches in paint.

 

Leave to dry then polish (autoglym polish).

 

Power spray only for underbody and on a broad water jet. Avoid calipers ! Water jets might get past rubber caliper seals?

 

My 2p