In an effort to keep their cars clean, DIY car washers often do more harm than good. They wash their cars in bright sunlight, which can burn spots into the finish, or use household soaps, which damage the protective coat and leave a white residue.
A chamois is the best way to wick away water. These highly absorbent towels absorb large amounts of water while gently polishing the car’s exterior.
Although acid rain doesn’t get the coverage it once received, it’s still a concern – especially in large metropolitan areas. Since acid rain can leave corrosive agents behind on your paint, it’s important to have it washed off as soon as possible.
Every self-service car wash works pretty much the same, but some can be a little different in the details, so pay attention to each bay. Some will come with accessories like wax, while others will not. So, of course, before parking your car in the center of the bay, be sure that the one you choose has everything you need.
Have you ever noticed a yellow dusting on your vehicle, particularly during the spring? This is pollen, and while it’s great for flowers, it also can slowly eat through your vehicle’s paint job. Whenever you see pollen build up on your vehicle, make sure you head to the car wash within the next couple of days.
Wash the car in the shade if possible to prevent the sun from drying the car unevenly or from allowing the soap to form a film. Cars should never be waxed in full sun.
If you are worried about the environment, automatic car washes have an elaborate system that captures and cleans and treats the water as it is rinsed off vehicles so that it can be reused for future vehicles.
When you wash your car at home, what happens to the soap and other chemicals used to clean the vehicle? These can be washed into your town’s drainage supply, or be soaked into the ground, and then run into nearby water supplies. Car washes are designed so there is no water runoff.
A quick way to speed up the drying process after washing your car is to use an automotive squeegee. They are not only inexpensive and safe for your clear coat but they also cut the drying time in half!
Rinse the soap starting from the roof of the car and working your way down to the wheels, which should be pretreated. Blast water into any cracks to remove stuck-on dirt.
Did you know that a clean car is a safer car? A clean car allows for better visibility through the front and back windshields, as well as making it easier for other drivers to see your all of your lights.
Car wash Tip: Don’t forget your engine bay! Grease, oil and dirt often build up on and around your vehicle’s engine and could potentially lead to mechanical problems. Simply hose down the engine bay, preferably with a pressure washer every few months. (Just avoid the fuse box and air filter)
Your car is a valuable asset and an important investment. Because of this, it is best to take care of it and give it a proper wash from time to time. Wash your car and make it look as shiny and clean as the day you bought it.
Leather seats look especially nice, but after a couple of years they can become a little grimy. Unless it’s cleaned properly, leather can eventually dry out and become cracked.
The vending machines that come standard at most self-service car washes are a unique benefit that allows you to put the finishing touches on (and in) your car. From special polishes to unique cleaning products and numerous fragrances, self-service car washes have it all!
Caring for the appearance of your car should be just as important as how your car runs. To help keep both in good condition, it’s a good idea to get your car washed the same day you get your oil changed.
Before you begin any self-service car wash cycle, remember to point the handle or trigger away from you and toward your car. This should be obvious but every once in a while someone takes a bath while bathing their car! Don't let this be you.
The atmosphere and climate can wreak havoc on your car's finish. If you drive in heavy traffic or travel through areas of high pollution, wash your car often to keep pollutants from damaging the finish.
What is acid rain? As a result of fossil-fuel emissions from power plants, together with gases released from volcanoes and decaying plants, the result is rainfall that has high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids. Acid rain has been shown to be dangerous to the exteriors of vehicles.
While there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from washing your car by hand, few of us have the necessary time and supplies to take care of this at home. Having your car professionally washed is often the best way to keep your car looking good and protected from road grime.
Presoak using high-pressure water to remove loose dirt, dust, pollen and debris from the car without washing soap. This step helps get the most out the washing.
If you fail to clean the underside and wheel wells of your car after driving through salted areas, you increase the chance of rust eating away the metal. Use our powerful washers to get rid of all the contaminants.
