Your vehicle is an expensive investment, and you spend a lot just to maintain it. You get its oil changed, your tires rotated, and regularly replace your brake pads. But have you stopped and thought that an action as simple as washing your vehicle is an investment, too? Do you really need to do it? The answer to that is yes; you need to clean your car. Most of the time, it’s apparent that you need to wash your car. However, have you thought about it as part of your vehicle’s general maintenance? If you haven’t, then maybe you should start doing so, especially if you’re living in Toronto.
Consequence Of Not Cleaning Your Car
So, you haven’t cleaned up your vehicle since God knows when. However, you still get your oil changed, replace the old parts of your car, and maintain it well to keep it running like a new one. So, why are you not cleaning your car?
Well, you should know that a filthy car does not only make your transportation smelly, but it can also damage your wallet and safety. If you don’t wash your car in Toronto:
- Dirt can build up, which will weaken your paint job in the long run
- Dirt mixes with pollutants and rain which may etch your paint off
- Bird droppings and sap may ruin your paint faster
- Too much dust on your windshield and mirrors makes them blurry
How To Successfully Wash Your Car
- Prepare what you need
- Park your vehicle out of direct sunlight
If you park your car in direct sunlight, it may leave splotches on your paint. Also, your vehicle may become hot while you’re washing it, which will make your cleaning process harder.
Set out everything that you need to wash the car
You should prepare your cleaning materials such as:
- Car wash detergent
- Supply of water
- Hose
- Towels or microfiber cloths
You should also prepare scrubbing materials such as:
- Wash mitts
- Sponge
- Separate brush for your tires
- Stiff scrubbing brush
You should also remember to wear the proper clothes when you’re cleaning.
Prepare your water
You should prepare water that you’ll mix with the soap and plain water for rinsing your vehicle.
Wash your car
- Hose off your car
Before you start putting soapy water on your car, hose it off with plain water. Doing this will help you soften the dust and dirt.
- Wash your wheels first
Wheels are usually the dirtiest part of your car. This is why it’s essential that you clean them first so that any dirt rinsed off them won’t land on the cleaned parts.
- Clean your car using a wash mitt.
Before you start scrubbing your vehicle’s surface, apply soap to your car using a large wash mitt. You should never use a brush on your vehicle’s body, as this may leave streaks.
- Clean your car section by section
You should wash your vehicle by section. After cleaning your wheels, clean from top to bottom. Circle your car several times, washing lower each time.
- Scrub off dead bugs or bird droppings
You need extra care when removing bugs and bird droppings. Use a soft sponge loaded with warm water when removing them or use “tar and bug remover.”
- Keep your mitt clean
Using dirty mitts will only result in a dirty car and may increase the risk of scraping your paint. When washing, if you can, use several gloves.
- After washing each section, rinse
After you’ve washed one section, make sure that you rinse it before moving to the next part. You should also make sure that you keep your whole vehicle wet while washing.
- Spray water over the bottom of your vehicle
If you can, spray water to rinse the bottom part of your car from different angles. Salts and dirt might be hiding under them, which will corrode your undercarriage.
Dry and wax your car
- Dry your car using soft fresh towels
Make sure that when you dry your car, use soft towels to avoid scratching them. Drying your vehicle will also help prevent rust from being created.
- Once you’re done the washing, wax your car
Wax can help protect your paint from deteriorating or fading, which is why it’s advisable that you apply one layer to your car after washing.
Make sure that you only apply wax after washing your car. If the wax is not available, you can use similar polish such as a polymer.
- If you see any rust or paint damage, treat it immediately
As soon as you can, treat rust and damages on your paint before they turn into significant damage.
You can:
- Remove rust
- Retouch your paint
- Wash off corrosive chemicals
- Apply water repellent treatment on your windows
Applying water repellent treatment to your windows will help them stay clean, improve your visibility and repel water. Make sure to do this every few months.
Know your laws
- In Toronto, you might be breaking the law
If you’re living in Toronto, Canada, since 2000 it’s illegal for people to wash their car and let their runoff enter storm sewers.
- Use an absorbent mat
If you wash your car, utilize an absorbent mat which will help you collect wastewater. This prevents your runoff from entering the storm sewer.
- Use a self-service car wash
Using a self-service car wash when you’re cleaning your car will ensure that all of your wastewater will get treated.
- Visit your friendly car wash providers
If having a self-service car wash, an absorbent mat, or simply cleaning your car is too much of a bother for you, you can always go to the nearest car wash providers to do it for you.
The Bottom Line
Take your vehicle to the local car wash like and get it completely washed. If you can, have it waxed too. If you don’t want others to clean it for you, get dressed in a laundry-day outfit and clean it yourself.