Harmful non-automotive merchandises are applied by more than one-third of auto users while washing their autos. They apply products that could contain damaging detergents, abrasives and additives. It is also found that about one-half of motorists don’t ever wax their vehicles.

Jeffrey Webb, director of retail marketing at Turtle Wax, Inc. says that “Waxing at least twice a year is suggested for utmost protection, nevertheless surveys show that 48 percent of motorists do not wax their vehicles at all,?; “That’s leaving profit on the table at trade-in time, as a clean, well-maintained car can be worth up to 50 percent more than one in ‘fair’ condition, according to the Kelley Blue Book.”

Dish detergent which contains coarse chemicals must be averted by motorists that, intended to cut through grime, will take away the wax finish on your car. A few are hard to rinse off and leave streaks. A formulated automotive wash is suggested for better effects, one that softly lifts the dirt and grime while protecting the finish.

It pays to wash an automobile on a regular basis to protect it from the natural components that damage the finish. The following dos and don’ts are recommended by the Car Care Council when it comes to a do-it-yourself car wash:

* Washing cars in direct sunlight must be avoided. You must wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
* You must not use dish detergent. Use a formulated car wash.
* Use warm water for car wash.
* Using a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt will give better results.
* Spraying the car often with water also helps in giving better results.
* You should not scrub the car all at once. You must complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
* Soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric must not be used to dry the vehicle.
* Give importance to waxing the vehicle. Do prepare the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.
Webb says “The myth of not having to wax your car because you have a clear-coat finish is just that, a myth?. “Clear-coat finish is only as thick as a piece of paper and can become damaged from the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, and dirt and air pollution.”

Hence the material used and the way you conduct a car wash is very important in ensuring the well-being of your vehicle.

O.T. Chuong is an amateur car enthusiast. Currently, he’s writing about sport cars, aftermarket car accessories, and general car care advices. If you’re in Redwood City, California, please visit his friends at Redwood General Tire, and get discounts on discount tire redwood city, auto air conditioning redwood city, and car repairs redwood city.