INDEPENDENT DEALER

   Wichita, KS | (316) 686-1069

OUR BLOG

11/28/2018
Before you spend any more money on getting your car washed, why not just do it yourself? With these tips you can wash you like a pro without paying the price of a professional service.

Tips to Help You Wash Your Car at Home

Taking your car to the carwash every couple of weeks can really take a toll on your wallet, but there's no way around it. Washing your car is a must because regular car washes can help it stay in better condition on top of it ensuring your car looks great while you're out cruising. While you shouldn't skip washes, you can save some cash by washing your car at home. You just have to have the proper supplies and knowledge to get it done like the pros. Below are some tips to help you get your car squeaky clean.

Don't Use Household Cleaners

The first rule of washing your car is don't use household cleaning products to get your car clean. Shampoo, dishwashing soap, hand soap, and any other detergents you use in the house aren't made for use on a car's paint, so never use them as a car washing solution. These soaps will often be too harsh for your car's paint job, leaving it as risk for damage. These cleaners can even strip away your car's protective wax coat, leaving your paint exposed to corrosive substances after you wash it.

Do Use Car Washing Products

Now that you know to leave the household cleaners in the house, what can you use to wash your car? The best and only option is a car washing solution that has been specially made for use on a vehicle's exterior. Car washing solutions will be more mild, so you don't have to worry about damaging your paint. Use a lamb's wool mitt to scrub down your car's exterior so that you don't cause any scratching. Your tires and wheels are generally exposed to more corrosive substances that are harder to remove so you may need to use other, more specific solutions and tools to get these nice and shiny.

Don't Forget to Rinse Your Car First

Once you have your car washing supplies ready, there's one more step you have to take before scrubbing down your car. Your first step should always be to rinse off your car's exterior to remove any dirt or debris that has settled on your car. Even if you can't see it, there is likely a layer of dust or dirt clinging to your exterior. If you don't rinse this off before starting to scrub down your vehicle, you risk rubbing the dirt into you car's paint which can lead to hairline scratches. Once your car's exterior is looking clean and shiny, get the insides of your car to match. Start by giving your car a synthetic oil change in Wichita to keep it's engine clean and healthy. If you need help finding the right synthetic oil for your car, contact Hartmans Inc. Give them a call at (316) 686-1069 to get product recommendations for for products like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil.

Do Wait for Your Car to Cool Off

Another thing to consider before starting to wash your car is how hot its exterior is. If your car has been sitting in the sun or if you just got home from a long commute, chances are the exterior is hot to the touch. You'll be better off waiting for your car to cool down in the shade before soaping it up. The warmer your vehicle's exterior is, the faster the suds will dry on it. If the suds do dry on your car before you have a chance to rinse them, this can lead to water spots and an unclean look.

Don't Let Your Car Air Dry

Once you have finally gotten your car nice and clean, it's time to dry it. While you may be tempted to let it air dry, this will ruin all of your hard work. Allowing your vehicle to air dry can lead to watermarks that won't look nice at all. Instead, grab a drying chamois and use it to soak up any water left on your car's exterior. Avoid rubbing your car's body and instead use light pressure to soak up excess water.

Treat Your Car to a Synthetic Oil Change in Wichita

Having your car looking good on the outside will be no good if the insides don't match. To ensure your engine is just as healthy as the outside, give your car regular synthetic oil changes in Wichita. To find the right oil for your car and for the personalized service you're after, contact Hartmans Inc at (316) 686-1069. You can also browse their online store for even more quality products.