|
|||||||||
|
Written By Greg Dumond
AUTO CARE TIPS
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
IS HAND WASHING BETTER FOR YOUR CAR?
|
Theories and philosophies on the Pro's and Con's of the automatic car washes
have changed over the years. More advanced and safer technology has
arrived at the large washing stations. The fixed car wash of old,
used nylon roller brushes for washing the automobile and rotating drop
cloths to dry them.
The problems associated with these types of facilities was that the washing methods, over a period of time could damage the car's finish. New paint finishes of today are much more sensitive to scratching and marring due to thinner paint jobs, especially the new clear coat/base coat fninshes of today. "Touchless" car washing methods use pressure soap sprayers and powerful air blowers for drying the automobile. Even though important advancements have taken place in the industry, a far safer and healthier alternative for care of your automobile is to wash the car by hand using a single source of fresh clean water. If you plan on washing the car yourself use treated of soft water whenever possible or contact a professional mobile car washing service. Check to see if they offer treated water to clean the vehicle. |
It is also a good idea to use a good pH balanced car wash product fortified
with a liquid carnauba wax. This will help to prevent water
spotting and will preserve the wax finish on the vehicles painted surface.
To dry the car you should use a synthetic chamois or "Water Sprite" (generic name) - found at many automotive stores. The soft and absorbent material is unlike any ordinary chamois. In fact most professionals will tell you that a regular chamois is an improper cloth to use on a car. The reason is that a normal chamois cloth is processed using a softening and conditioning product made from animal oil. The absorbency of a treated chamois cloth using animal oil, actually tends to pull the wax off the painted surface, thus reducing the life expectancy of the wax job. The synthetic chamois cloth - Water Sprite - contains no animal oil, reducing the likelihood of pulling the wax off the painted surface, thus extending the life of the wax job of your car. |
Copyright © 1998-2008 Detail Masters