hedgehog94 / Shutterstock.com
Washing your car regularly keeps it looking its best and gives a longer life to the finish on your favorite ride. And youve probably spent a good bit of the summer riding and enjoying the dropping gas prices.
Unfortunately, many of us make foolish decisions when cleaning our vehicles. Following are some common mistakes you likely make when washing the car.
Using a standard cleaning sponge to wash your car can create untold damage, says professional auto detailer Larry Kosilla.
He says such sponges can be devastating to your paint because dirt and contaminants get pushed along the surface as you wipe. By contrast, car mitts made for washing a car grab these contaminants and trap them in the mitts fibers until they are released when you dip the mitt into a bucket of water.
For example, the Chemical Guys brand boasts that its MIC498 Black Microfiber Wash Mitt contains fibers that act like a piece of Velcro to hook and loop material, trapping and holding abrasive dirt and filth deep within the pile of the premium wash mitt.
Dish soap may do a fantastic job on plates and cutlery, but it is not meant to clean your cars exterior.
This type of soap contains chemicals that can oxidize the paint job, strip the clear coat, and make the paint dull looking, according to NuWash, a mobile car care service based in Austin, Texas.
Instead, use a car shampoo specially made for washing vehicles. Doing so will help guard your cars paint, rubber and metal surfaces from moisture and debris.
One of the best parts of cleaning your car is looking through glass that is sparkly clean. But it is best to avoid using ammonia-based glass cleaners when wiping windows.
If the ammonia drips inside the car, it can damage upholstery and the dashboard, according to the On All Cylinders automotive blog.
So, look for ammonia-free glass cleaners. Mothers, Windex and Glass Plus all sell them.
Its easy to miss a spot or two when cleaning that shows up after your work is done. When this happens, dont grab a dry towel and try to quickly rub out the dirt spot.
Doing so simply grinds the dirt in, scratching the paint, warns On All Cylinders.
Similarly, never use a dirty towel to clean your car. According to the Car Care Hacks website:
When you drop your towel on the ground, it picks up all types of debris, including little rocks which will put a nice scratch in your cars paint. So, once you drop the towel on the ground, that towel is done.
It is natural to start washing your car at the top and work your way down. But washing the wheels and tires last is a mistake, because much of the gunk and grime you spray off will end up on the surface of the car that you just cleaned.
The folks at Reliable Detailing in Virginia Beach, Virginia, urge you to clean your wheels and tires first, then turn to the rest of the car, working from the top down.
Car wax helps protect your cars exterior. However, applying too many coats of wax is wasteful, and simply leads to over-buffing and the removal of earlier coats, according to the experts at Simoniz, which makes car cleaning products.
Stick to one to two coats of wax. That should be plenty to do the job right.
Taking a bottle of car shampoo or car wax and squeezing it directly onto the cars surface is unwise. Doing so can make it look messy or cause damage to the paint color, according to the experts at Motor Biscuit.
Instead, always follow the product directions. That typically means using a foam applicator, Motor Biscuit notes.
The suns powerful rays quickly evaporate the soap and water you apply to your car. That can make it difficult for those suds to do their job of removing dirt and grime, say the folks at AvalonKing, which sells ceramic coating for vehicles.
They recommend washing your car in the shade and planning your washes for early in the morning or close to sunset.
Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.
Link:
9 Big Mistakes You're Likely Making When Washing the Car - Money Talks News
- Chuck Baldwin At Paulfest ~ Ron Paul Is "Bigger" Than Ron Paul - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: Restore the Dollar - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: We Don't Have To Go Back To The Dark Ages Of Authoritarianism~ Stossel FOX Business News - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul ~ What I'm Talking About Is An "Ideological" Revolution! - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: The GOP Is "Not My Party" - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- GOP Establishment Declares War on Grassroots Activists - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: I'll Be Back! - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul Delegates FURIOUS over RNC Betrayal - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul Will NOT Be Silenced! - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Female Robot Censors Ron Paul's Nevada Victory - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- "Ron Paul light" Tribute Video Played at the GOP Convention - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul RNC Tribute Video - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul on NOT Supporting Romney-Ryan Ticket - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- "Republican Officials Clearly Snubbed Ron Paul" - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul's Maine delegates erupt after getting barred from Republican convention. - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul w/ Neil Cavuto ~ I'm Endorsing Peace [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul ~ The Rules Are Being Changed In The Middle Of The Game - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: We Are the Future! - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Paul Ryan's Message to Ron Paul Supporters - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Local Ron Paul supporter experienced highs, lows of GOP convention [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2012]
- Dan Halloran Keeps Up the Good Fight for Ron Paul Supporters [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2012]
- Stockman: "Ron Paul Is Right: The Fed, And The Lunatics That Run It, Are The Heart Of The Problem" [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2012]
- Ron Paul One Of The Most Corrupt Members Of Congress, Report Finds [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2012]
- Why Ron Paul's Campaign Manager Is Now Taking A Job With The GOP Establishment [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: "Country Should Panic Over Fed's Decision" [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: We Can't Remake the World with Bribes and Bombs! - Video [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2012]
- Ron Paul: Foreign Aid Leads to 'More Trouble, More Debt' - Video [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2012]
- Johnson: Paul write-in 'meaningless' [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2012]
- Ron Paul says interventionist foreign policy undermining U.S. national security [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- At Liberty Conference, Ron Paul Supporters Move Forward [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Ron Paul camp had busy August [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- WILD CARD - RON PAUL STILL IN RACE REVOLUTION ON - - Video [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: How the Fed's "Wise Gurus" Devastate America - Video [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Ron Paul on Cavuto 9/28/12 - Video [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2012]
- Ron Paul’s underserved cult [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2012]
- Ron Paul Supporters Contemplate a Write-in Campaign [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2012]
- Ron Paul: Why Governments Hate Gold and Love Fiat Money - Video [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: I Don't Think Romney Will Have an Epiphany - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- The Real Debate: Obama vs. Ron Paul - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: I Haven't Decided Yet Who I'll Be Voting For - Video [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Year of changes [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: The Campaign Continues! We Must Stop the Enemies of Liberty! - Video [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2012]
- Political Kombat '12: Romney Vs. Gingrich and Ron Paul - Video [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Ron Paul Gives His Pre-Debate Analysis - CNBC 10/03/2012 - Video [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Krugman's MMMF Question [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2012]
- Outdoors: Area gunsmith, firearms coach Ron Paul Duning in battle for his life [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2012]
- Ron Paul to Appear in New Film About U.S. Economy [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- Ron Paul Won't Endorse Romney, Cites More of Same [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- Ron Paul Won't Endorse Romney, Says More of Same [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- Ron Paul's district becomes an Election Day fight [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- Paul's Texas district becomes Election Day fight [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- Ron Paul Sees No Difference Between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- Audit the Fed: By Ron Paul, Supported By Mitt Romney and Harry Reid On The Fence: Success Council Slams Harry Reid ... [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: Forget A 3rd Party, We Need A 2nd Party - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Ron Paul backs Ted Yoho [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: 22.8% Real Unemployment! - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Ron Paul to speak Thursday at UVU [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- Ron Paul Speaks His Mind On The Fed, Fiscal Cliff, And Romney - CNBC's Futures Rundown 10/11/2012 - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- Gold Coin Encourages Americans To Vote For Ron Paul Via Write In [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2012]
- Obama, Romney and Federal Reserve independence [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2012]
- Ron Paul: A Major Event Could Occur during the Next Administration - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2012]
- Casey For Freedom: Continuing The Ron Paul Message In Maine [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Ron Paul-Inspired Group Lobbies for Bill Prompted by Paul Reimbursements [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Tight race to succeed Ron Paul growing heated [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Ron Paul and BP Join Fray with Quiet October Surprises [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Ron Paul given rock star treatment at UVU [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Ron Paul given rock star treatment by packed crowd at UVU [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Ron Paul supporters turn out in droves for speech at UVU [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Halloween October 31, 2012 Houston, TEXAS Full Moon GALVANISM - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Reality Check Special: GOP Creating a Shadow Party [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Reality Check: The story behind the Ron Paul newsletters - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Reality Check: The name of a 'Mystery Writer' of one of Ron Paul's 'Racist' newsletters - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Ron Paul Halloween - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Ron Paul's Texas Straight Talk 10-29-12 ~ Let The Markets Clear! - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Ron Paul sets fundraising record - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- JEFF FISHER RON PAUL INTERVIEW 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- JEFF FISHER RON PAUL INTERVIEW 1 - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Vote for Ron Paul 2012 Buddy Huggins Did - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- POST, RAG, GLYNN FT. RON PAUL - HITS THE FAN PT. 3 - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Damn, I Was Smart Enough To Get ID - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]