Do's and don'ts of washing your car - ConsumerReports.org
For many vehicle owners, washing a car by hand is a therapeutic act as beneficial for the person's state of mind as to the vehicle's appearance. That's good, because frequent washing is also the best way to maintain a new-car finish. But as simple as washing your car may seem, there are some things to watch for so that you don't accidentally scratch or degrade the finish. Here are some basic car-washing tips:. Dead bugs, bird droppings, and chemicals from the atmosphere all leach acids that can strip away wax and eventually eat into your car's paint. Other than this, a weekly car wash will keep the finish in its best shape. These aren't formulated for use on a car's paint and may strip off the protective wax. use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint. (See our car wax report for tips and advice on all types of waxes. These can be stubborn to remove and may require a stronger product, such as a bug-and-tar remover. Source: www.consumerreports.org
