Car Washing Tips

Having lived with the inconvenience of not having a garage, I've put a lot of time into washing and keeping my car looking her best over the last year.  Car washing, however, doesn't have to be an epic chore, nor does it have to cost you very much.  Here are a few simple rules for a simple and hassle free car wash:

1.  Create a kit.

One of the easiest ways to keep your car clean is being prepared for whenever you might feel like doing it.  I drive around with a small container in my trunk that contains micro-fibre cloths, paper towels, a duster for the interior, and a small squeegee.  It just takes some of the hassle out of having to round things up every single time. FYI, don't keep your cleaning products in your trunk though as they won't hold up to the extreme hot or cold temperatures.

2.  Use a spray n' wash.

While the automatic car washes might seem like an easy choice, they're considerably more expensive in the long run.  A simple spray n' wash is all you really need.  For the most part your car doesn't need the soap anyway, and a good pressure wash will remove most dirt.  Generally speaking, I get by only spending $1 on my car washes.

3.  Dry your car off.

While this task seems tedious for some, it's actually a really important part of the process.  It makes your wash last a lot longer and keeps you from immediately getting your car dirty again on the drive home.  Dirt sticking to the water as you drive away, or dried water spots all over your car kind of defeats the purpose of going for a clean in the first place.

4. Use a spray wax.

After I pressure wash my car, I give it a quick once over with a shammy to semi-dry it, and then use a spray wax to finish the job.  Using a simple all-in-one spray wax can be applied while the car is still wet, and can be used as a polish while you're drying your vehicle (so you're doing two jobs in one essentially).  This also sounds like a lot of extra work to many people, but this simple step will keep your car clean longer as dirt won't stick as easily and water will bead right off.  Not to mention, it really makes your paint shine and makes your effort apparent.

5. Check the weather.

Know what you're up against.  Sometimes there's no point to washing your car when you know there's rain in the forecast.  We've all been there, and a minute online will save you some hassle.

6. Enjoy it.

To be honest, I don't mind washing my car.  I find it's an easy way to appreciate a machine that I really enjoy, and it makes me feel proud to know that I'm taking care of it.  It's also a bit of a cathartic experience and an easy way to wind down when you've got a lot on your mind.  Who didn't like playing with the garden hose when they were a kid?  It's like that, but with purpose.

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