Cars are exposed to various contaminants containing abrasive particles that can scratch the paintwork during washing. Road grime, mud, sand, brake dust, salt, and even hardened tar can damage the surface of your car while washing. Additionally, scratching can be caused by overly intense washing of stubborn contaminants such as insect residues or tree sap, especially while rubbing the car with abrasive brushes and other tools.
How can you avoid scratches while washing your car? Read this article to find out.
Avoid publicly available brushes
Spinning brushes used by automatic car washes can seriously damage the surface of your car as they tend to accumulate dirt from all the cars washed there throughout the day. While even a single washing session at such a car wash can be enough to scratch your car, regular washes can lead to significant and more noticeable damage over time, causing the paint to become dull and potentially chip off, leaving the car more susceptible to rust and corrosion.
Note that any publicly accessible car brushes generally entail the same risks. Self-service car washes are no exception.
Do not neglect pre-wash
Pre-washing your car is an effective procedure that can help you remove loose dirt and penetrate the layers of more stubborn stains. This step helps eliminate the need for vigorous scrubbing, which can potentially damage the car’s surface.
For this step, spray the contaminants with water and foam before moving on to actually washing the car.
Use high-quality car care products
Investing in high-quality products for car washing simplifies the cleaning process significantly. Top-tier formulations, such as those offered by the reputable Japanese brand Soft99 (https://soft99store.co.uk/en/), provide high effectiveness and gentle care, ensuring thorough cleaning without risking scratches or damage to the paintwork.
High-quality accessories are also crucial. They create rich foam, help to gently remove stains, and provide ergonomic handling for a more comfortable and efficient washing experience. Some of the best products in this category include the QJUTSU Ultrasoft Sponge from the Japanese manufacturer Soft99. Soft99 also offers washing mitts made of wool, such as the Mouton Master, which are particularly convenient for removing dirt from hard-to-reach areas.
Meanwhile, using products not dedicated to car care is not recommended. Inappropriate accessories can easily scratch the surface while washing formulations that were not intended for car maintenance can be too harsh for car paint.
Bottom line
Scratches on your car’s paintwork, windscreens, and other surfaces can easily develop during the washing process if you apply too abrasive tools and accessories or use a car wash with spinning brushes that tend to accumulate solid dirt. However, even if you use dedicated accessories and formulations from top brands, you can still scratch your car if you skip the pre-wash step that helps remove loose dirt gently without rubbing your vehicle.
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