Common Carwash Mistakes

Winter has a way of wreaking havoc on the appearance of your vehicle. Thanks to snow, dirt, slush and salt, a chalky, dull finish is the norm unless you are a frequent visitor to a car wash. These visits come with a hefty price tag, though, and often lack the attention to detail that we would like. So with the arrival of spring weather, we welcome the ability to wash our car at home. But did you know there are a few all-to-common mistakes that will seriously affect the finish of your car? Before you start unrolling your hose, the experts at Flemington BMW are here with a convenient car-washing primer with helpful tips and precautions to satisfy the most fastidious of car owners.

Dish Soap Is For Dishes

Many of us are guilty of this faux pas, and it can have serious consequences on your vehicle. Dishwashing soap is made with chemicals and antibacterial detergents that can damage your paint and are far more abrasive than is required for your BMW. We recommend buying a dedicated car shampoo and treating metal or vinyl trims with cleansers designed specifically for those finishes.

Sponges Belong in the Kitchen

Best practices dictate that one should use a washing mitt, not a sponge, to clean a car. Sponges are porous and have holes and crevasses that store grit and small pieces of gravel that can scuff the finish of your vehicle.

All Cloths Are NOT Equal

Using the same cloth for different products and surfaces is an error that can compromise the luster on all parts of your vehicle. You apply wax on your car to boost the shine, but if you reuse that same cloth on your windows, you create cloudy smear marks. Remember to clean each cloth prior to storing it away to ensure its quality before your next wash.

The Bucket List

You’re easily forgiven for using just one bucket — for washing. But most of us don’t realize that having a rinse bucket is just as important. By using just one bucket, you’re swirling around the residual dirt and applying it back onto your vehicle.

Location, Location, Location

Where you wash your car is just as important as how you wash your car. It is tempting to work in the driveway in the warm midday sun, but washing in the direct sunlight creates sun spots.

Take It from the Top

When you start to wash your car, remember to begin with the roof of the vehicle. The suds and water will wash over the sides, and if they’re already completed, it is a counterintuitive measure.

The Soft Touch

Do not scrub or apply a lot of pressure when washing. The shampoo and the constant motion of the cleaning mitt should ideally remove the dirt and grime. If there are marks that you think might require some extra attention,  degreasers are available to help pretreat.

Don’t Tire Out

Many of us neglect to wash our tires and rims — even though they sustain most of the dirt and grime from the road. When cleaning them, a separate cloth and the pressure from the hose will dislodge the dirt, restoring the luster that makes your car sparkle. Make the tires gleam even more between washes with tire shine spray.

You Can Over-wash

It’s true that over-washing dulls the finish of a car. Even mild shampoos have enough chemicals in them to dull the finish after excessive washing. Maintain the clean appearance by wiping it down with water in between cleanings to rid of dust and light dirt.

High and Dry

Don’t leave a car to dry naturally, as this will create streak marks. Microfiber towels will do the trick — not bath towels, which are made from terry cloth and can leave minor scratches. And be sure to leave your windows rolled up for close to two hours after washing. Water often remains in the tiny cracks and will be transferred to the windows, requiring another wipe-down.

Inside Job

Protectants that polish and enhance the shine in your dashboard (such as Armor All) and surrounding trim are not intended to clean as well. You must first use a cleanser (on a separate cloth) to remove dust and dirt.

Please contact the Service Department at Flemington BMW with any questions regarding the care and maintenance of your vehicle.

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