7 Tips For Washing A Luxury Car
Owing a high-end car is a dream come true for many, but it often comes with other responsibilities. As well as being suitably stored and having the right luxury car insurance, you also have a duty to keep your car looking its best! Washing your high-end car preserve its appearance, prevents issues from developing, and can also help to preserve its value. That said, washing a luxury car requires more care and attention than an average vehicle. Fortunately, our experts are sharing their seven best tips to help you properly wash and maintain your luxury sports car.
1. Choose The Right Cleaning Products
Using improper cleaning products to wash a supercar can damage the paint job and rubber seals, leaving it looking dull and reducing its overall value. With this in mind, it’s important to be prepared and know which products are appropriate for giving a sports car a wash in advance.
Before commencing the washing process, it’s recommended to use a pre-cleaner. These include snowfoam or all-purpose cleaners that are sprayed onto the car and left to soak for a few minutes. This helps remove stubborn dirt, dust, and even bird droppings, making it easier to wash the car without damaging the paint finish.
For a simple wash, you need wash shampoo, tyre cleaner, a scrub brush, microfibre towels (or a wash mitt), and a bucket of water. A microfibre towel is softer than a paper towel and helps prevent swirl marks on the car's paint. It's also important to note that dish soap isn't a suitable substitute for wash shampoo.
Remember, to keep your luxury car looking its best, it's essential to use cleaning products that are designed specifically for cars.
2. Use Two Buckets
Using two buckets is an essential step in washing a luxury car correctly. It helps prevent dirt and debris from being transferred back onto the car's surface, which can cause scratches and swirl marks. Follow these steps to use two buckets:
First, fill one bucket with the recommended amount of car wash soap and water, following the instructions on the bottle. Make sure to mix the solution thoroughly. Next, fill the second bucket with clean water. This will be used to rinse off the wash mitt or microfibre towel during the cleaning process.
Dip the wash mitt or microfibre towel into the soapy water bucket and clean a small section of the car, starting at the top and working your way down. Avoid cleaning under direct sunlight and use circular motions. After cleaning a small section, rinse the wash mitt in the clear-water bucket to remove any dirt and suds. This will prevent dirt from being transferred back onto the car's surface, which can cause swirl marks and scratches. Repeat the process of dipping the wash mitt into the soapy-water bucket, cleaning a small section, and rinsing the wash mitt in the clear-water bucket until you've washed the entire car.
Using two buckets may take a bit more effort, but it's worth it to protect the car's paint job. It ensures you end up with a shiny finish and a layer of protection, especially during the summer months.
3. Start From The Top And Work Down
Starting the car wash process from the top and working down is a crucial step in giving a high-end car a wash. By beginning at the top, you ensure that any loose dirt or dust falls to the bottom of the car, making it easier to wash away later. Additionally, starting at the top keeps the wash water clean for a longer period, preventing swirl marks from forming.
To follow this tip, begin washing the roof, bonnet, and boot of the car, followed by the windshield and windows. Move on to the sides of the car, ensuring that you clean each section thoroughly before moving on to the next.
When rinsing the car, start by using a jet of water to remove any loose debris or dirt. Then, using a bucket of clean water or a hose with a nozzle, rinse the car from top to bottom, ensuring that all soap and dirt are removed. Remember to move around the vehicle in a methodical and organised way, using the two-bucket method and a wash mitt or microfibre towel to clean each section as you go.
4. Be Gentle
When giving a sports car a wash, it’s important to be gentle to avoid damaging the paint finish. Avoid using excessive force when scrubbing, and never use abrasive materials like brushes or sponges with harsh surfaces. Instead, use a soft microfibre cloth for drying and a detailing brush for stubborn dirt removal in tight spots.
5. Don’t Forget The Wheels
Proper wheel maintenance is crucial not only for the appearance of your luxury car but also for your safety on the road. Neglecting your wheels can lead to brake dust buildup and brown discolouration on the tyres, which can ultimately cause expensive repairs.
To clean your tyres and wheels, start by rinsing off any loose dirt or debris. Next, use a quality tyre and wheel cleaner and a brush to scrub away any brake dust buildup or brown discolouration. Be sure to use an angled water jet to avoid directly cleaning the seals on the panes. These seals are delicate and can easily be damaged by a powerful jet of water.
After cleaning, consider applying a tyre dressing to give your tyres a shiny finish. This will not only enhance the appearance of your sports car but also protect your tyres from cracking and fading due to exposure to the sun's UV rays. Similarly, don't forget to include regular wheel and tyre maintenance in your cleaning routine to ensure a safe and stylish ride on the road.
6. Mind The Drying Process
After washing your luxury car, the next crucial step is the drying process. Leaving your vehicle to air dry can lead to water spots and streaks, especially during the summer months when direct sunlight is more intense. It’s essential to properly dry your high-end car to maintain its paint finish and prevent any potential damage.
The best materials for drying your sports car are, once again, microfibre towels. These are highly absorbent and gentle on your car's surface, which makes them perfect for soaking up excess water without producing scratches.
Using air to dry your car may also seem like a convenient option, but it poses risks such as water spots and the potential for water remaining in hard-to-reach areas such as rubber seals. A soft microfibre towel shouldn’t face those issues, but remember to pay attention to avoid leaving any excess water on your car's surface.
7. Apply A Protective Wax
Applying a protective wax after washing your high-end car not only gives it a shiny finish but also helps protect it from environmental hazards. To apply the wax, work on one section at a time by applying a small amount of wax to a foam applicator. Then, gently apply it in a circular motion, making sure to cover the entire area. Allow the wax to sit for a few minutes before using a clean microfibre towel to buff and remove excess wax.
Working on one section at a time avoids letting the wax dry out, which can make it challenging to buff off. Using a clean microfibre towel to buff off the excess wax will also avoid leaving any residues or streaks.
Keep Your Car Protected On The Road
It’s all very well ensuring your car is looking its best, but that counts for nothing if you don’t also have a suitable sports car insurance policy to remain protected when driving – and parked at home, for that matter. At Prestige Vehicle Insurance, we’re specialists in providing luxury car insurance tailored to the needs of each individual owner. We understand that no two high-end vehicles are the same and that they need the same unique care and attention they get when being washed.
As a chartered insurance broker, we work with many of the UK’s leading luxury car insurance providers. This means we can find the best cover for each vehicle at the best prices. With over thirty years of experience in bespoke cover for high-performance vehicles, our team pride themselves on their knowledge, service, and attention to detail.
Are you looking for a sports car insurance or luxury car insurance policy for your own vehicle? Get in touch today and speak with our team. Call us on 01202 754900 and we can tailor a quote to your needs, or fill out an online quote form and we will get back to you at another time.