Some people buy a car based on its performance. Some people buy a car based on its price. Others will ignore all of that, instead choosing to buy the car that they deem to be the most visually appealing. It might come as a surprise, but it’s not just those in the latter group that should care about keeping their car squeaky clean. Keeping your car dirt free can prevent damage to the paintwork and even keep you out of trouble with the police, but when should you get the old bucket and sponge out of the garage? Find out here with Scrap Car Comparison.
If your old, broken or otherwise unwanted car is carrying some imperfections that can’t be scrubbed off, get in touch with Scrap Car Comparison on 03333 44 99 50 or use our scrap car price calculator to find out how much your vehicle is worth in around 30 seconds. Our network of scrap and salvage dealers covers 99% of the UK, so wherever you are, we’re able to track down the best prices for your car or van and better still, we even offer the collection of your vehicle at no extra cost! There are no hidden fees with Scrap Car Comparison, so get a quote today.
Is There A Good Time To Clean Your Car?
Take a look at the clock before you go and grab the bucket and sponge. The best time to wash your car is either early in the morning or in the evening. It’s all to do with the amount of sunlight that’s hitting your vehicle, combined with the heat it’s experiencing as it’s being washed.
If you’re washing your car in direct sunlight, you might find that the products you’re using – soap, shampoo, etc. – will dry onto the car’s paint job before you even have a chance to rinse it off!
Can You Wash Your Car On A Hot Sunny Day?
Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from washing your car on any day of the year, but what are the downsides to washing it on a hot, sunny day?
Well, as we mentioned above, the cleaning products you use might end up doing more harm than good, drying onto your paintwork rather than cleaning it before being rinsed off. If this happens, you might end up with stains on your vehicle’s paintwork which will be more difficult to remove than whatever dirt was on the car in the first place.
If you are going to wash your car on a hot day under the Sun, clean panel-by-panel rather than soaping and soaking the entire car in one action. This way, you’ll be able to clean the area in question without it drying prematurely, before moving on to another section of the car.
Washing your car when it’s particularly hot outside could also result in any waxes or coatings you apply to the surface turning out unevenly.
What Temperature Is Too Hot To Wash Your Car?
We all know how hot the interior of a car can get when the Sun’s out and the windows are sealed, but what about the outside? It’s metal, after all, so even if the temperature is only in the mid-twenties, the surface of your car is going to feel much hotter if it’s in direct sunlight. This could still result in the cleaning products and water drying too fast, leaving blotches and streaks on your paint job that will be a hassle to get rid of.
When Is The Best Time For Cleaning A Car?
Early mornings or early evenings are the best times to clean your car, if you don’t own a garage that is. The Sun will be kinder to your car before 10am and after 4pm, so if you really want to look after your vehicle, it’s during these periods that you should aim to get scrubbing.
Car Cleaning Best Practices
It’s all well and good to understand the best time to wash your car, but what else do you need to know in order to get top quality results? Find out below:
Remove Grit & Debris
Once you’ve settled on a time to clean your car, the first step should be to give it a wash so that any excess dirt or grit is removed. Specialised products are available and they vary in strength, aimed at tackling different kinds of dirt or grime, like bird droppings. Once the products have loosened the grit, you can wipe it off with a suitable cloth, or better still, blast the car with a pressure washer – just make sure it’s not so powerful that it damages the paintwork!
Use Special Shampoo
It really is best to buy a shampoo product that’s designed for use on cars. Any cleaning soap that’s not specifically made for washing cars will not only be less effective, but could also damage the protective layers of your vehicle’s paintwork – this includes washing up liquid. Just because it’s wet and bubbly, it doesn’t mean you should wash your car with it!
Take Time To Dry
Don’t think the work is done once your car is squeaky clean. You should always dry your car if you want to ensure no streaks or watermarks are left on your freshly washed paintwork. Using an appropriate cloth or better still, a blowdryer (although it’s unlikely your handheld hair dryer will cut the mustard) you can remove the excess water that leaves behind unsightly marks when it dries.
Wax On
Polish and wax your car once it’s dry if you really want to take its clean look to a new level. Remember though, doing this in direct sunlight could cause the wax to settle unevenly.
Streak Free Windows
When cleaning your car windows, make sure you do inside, outside and in between the sealant strips at the top. You can also give the strips at the bottom a wipe, if accessible. For this, it’s crucial that you use a vinegar based cleaning solution to avoid streaks.
If your old car is beyond cleaning and you’re tired of looking at it, sell it with Scrap Car Comparison and you could earn enough cash to put towards a shiny new vehicle! We compare the prices offered by scrap and salvage dealers in your local area, presenting you with the best offers while also arranging for your car to be collected at no extra cost! We operate across 99% of the UK, so wherever you are, give us a call on 03333 44 99 50 or use our vehicle price calculator to find out how much your old, unwanted or broken car is worth now!
