Essential Vehicle Care Tips to Keep Your Car Clean
Vehicle Care Tips to Keep the Car Clean
Keeping your car’s exterior clean feels good. There’s something satisfying about turning heads as you cruise by with your polished paint job, crystal-clear glass, and glinting wheels. But washing your car isn’t just for good looks—it also protects the exterior from chemicals, bird droppings, and UV exposure.
Many drivers ask, how often should I clean my car? The answer depends on your driving habits and the local climate. In Orlando, where humidity, rain, and pollen are common, washing your car every two weeks helps prevent buildup and keeps the paint in good shape. Often, all it needs is a quick spray and rinse. However, for those times when a more thorough wash is necessary, follow these 10 tips for cleaning your car.
1. Wash Using the Two-Bucket Method
Washing your car with just one bucket means you’re rubbing dirt right back onto the surface. The two-bucket method solves this. Fill one bucket with soapy water and the other with clean water for rinsing your mitt. Rinse frequently and always wash from top to bottom to avoid dragging grime across your paint.
2. Don’t Neglect the Undercarriage
The underside of your car collects mud, salt, and grime that can lead to rust. When washing your car, aim your hose or pressure washer underneath the body, especially in the wheel wells and along the edges. This routine part of essential vehicle upkeep is especially important during the winter or after off-roading.
3. Use a Clay Bar for Surface Prep
Even after a thorough wash, tiny contaminants cling to the paint. That’s where a clay bar comes in. It pulls embedded debris out of the clear coat, leaving a smooth finish. Use it before applying wax or sealant to prevent sealing in grit.
4. Wax or Seal the Paint
Waxing helps shield your car from moisture, UV rays, and pollutants. Spray wax is a great option for in-between details, while traditional paste wax offers longer-lasting protection. For extra durability, consider a synthetic sealant or even a professionally applied ceramic coating.
5. Clear Up Cloudy Headlights with Toothpaste
Foggy headlights are unattractive during the day and reduce visibility at night. Dab a bit of white toothpaste (not gel) onto a cotton cloth, rub it in circular motions over the lens, then rinse and dry. Toothpaste acts as a gentle abrasive, polishing away the film that builds up over time. If the headlights have yellowed, cracked, or developed condensation on the inside, you may need professional headlight restoration.
6. Refresh the Trim with a Plastic Restorer
Sun exposure and road grime can cause black plastic trim to fade. A trim restorer brings that rich color back and protects against future fading. Apply it carefully with an applicator sponge, and avoid contact with painted areas for a big visual impact.
7. Don’t Overlook Your Wheels
Brake dust and road dirt make your wheels look dull. Spray a wheel cleaner on cool wheels, let it sit for a few seconds, then scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly and finish with a tire shine to restore that deep black hue. Clean wheels give your whole car a freshly detailed look.
8. Dry with Microfiber Cloths
Allowing your car to air dry is just asking for water spots, especially in areas with hard water. Use a soft microfiber cloth to dry your car after rinsing. Work in sections and flip the towel often to avoid streaking. You’ll love how clean your car looks when you’re done.
9. Wash in the Shade
Direct sunlight heats up your car’s surface and causes soap and water to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and water spots. Wash your vehicle in a shaded area or during the early morning to give you time to rinse and dry without the stress of battling heat or water spots.
10. Carry a Small Touch-Up Kit
Keep a bottle of quick detailer spray, a microfiber cloth, and a small tire dressing in your trunk. Use this touch-up kit to give your car a little attention between washes, especially after a dusty drive or surprise rainstorm. It’s a simple way to stay on top of important car maintenance and keep your exterior looking fresh day in and day out.
Detailing That Goes Beyond the Basics
There’s a big difference between a home wash and professional auto detailing. Auto Salon of Orlando doesn’t stop at a surface clean. Even our most basic package includes exterior hand washing, pressure-sprayed wheel wells, and spray wax. Choose a higher package to receive expert paint correction, exterior rubber and plastic trim conditioning, and pressure-sprayed engine cleaning. We have over 30 years of experience and offer unbeatable prices, so we’re confident you’ll drive away feeling completely satisfied. Schedule auto detailing in Orlando and see what real exterior car care looks like.