The best way to protect your car from the harmful effects of the environment is to wash it frequently and preserve the paintwork. The frequency of washing and the subsequent treatment of the coating depends on many factors, such as:
- intensity of exploitation;
- normal parking mode (garage, under trees, etc.);
- season;
- weather;
- environmental factors.
The longer dirt adhering to the paint stays on the paintwork (bird droppings, insect marks, road dust, industrial emissions, bituminous stains, soot particles, salt spilled on roads and other aggressive deposits), the stronger their destructive effect. High temperatures (e.g. in intense sunlight) or dew falling at night increases their corrosive effect.
So, depending on the circumstances, it may be sufficient to wash the car once a week. But it may be enough to wash once a month, followed by preservation of the paintwork.
After the period of sprinkling the pavement with salt, be sure to thoroughly wash the bottom.
Attention. Remember that washing the car in winter, due to moisture and ice, can cause a deterioration in the braking effect of the brake system.
Automatic washing systems
The car can be washed without problems in an automatic car wash.
The varnish of the car is strong enough for a normal car wash in automatic car washes. Of course, the actual load on the paintwork depends to a large extent on the design of the car wash, water filtration, and the detergents and car care products used. If a matt lacquer shade or even scratches appear after washing, notify the personnel of the washing plant. If necessary, use another washing machine for washing.
For automatic washing, it is sufficient to observe the usual precautions (pre-close windows and roof panel). The factory-fitted roof antenna cannot be dismantled. The antenna located on the wing must be unscrewed.
When the vehicle is fitted with special car accessories such as a spoiler, roof rack support system, radio antenna, etc. it is best to consult the personnel of the washing plant.
Hand washing
Hand washing a car requires a lot of water.
- First, soak and wash off the dirt.
- Wash the car with a sponge from top to bottom.
- Shampoo should be used only in exceptional cases.
- Rinse the car with water.
- Dry the car with glass cleaner leather.
When washing by hand, first soak the dirt with plenty of water, and then rinse it off as best as possible.
Then wash the car with a soft sponge, glove or brush for washing, without pressing hard on the surface. Start washing from the roof and work your way down. Shampoo should only be used to remove adhering dirt. Rinse the sponge or cleaning glove regularly and thoroughly.
Wheels, sills, etc. wash last. Use a different sponge to wash them.
When washing underbody, inside of wheel housings or wheel covers, protect your hands from being damaged by metal components with sharp edges - risk of cutting yourself.
Carefully
- Do not wash the car in bright sunlight - there is a risk of damage to the paintwork.
- When watering the car with a hose in winter, do not direct the jet of water at the locks or door joints - there is a risk of freezing.
- Do not use insect sponges, hard kitchen sponges, etc. — danger of surface damage.
- Only wet cleaning of headlights is allowed - best of all with soapy water. Never clean headlights with a dry cloth or sponge.
Washing with high pressure cleaners
Under certain conditions, the vehicle can also be washed with high-pressure cleaners.
- Follow the high pressure cleaner manufacturer's instructions.
- Keep a sufficiently large distance in relation to the soft components of the vehicle.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the machine. This applies especially to pressure and spray distance. Keep a sufficiently large distance from soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulating materials.
Under no circumstances should non-directional nozzles or dirty cutters be used.
In particular, tires should never be cleaned with non-directional nozzles. Even with fairly large spray distances and very short exposure times, damage can occur.
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