Washing the car — by hand and in an automatic car wash

When to wash sooner than usual

Not washing can lead to paint peeling and corrosion. This applies especially when:

• you drive along the coast;
• you drive on roads treated with de-icing agent or covered in tar;
• tar, bird droppings or insect remains have dried onto the body;
• you drive in places with a lot of smoke, soot, dust, iron filings or chemicals;
• the car is visibly covered in dust or mud;
• after rain.

Hand washing

Park in the shade and wait until the body has cooled completely, then:

• use a hose to remove dirt and road salt from the underbody and wheel arches;
• wash the car with a neutral cleaner (mix it according to the maker's instructions). Wet a soft cloth with the solution and wipe gently in the direction the water runs — not in circles or horizontally;
• rinse thoroughly; cleaner left to dry leaves marks, and in hot weather rinse the car and its parts especially carefully;
• dry with a clean, soft towel so no water marks remain — without pressing hard, to avoid scratching the paint.

What not to use

• alkaline washing powder, soapy water, washing-up liquid, degreasers or volatile solvents;
• on headlights — petrol, alcohol, paint thinner, solvent or carbon tetrachloride (cracks can appear on the protective parts);
• on the bumper — cleaners containing abrasives;
• on wheel trims — petrol; plastic trims are easily damaged by organic substances. If one has been exposed, rinse with water and check the trims for damage; replace them if badly damaged, because they can come off while driving.

A car used in coastal areas or heavily polluted districts is worth washing every day. Clean chrome parts with a carbon-removing cleaner and wax them regularly.

Automatic car wash

Watch out for the type of brushes, unfiltered rinse water and special rinse programmes — they can scratch the paint and dull its shine, especially in dark colours. Before washing, ask the staff which programmes are safest for the paint.