Washing your new 2017 Honda Accord seems like it would be one of the easier parts of car care, but there’s a lot more to the process than one may think. From the soap you use to how aggressive you are when washing to the time of day you are washing, every part of the process can affect your car’s finish. However, with the help of our handy dandy tips, you’ll be a car-washing pro in no time!
Not Washing Often EnoughMany of us are probably guilty of not washing our cars as much as we ought to. It can be challenging to find the time or motivation to wash your car, especially when you know it will just get dirty again! However, dried dirt, bug remains, bird droppings and everything else that finds its way to your car’s exterior can scratch or otherwise harm the paint. It’s best to wash your car as often as it gets dirty to prevent damage and maintain the paint job.
Pro-tip: Applying a high-quality wax every three months will help repel dirt and grime!
Not Washing and Drying By Hand
The best way to ensure your car is washed correctly and thoroughly is to do it by hand. This way, you can see that no spots have been missed! Start from the top and rinse off each section before you move to the next. When washing your car, use a soap that is designed specifically for vehicles. Dish soap, laundry soap and other cleaners can do more harm than good to your car’s paint.
Leaving your wet car to air dry is never a good idea. Water can leave behind harmful mineral deposits that harden under the sun’s rays. Dried water spots can be a hassle to remove, too.
Pro-tip: It’s best to wash your car with microfiber clothes, sponges or other cloths that are soft and dirt-absorbing. Avoid cotton, as it is prone to scratching. To dry, use a microfiber towel or a chamois.
Washing In Circles
When looking at your new Honda car in Fort Worth, you may have noticed swirl marks and wondered where they came from. Moving the sponge or cloth in a circular motion can create tiny, swirly scratches that are hard to buff out. To prevent swirl marks, move your cleaning apparatus lengthwise across the part of the car you are washing.
Pro-tip: Use two buckets when washing your car: one for cleaning and one for rinsing. This will ensure no dirt particles are returned to the car’s surface, which can also leave scratches.
Washing Your Car In Direct Sunlight
Under the hot Texan sun, it only takes minutes for water to dry up. If your car is exposed to direct sunlight as you are washing it, chances are the soap and water will start to dry before you can even rinse and dry. This will inevitably lead to those pesky water marks discussed earlier.
Pro-tip: Wash your car in a shady spot. If you don’t have a shady spot to wash in, try to wash early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler.
Scraping Off Dried On Gunk
If something has been stuck to your car for a while, it can be very difficult to remove. However, you should never try to scrape it off! At that point, the contaminant is bonded to the vehicle's surface, and scraping will cause damage to the finish. Instead, use a detail clay bar to remove particles and smooth out the surface. You can also visit our dealership's car service center near Dallas to get your car detailed!
Pro-tip: Wondering how detailing clay works? Its abrasive texture grinds away particles from the surface. Just be sure to follow manufacturer directions for optimum results.
