As part of my life goal to write a book about car detailing in West Palm Beach, let me tell you about some of the myths that car owners should stop believing or doing for the sake of their cars. And yes, don’t tell anyone.
A Vehicle Can Be Washed Anytime
It seems right until you really think about it. Even though you can wash your car at any time, you can’t do that at any time. If you just drove your car or parked it in the sun for a while, it will be warm. If you wash it now, the soap and water will dry faster, leaving spots and residue. Also, it won’t be as easy as if you had just waited until it was cooler.
Dishwashing Detergent is a Great Option
No matter how many times people are told that this is a myth, they don’t seem to get it. So let me keep it simple. A strong way to clean is with a dishwashing detergent. It gets rid of dirt, oil, and grease, but it also gets rid of the polymer that protects the paint finish.
Cleaning and Washing is the Same Thing
Washing is the $10 service that makes the outside of a car shine. Cleaning an auto is more involved, takes more time, and seems to cost more. It focuses on the inside and getting rid of tough stains. Several times a year, it should be done.
Shiny Equals Clean
Oh, how the eyes can fool you! Even if a car is spotless, it can still be dirty. The only way to know for sure is to use the touch test. The body will be as smooth as glass if it’s done right. If you don’t, you’ll feel bumps. Before you wax or polish your car, you can use a clay bar to get rid of dirt that has stuck to it. This brings us to the next myth.
Polishing and Waxing Are Synonyms
There is a clear and big difference between the two. When you polish a car, you make the surface shine. The goal of waxing, on the other hand, is to protect the finish of the car. Wax resins, polymers, and silicones help it do this. A dull surface can never be made shiny with wax.
Wax Protection Can Last Up to Five Years
This well-known sales pitch is not true, though. No matter what the manufacturer or dealer says, the condition of the car is the only thing that affects how long the wax will last.
Washing Only When Dirty
Most people only wash their cars when there is a lot of dirt on them or when a kid writes “Please wash me” on them. The problem with that load of dirt is that it slowly starts to pull off the wax, which hurts the paint finish. Make washing your car a regular part of your maintenance plan.
