Ilaria Rosella Pagliaro From choosing the right products to manual washing, here's how to take care of your car without risks and with an eye for the environment
@Pixabay
Are car washes bad for your car?
Car washing is one of the activities necessary to help maintain your car; however, people unknowingly create mistakes while doing it that may lead to damage. From minor scratches on the paintwork to overly aggressive cleaning products, a poor wash can be detrimental to more than just the looks but also the environment. Learn to care for your vehicle effectively and in an environmentally friendly manner.
Mechanical car washes might be quick and relatively inexpensive, but most do not fully clean your paint job. The high-speed rollers of most of these wash facilities often retain dirt, sand, and debris from the previous car that had been through, which inevitably scratches away the paint of your car. This is very apparent with dark-colored vehicles where scratches are more defined. The imperfections will ultimately dull out the paint and completely diminish any aesthetic value over time.
Self-service car washes in which common brushes are shared present further risks; lying on the ground, these commonly collect abrasive particles that can transform washing from being a support for your vehicle’s paintwork to a threat.
The safest solution? A hand wash using the right tool and products: a clean bucket, a microfiber or lambswool wash mitt, a dedicated car cleaner, and a garden hose or pressure washer. This would be not only in the interests of your car but also rather water-saving ; thus, this alternative is really greener.
Sustainable car cleaning products: what to avoid and what to choose
Conveniently, many will use household items such as dish soap, which is the dish detergent. While it may work to get off grease and grime, that also strips the protective wax coating on your vehicle’s paint, making the paint more susceptible to damage, increasing the rate at which your car ages.
Also, it is not recommended to use abrasive sponges or rough cloths. These scratch the car and spoil its appearance, which in turn affects the durability of the paint.
Instead, use eco-friendly and biodegradable car cleaning products designed not to harm the environment but your vehicle. The eco-friendly car wash products which cannot harm the environment and your car by protecting them from being washed away into wastewater systems, achieve a flawless finish while protecting the ecosystem.
In case the automatic car wash cannot be avoided: the following can be done
Sometimes, you do not have time for a hand wash, and you will be obliged to attend an automatic car wash. Pay attention to a number of facts in this situation.
Check your car right after the wash: If you happen to notice some scratches, dents, or broken mirror, tell the stuff ASAP. Sometimes, it will be easier to prove that those are the consequence of this car wash if only reported in the earliest possible manner.
Additionally, be mindful of your vehicle’s alignment. Incorrect positioning in the automatic guidance system can cause deep scratches or scuffs that are difficult to fix. Unfortunately, many automatic washes do not have staff on hand to assist you, so take a few extra seconds to ensure your car is properly aligned before proceeding.
Washing your car while respecting the environment
Care for your car is not just a question of esthetics; it’s also one of responsibility. Save water, avoid strong detergents, and go for biodegradable means. Remember that regular careful maintenance alone is able not only to keep the car in good condition but sometimes even to prolong its lifetime and reduce repair costs.
