Have you driven a few hundred miles off-road? Before you visit the nearest car wash to regain the royalty of your rugged companion, beware of the blunders. From choosing the wrong booths to neglecting the accessories, the following mistakes can damage your vehicle.
Skipping Pre-Wash
Don’t underestimate the power of a pre-wash, especially if your vehicle looks like it had a mud bath. Many car washes offer pre-wash options to help remove heavy grime from your car and make it wash-ready. Overlooking this step may make the cleaning ineffective because your vehicle still hosts dirt. So, giving your vehicle a head start is necessary for a perfect bath.
Choosing the Wrong Package
A car wash typically ranges from basic to deluxe and premium packages. However, choosing the wrong package for a car that requires more attention can make the wash seem ineffective and won’t be worth the bucks. So, assess your vehicle’s condition and choose the package accordingly.
Not Taking Care of External Accessories
Antennas, bike racks, side view mirrors, and windshield wipers can be broken or stripped off from your ride during a wash. Although car washes are designed to make your cars shiny without causing damage, it’s still wise to be careful by pushing down or retracting these accessories to ensure safety.
Visiting a Car Wash During Peak Hours
Most owners consider weekends an ideal time to head to a car wash. When the car wash appears more crowded, the chances of your ride getting enough attention from the professionals are less. Since the whole neighbourhood has decided to get their vehicle cleaned, you must wait a while before you take yours. To have a better overall experience, try visiting during off-peak hours.
Leaving the Windows or Sunroof Opened
Another common mistake is leaving your ride’s sunroof or windows open or partially open. As your vehicle gets showered, your interior can invite plenty of water. And when the inside of your car is significantly wet, drying it out won’t be easy. Plus, moisture in the cabin can lead to various problems, such as corrosion, fried electronics, and even mold growth. So, don’t forget to shut the sunroof and windows.
Not Checking for Damage Right Away
Heard a strange noise? It takes no time to step out of your vehicle and look for damages. Some inexperienced workers at car booths may damage your vehicle during the clean-up. Returning to the station after a few days and then complaining about the damage will be a fairy tale to workers’ ears. Make sure you check for the damage right away.
Washing a Damaged Vehicle
Don’t be hasty at a car wash. Inspect your vehicle for damages before going in, as the washing and scrubbing can make the damage worse. For instance, it’s wise to avoid using a car wash service if your ride has a cracked windshield, loose parts such as body panels or taillights, or even a big rust patch that can worsen with high-pressure water.
Scrubbing Your Car Directly
If you are planning to take your ride to a self-service car wash this weekend, don’t just pick up the brush right away and start scrubbing the exterior. You’d think you are cleaning your vehicle nicely, but you are actually damaging it. As from the previous washes, the brush might be full of dirt and grime. So, before rubbing the brush on your car’s body, it’s better to rinse it with a sprayer for a clean look.
Skipping the Underbody Wash Option
The underbody of a vehicle is filthier than any other area. Salt and grime living on your car’s bottom are a recipe for rust and corrosion, so underbody wash is a must. Also, a dirt-free undercarriage makes car inspection easier.
Putting Your Car in Drive Too Early
The car wash guidelines are there for a reason; pay attention to them. A typical car wash operates in an order. However, impatience and trying to drive off too early can cause damage. So, keep your ride neutral until you can move after a complete wash.
Improper Vehicle Alignment
Heading in with misaligned wheels can push you inappropriately on the track, causing you to rub the vehicle against the boundaries or washing equipment. It can result in scratches and scuffs with potential shallow or deeper dents. So, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines. Otherwise, your bank account may not like expensive body repairs.
Choosing an Improper Car Wash
Some car wash services employ chemicals, equipment, and cleaning methods that are not nice to certain paint jobs. So, before parking your car inside, please check the car wash services and product’s suitability for your ride to avoid mishaps.
Not Having Enough Quarters
This could be a headache, especially at a manual car wash. Imagine your car standing there covered in soap while you have no coins to make the sprayer work. It’s embarrassing. Also, delaying the rinsing process can cause the soap to dry quickly, leaving ugly stains on your car. You can avoid this frustrating situation by ensuring that you have enough change in your pocket before leaving for a wash.
Skipping the Drying Process
Some car washes don’t pay attention to the drying process. This can lead to stubborn water spots on your ride as soon as you reach home. To avoid this damage, you must choose a service station that uses air blowers and drying equipment after a wash. However, keep the microfibre towel ready after rinsing if you’re at a self-servicing wash center.
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Zainab Noor is a motoring journalist. Childhood rides in Nissan Almera fueled her love for cars. After graduating from AIOU in 2021, she steered her passion into freelance writing. You can find Zainab on LinkedIn.
