DID you know that washing your car does not just clean the dirt away, it also protects it from the elements and preserves its paint finish and beauty?
Many people are not aware that a car wash removes more than just dirt. A car wash is very important to the protection of their vehicle’s paint through the years.
Every day your car is exposed to dust and all sorts of pollutants even if you are not doing any driving.
It is important to wash your car regularly because if you leave water stains or bird droppings unwashed for a prolonged period, these contaminants can strip off and damage your car’s paint.
Washing your car every two weeks would suffice, but if you live in an area with a lot of pollution, you need to be washing your car once a week to retain its spotless appearance.
When washing your car, be sure to use a car shampoo that is made specifically for exterior automotive application.
Do not use household detergents just to save money because it will peel off your car’s clear coat. Look for a car wash shampoo that can deliver professional-quality results (DIY shops have a variety to choose from).
Next up is drying your car. You shouldn’t let your car air dry because once the water evaporates after washing, minerals will remain, and cause corrosion. To make things worse, it also causes unsightly watermarks and streaking.
Please invest in a micro-fibre cloth to dry your car because it effectively absorbs water and does not scratch your clear coat. Wipe your car’s body from the top down thoroughly and make sure no area is still wet to prevent rusting.
If you ‘love’ your car, then you need a paint protection application to keep the clear coat protected and your car looking fresh.
So what should you do and who can you trust to get the job done properly if you live in a high rise?
There are many car detailers for paint protection to choose from and they come with many promises. Prices also vary from RM199.00 to as much as RM1,999.00 with wide margins as products are sourced from different globally.
Japanese, English, American and Chinese made products all promise protection from the elements but in the end it is the application in the Malaysian detailing shop that counts.
The person selling you the service has to follow the given product instructions to ensure your car paint is ‘properly’ protected.
Many applicators/detailers/shop owners will cut corners to maximize profits and then charge a full price. This is why we suggest you shop around properly for the most trusted car detailer.
We have been using the same detailer (Shine & Shield in Sunway) for 10 years and you should check their credentials online (Facebook, social media, etc) to see all the many happy customers that they have over the years.
No complaints and no issue years after application with a strong warranty to back their product and their detailed body protection and interior service.
Please note that automated car washes do not rinse enough dirt off of vehicles before their heavy-duty rotating cloths repeatedly hit every panel at high speed.
The power of the rotating brushes can cause unsightly scratches all over your vehicle that can only be removed by professional machine polishing.
A good rinse with a powerful portable car wash machine or a high pressure rubber hose can go a long way to preserving a car’s exterior.
Between paint sealants and wax, paint sealants provide the best protection. Sealants are hybrid coatings that contain polymers or acrylics designed to provide a barrier between paintwork and the harsh elements. Paint sealants offer reasonable protection that lasts for months and not weeks like wax products.
So keep your car clean as often as possible and do not let the dirt stay long on the paint as it will soon become part of the paint as your car ‘bakes’ under the hot sun daily. – The Vibes, November 24, 2020
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