I’m looking to save money now more than ever. The COVID-19 outbreak has put so much uncertainty in the air. Since things are so unsteady right now, I want to save money where I can. This means tackling projects that I’d normally hand off to professionals, like washing my own car. I had a blast cleaning my ride a few weeks ago. However, I did make a few bad calls that I want to help others avoid. So, here are some rookie mistakes you make while washing your car. Learn from my shortcomings so that your automobile can look brand new again.
Choose the Right Time of Day
If you’re like me, you’re looking for any excuse to get outside right now. It was so beautiful outside a few weeks ago, and I thought it was the perfect day to do an at-home car wash. So, I made my way to the driveway around noon and started scrubbing. I was having a blast listening to some tunes and hopefully getting a tan. Y’all, I can’t tell you how upset I was when I saw the finished product. My ride was so streaky and covered in spots. I realized it was because the sun was beating down on my vehicle and drying portions of it too quickly. Avoid this rookie mistake you make while washing your car and choose the right time of day for the chore. The evening is probably best. That way, you won’t be completely in the dark, but it won’t be hot enough outside to create a weird pattern.
You Need the Right Products
Amateurs must avoid using harmful products on their vehicles. Some car cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that ruin your ride’s finish. This doesn’t mean people should use household products like dish soap, either. You just have to be mindful while you’re shopping. There are plenty of substances on the market that’ll help your vehicle look shiny and don’t contain hazardous chemicals. You must think about appropriate drying materials, too. Please, don’t dry your car with an old rag you pulled out of the linen closet. Instead, research the different types of cloths you could clean your car with. If you’re still unsure, a cloth microfiber towel is a safe bet; it will ensure that everything dries evenly.
Be Aware & Choose the Perfect Spot
I can’t believe I’m about to admit one of the silliest things I’ve ever done. When I started washing my car a few weeks ago, it took me a while to realize that my windows were rolled down! Luckily, the interior of my vehicle didn’t get too wet, so no serious damage was done. However, I couldn’t believe I missed something so obvious. My advice to anyone washing their ride for the first time is to be aware of everything before you start the task. Another thing I noticed after the job was complete was that the dirty water from my automobile got all over my lawn. Make sure you park your car near a drain so that the mess can flow right into there. You don’t want to end up with soaking wet grass like I did.
