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Here in Greenville South Carolina it’s getting hot! Washing a car in temperatures exceeding 100°F requires a meticulous approach to ensure that soap and water do not dry prematurely, causing water spots and streaks. At A&J Auto Detailing, it’s crucial to follow a detailed process to ensure a clean and spot-free finish. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to wash a car in such extreme conditions.
Preparation
Choose the Right Time and Location:
• Aim to wash your car early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense. If possible, find a shaded area or use a canopy to avoid direct sunlight.
Gather Your Supplies:
• Prepare two buckets (one with soapy water and one with clean water for rinsing your wash mitt), a pressure washer or hose, microfiber wash mitts, detailing brushes, and microfiber drying towels. Have all your supplies ready to minimize the time spent searching for items during the wash.
Step-by-Step Process
Wash One Wheel at a Time:
• Start with the wheels and tires, as they are usually the dirtiest parts. Use a wheel cleaner and a brush to scrub away brake dust and grime.
• Rinse thoroughly to prevent soap from drying on the wheels. Completing one wheel at a time ensures that you can clean thoroughly without the soap drying out and leaving residues that can be tough to remove later.
Initial Rinse:
• Use a pressure washer or hose to rinse the entire car. This removes loose dirt and debris, preventing scratches during the wash.
Pre-Wash with Foam:
• Apply a layer of snow foam to the entire car using a foam cannon. This non-contact method helps loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to wash off and reducing the risk of scratches.
• Rinse Away Loose Debris: After the foam has been sitting for a short while, rinse away the loosened debris.
• Apply a second layer of snow foam to further prepare the surface for washing.
Sectional Washing (Panel by Panel):
• Work on small sections of the car at a time to avoid soap and water drying on the surface. Start from the top (roof) and move downwards. Wash one panel at a time, mist it to keep it wet, and then move to the next panel. This helps prevent the soap from drying out and ensures a thorough clean.
• Keeping the car wet is crucial. Regularly mist the entire car to prevent soap from drying and leaving spots. For example, wash the roof, mist, then wash the windshield, mist, and so on.
Use a Soft Wash Mitt:
• Use a microfiber wash mitt and the two-bucket method to wash the car. Dip the mitt in the soapy water, clean a section, then rinse the mitt in the clean water bucket before reloading with soap. This helps to keep the mitt clean and reduces the chance of scratching the paint.
Clean Intricate Areas:
• Use a detailing brush to clean intricate areas such as emblems, grilles, and around the edges of windows and mirrors. This ensures all dirt is removed from hard-to-reach places.
Rinsing and Drying
Final Rinse:
• Thoroughly rinse the entire car once more to remove all soap and loosened dirt. Ensure no soap residue remains, as it can dry quickly and leave spots.
Drying:
• Dry the car immediately using a microfiber drying towel. Start with the roof and work your way down. Pay special attention to water that collects around mirrors, moldings, and badges.
• Use a quick detailer or drying aid spray on wet surfaces before towel drying to help reduce water spots and streaks.
Additional Tips
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Whenever possible, avoid washing your car in direct sunlight to prevent water and soap from drying too quickly.
• Use Filtered Water: If you have hard water, consider using filtered water to reduce the risk of water spots caused by minerals.
• Stay Hydrated: Working in high temperatures can be physically demanding. Ensure you stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively wash a car in over 100°F weather, maintaining a clean and spot-free finish
Dont feel like doing it yourself?
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