Tips for Car Washing After a Ceramic Coat
Caring for your ceramic-coated car goes beyond the regular suds and rinse routine; it's about preserving the hydrophobic and protective qualities that keep your vehicle looking sleek and repelling water effectively. Whether you're a car enthusiast or a daily commuter, knowing the best practices for maintaining that gleaming exterior will prolong the life of the ceramic coating and enhance the performance of your vehicle's paint.
The Dual Bucket Technique
The dual bucket technique is an efficient system for cleaning your car, designed to maintain your vehicle’s sheen and guard against the common scourge of scratches known as swirl marks. Despite popular belief, even vehicles with a protective ceramic coating can fall prey to these blemishes through improper cleaning procedures.
When preparing for a hand wash, equip yourself with:
(2) Five-gallon buckets: one with just water and the other mixed with a car-specific shampoo.
A grit guard situated in your rinse bucket is essential and for heightened debris removal, place one in each bucket.
Choose your cleaning medium such as a microfiber mitt or another soft washing tool.
An ideal shampoo would be a pH-neutral variant that produces abundant suds and is devoid of wax additives.
Commence by vigorously rinsing the car using a hose or apply a pressure washer for more substantial dirt removal. Introduce the concept of ‘snow foam’ as a prelude to manual washing, employing either a foam gun with a regular hose or a foam cannon if you're operating a pressure washer.
After this pre-rinse, proceed as follows:
Immerse your wash medium in the soapy mixture and approach one car section with systematic vertical and horizontal strokes from top to bottom.
Post washing a section, immerse and agitate the mitt in the clean water bucket against the grit guard. This effort dislodges trapped dirt and debris.
After expelling excess water, re-submerge the mitt into the suds before moving to the next segment. Concurrently, rise the freshly washed area to thwart soap residue.
Continue this pattern until you've lovingly washed each car portion. Concluding the process, make use of a premium microfiber towel to dry the vehicle.
Quick tip: Should you seek a swifter method to extract moisture from your mitt, consider a specialized washing receptacle, empowered with a foot pedal to wring out water—a time-saving luxury that eliminates the grunt work, hurling the liquid back into the pail without necessitating a supplementary mop purchase.
Rinseless Car Washing
Rinseless car washing is an efficient technique, especially beneficial in areas facing water use limitations. Follow these straightforward steps:
Start by mixing a ph-neutral, rinseless wash solution with fresh water according to the product's instructions.
Apply the mixture using a spray apparatus directly onto your vehicle.
Wipe off the surface with a clean microfiber towel to remove any dirt or contaminant build-up.
Immediately after, employ a second microfiber drying towel to dry the car and prevent water spots.
Remember:
Avoid harsh cleaning products like dish soap.
Regular maintenance sprays and gentler car wash soaps can help maintain the car's cleanliness between washes.
Don't use plain water alone, as it may not adequately capture particles like sand that could scratch the paint.
Utilize soft brushes or a clay bar for more stubborn debris without causing damage.
Touchless Car Wash
When other methodologies aren't feasible, a touchless car wash becomes a practical alternative. These car washes utilize high-pressure hoses or automated systems to cleanse your car without physical contact, typically present in public car wash facilities or drive-in stations.
If opting for a touchless wash, consider the following points:
Pre-Wash and Rinse: Use the high-pressure hose to carefully pre-rinse your car; this helps dislodge surface debris. After applying your cleanser, a final rinse with the high-pressure hose aids in thorough dirt removal.
Bring Your Essentials: It is critical to use personal wash media, buckets, and especially a pH-neutral shampoo, like Americana Global Aftercare. This specialized soap is gentle on ceramic coatings and helps maintain their integrity and shine.
Avoid Brushes and Wax: At touchless stations, steer clear of the communal brushes, which can scratch surfaces, and the spray wax feature, as it may clash with your car’s ceramic coat.
Remember that when dealing with a ceramic-coated car, gentle and pH-balanced products are key to preserving the coat’s protective qualities while keeping the vehicle's appearance pristine.
VIP Auto Spa/Ceramic Pro Reno is a Ceramic Pro Elite Dealer for The Reno/Sparks regions. You can get in touch to learn more about our services here.
