Are You Washing Your Car Wrong?
Is The Car Wash Scratching Your Paint?

Gday Kiwi Car Owners! So, that brand new car you bought all those years ago isn’t feeling as new as it once did…? Or, maybe you’ve just bought a second hand car and it doesn’t have that brand new shine you’d hoped for. 

Well, buckle up because we’re about to drive into an expert guide on car washing and paint care. By the end you’ll understand why your car’s paint can get scratched and swirled over time and learn how combat it! We’ll also share our professional methods of bringing damaged paintwork back to showroom condition and how you can protect your paint in the first place.

Section 1: Common Car Washing Mistakes

The ‘Hand Washing’ Misconception:

Let’s talk about hand washing—sure, it sounds like the safest bet for your car’s paint job, but most are doing it wrong. That’s right, you are probably washing your car wrong! Yes, it might sound a bit silly if you think “It’s just a car”, but if your car means something to you then you need to know how to wash your cars correctly. 

Thought Car Groomers were Professionals?

Being completely honest, most car groomers and ‘hand car washes’’ use incorrect wash techniques too so don’t feel too bad! They’re supposed to be professionals, but at the end of the day the job of a groomer is to get your car looking 80% clean as quickly and efficiently as possible at an affordable price. A Professional Car Detailer like us uses correct wash methods, takes their time and actually cares for your vehicle ensuring perfect results with zero scratches or swirls.

What’s Grinding Down My Paint…?

Let’s think about it for a second here. If you’re scrubbing away with an old sponge, applying lots of pressure onto the paint with some soap in a bucket… STOP RIGHT THERE! Those harsh scrubbing motions, lack of lubricant and not pre washing beforehand can actually grind and push dirt and debris into your paint, leaving behind micro-scratches that dull the finish over time. Think of it in a similar but far less abrasive way as sandpaper smoothing down wood. Here instead of that abrasion smoothing the surface down like wood, your paint’s surface will get scratched or swirled because it’s just a soft thin layer of paint!

Automatic Car Washes: All You Need To Know

And let’s not forget about the allure of all so easy automatic car washes. Sure, they’re convenient, but they can also be a recipe for disaster when it comes to your car’s paint. The harsh brushes and abrasive chemicals used in most automatic washes can wreak havoc on your paint, leaving behind swirl marks and scratches that are anything but desirable.

 

Contact Car Washes: No Go!!

You’ve got 2 types of car washes, touchless car washes or contact car washes. We would recommend you use a touchless car wash as contact car washes can cause more damage in our opinion. In some cases contact car washes can actually create distorted marks on paint from the aggressive brushes slapping your delicate paintwork. These brushes also collect dirt from all the cars that have been there before you which can of course create more swirls and micro scratches. Most car washes will rinse off the dirt & grime before making contact but if yours doesn’t. Just please never go there again!

Touchless Car Washes: At Your Own Risk…

The 2nd type of car wash is the touchless. You might be thinking. “How can my car get damaged if nothing touches it?” Well, since physical agitation isn’t an option with a touchless, they let harsh alkaline chemicals do the work instead. Here you don’t have to worry about swirls and scratches, but over time these chemicals damage and break down your vehicle’s UV protection and strip it of any other protective qualities. We should also mention these chemicals are also more harmful to the environment due to their strength & concentration. Damage we see from touchless car washes includes; faded trims & bumpers, faded rubbers, rainbowy effect/chemical damage on piano blacks & delicate materials. Also these strong chemicals break down any waxes, paint sealants or ceramic coatings which could be protecting your car. 

Section 2: The Impact on Your Car’s Paint

Now, let’s dive deeper into understanding the real impact that improper car washing techniques can have on the quality and longevity of your car’s paintwork. It’s important to understand the full extent of the damage that can occur, as it goes beyond mere aesthetics and delves into the structural integrity & longevity of your vehicle’s exterior.

Understanding Swirl Marks and Scratches:

When we talk about the consequences of incorrect washing methods, swirl marks and scratches are often at the forefront of the discussion. These imperfections are more than just surface-level blemishes—they represent the physical damage inflicted upon your car’s clear coat and paint layers. Swirl marks, characterised by fine, circular lines on the paint’s surface, are typically caused by abrasive materials and aggressive rubbing motions during washing. On the other hand, scratches can vary in severity, ranging from minor surface abrasions to deep gouges that penetrate the paint layer.

The Cumulative Effect of Poor Washing Habits:

What’s concerning about swirl marks and scratches is their cumulative nature. Each time you wash your car using improper techniques, you add to the existing damage, gradually diminishing the overall quality of your paintwork. Over time, these imperfections become more pronounced, detracting from the car’s visual appeal and definitely affecting it’s resale value. Furthermore, the compromised paint surface is more vulnerable to environmental factors such as UV radiation, moisture, and pollutants, hastening the degradation process.

Beyond Aesthetics: Structural Damage to the Paint:

It’s essential to recognize that swirl marks and scratches are not merely cosmetic issues—they represent structural damage to your car’s paintwork. The clear coat, which serves as a protective barrier for the underlying paint layers, is compromised when subjected to abrasive cleaning methods. Going back to our sandpaper example from earlier, we can further comprehend the structural damage being done to the paint. Even if the naked eye can’t see it, that protective clear coat layer (Protecting your paint) is being abraded and broken down over time. As a result, the paint becomes more susceptible to oxidation, fading, and corrosion. Additionally, the weakened clear coat provides less effective protection against environmental contaminants, further exacerbating the risk of damage.

The Importance of Paint Thickness:

Modern automotive paints consist of multiple layers, including primer, base coat, and clear coat. Each layer contributes to the overall thickness of the paint system, providing durability and protection. As mentioned above, aggressive & incorrect washing techniques can gradually wear down these layers, reducing the thickness of the paint and compromising its integrity. In extreme cases, excessive paint removal can lead to bare metal exposure, increasing the risk of rust and corrosion.

Protecting Your Investment:

Understanding the impact of incorrect car washing methods underscores the importance of adopting proper techniques and investing in quality car care products or services. By taking proactive measures to safeguard your car’s paintwork, you can prolong its lifespan and maintain its resale value. Whether it’s using gentle wash mitts, pH-balanced shampoos, or protective coatings, every step you take towards responsible car care contributes to the long-term health and appearance of your vehicle.

Section 3: Expert Car Washing Techniques

Now, let’s delve deeper into the art of car washing and explore some expert techniques that are sure to keep your paint looking flawless. While using the right tools and methods is crucial, there’s another step that often gets overlooked but can make a world of difference—preparation. Before you even think about touching your car with a wash mitt, it’s essential to give it a thorough pre-wash.

The Importance of Pre-Washing:

Imagine this scenario: you’ve just returned from a road trip, and your car is caked in layers of dirt, grime, and bugs. Without a pre-wash, diving straight into contact washing would be a recipe for disaster. Why? Because all that abrasive debris on the surface of your car will easily get caught up in your wash mitt, getting pushed into your paint, leading to dreaded swirl marks and scratches. That’s where snow foam or a dedicated pre-wash solution comes in.

Introducing Snow Foam:

Snow foam is a pre-wash foam that’s applied to your car’s exterior using a specialised foam cannon or sprayer. Its thick, foamy consistency clings to the surface, loosening dirt and grime and encapsulating it in a blanket of suds. As the foam dwells, it softens stubborn contaminants, making them easier to rinse away without the need for scrubbing. Think of it as a gentle prelude to the main act—contact washing.

 

The Benefits of Snow Foam:

By starting with a layer of snow foam and letting this dwell on the surface for a few minutes, the snow foam will eat into that dirt and grime, pulling it up off the car’s paint. Then rinse off this foam & grime slurry and you’ve gotten rid of 90% of your problem. This means when you go to contact wash your car with your lubricated wash mitt, you won’t be rubbing that debris into your paint.

Overkill? We’ll Let You Decide

As we mentioned above, once you’ve pre washed or snow foamed your vehicle initially to get 90% of the dirt and debris off you have sorted the biggest problem. Now some people can get super OCD and take it even further, obviously depending on the value of the vehicle usually. If you want to go balls to the walls yourself on your paint protection routine we would also recommend foaming down the vehicle a second time before you contact wash. This adds more lubricant (we all know how that works haha). And using the two bucket method is something we would actually recommend in conjunction with a pre wash also if it’s not an inconvenience. (1 bucket filled with soapy water, 1 bucket with just water to rinse off your mitt. 

Section 4: The Role of Paint Protection

Ceramic Coatings!!

Now, let’s talk about the real MVP of paint care. They say always use protection and in this case a Ceramic Coating can also save you years of regret! Think of it like slathering on sunscreen before going outside in the NZ summer, in our opinion it’s a non negotiable. 

Ceramic Coat Your New Or Expensive Car!

If you’re spending close to or over $100,000 on a car, does it not make sense to invest another 1-2% of that cost into protecting your paint for years to come? We always buy a screen protector for our phones but not for our cars which can cost 100x more! In our opinion this is just due to a lack of knowledge…

One & Done – Never Wax Again!

A one time application of a ceramic coating onto your car and you’ll be disbelief that it’s not a more standard practice. Trust me, once you go ceramic, you’ll never look back. Not only do these coatings provide unbeatable protection, but they also enhance your car’s gloss and make maintenance a breeze. And if you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, don’t overlook the power of a good wax or sealant. While they may not offer the same level of protection and longevity as ceramic coatings, they still provide a sacrificial layer that shields your paint from harm.

Section 5: Let Us Help You Out! Professional Detailing Services

So, what if you’re not quite ready to tackle the world of DIY detailing? That’s where we come in. Our team of detailing experts are here to take the wheel and give your car the care it needs. 

And there you have it, folks! That’s all you need to know about washing your car’s paint correctly. Hopefully you’re feeling as though you’ve learned something new and are feeling ready to look after your vehicle’s new paint on your own! If you’re still feeling unsure or confused, get in touch with the team. We’re happy to help with any questions you may have, or we could do all the hard work for you! If you’d like to delve more into the world of paint protection now that you’re all clued up on paint care, checkout this article!