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Washmitt for washing car. Photo ID 6121182 © Daniel Krylov | Dreamstime.com
Automated car wash facilities are convenient and fast. Yet, nothing brings back the sparkle like giving it a traditional wash and wax.
Consider your vehicle an investment. You can help maintain your vehicle's value by using quality tools and following some basic cleaning techniques. Not only do they help the job go faster, quality tools perform better and help prevent damage.
Given the right tools, the task goes quickly and yields long term benefits.
Avoid Household tools which can be abrasive to the vehicle’s painted surfaces and upholstery. Soft tools help remove contaminants–winter grime, mud and road grit–without scratching.
How do you choose the right set of tools for basic vehicle maintenance?
Microfiber towels top the list of essential accessories for cleaning your vehicle. They are soft, inexpensive, easy to clean and don’t damage vehicle surfaces.
Water droplets and any remaining suds can cause spotting. Microfiber towels can remove residue such as water droplets and suds residue without damaging vehicle surfaces.
Tires and wheels dulled by driving detract from the appearance of your vehicle. Tire brushes remove road grime and browning caused by chemicals in the tires themselves.
Minerals left behind when droplets dry create a crusty layer on the vehicle’s clear coat. Wash a vehicle section by section. Then, dry your vehicle with a microfiber towel or chamois to prevent water spots.
The following car care tools help make the spring cleaning easier and faster:
- A bag of microfiber towels for washing as well as drying. Use separate towels on wheels and the rest of the vehicle to prevent brake grime from corroding painted surfaces.
- Microfiber mitts with small fibers to help trap particles. Mitts help speed the job of washing your vehicle.
- Two buckets, one for the wash solution and the second to rinse out wash mitts or towels.
- Sponges intended for automobiles. Rinse the sponge frequently since insect parts and grit can get trapped in the netting, acting like sandpaper.
- Waterblades, which can make quick work of drying your vehicle. Make sure it’s designed for automobile exteriors.
- Soft wheel brush for spokes and wheel grooves. Do not use household brushes since they can damage wheel surfaces. Apply wheel cleaner to help remove brake dust and prevent pitting.
- Vent & dash brush to reach through grilles. Spray an auto cleaning solution on the brush to attract contaminants and dust.
- Dual head brush. This tool is convenient for cleaning gear shifters and gaps behind the steering column.
- Duster designed specifically for automobiles. Dust dulls dark-colored vehicles and may be removed quickly with a car duster.
- Hose nozzle with multiple spray settings. Heavy streams are intended for prewashing; lighter settings rinse without splattering suds.
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