Like any other classic car owner, you would like to protect your prized possession’s beauty for a long, long time. After all, classic cars do not come cheap – they have hefty price tags. So how should you care for it? It all starts with avoiding the things you should not do when washing a classic car.
Washing a Classic Car: 5 Don’ts
1. Don’t Wash in an Open Area
Washing a classic car in an uncovered, airy area is like sentencing it to premature aging and damage. Direct sunlight fades car paint. Heat from sunlight and the atmosphere can cause fast drying of soap and water, leaving ugly watermarks that can prove difficult to remove.
2. Don’t Wash the Whole Thing
Never wash your classic car in one go. If you do, water will run everywhere – and you wouldn’t want this to happen. Remember that where there are undried areas, rust won’t be far behind. The best way to wash a classic is by steam cleaning. It lifts dirt even from hard-to-reach areas without soaking anything with water, so drying is fast and easy.
3. Don’t Use Dishwashing Liquid
Never use dishwashing detergent for car cleaning, especially for washing a classic car. It is best for dishes; not on car paint. It makes dishes, pots and pans shiny, but gives car paint that dull and lifeless look in the long run. Instead, use an organic car wash shampoo. It has natural cleaning agents that are derived from plants. Better yet, use steam.
4. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals When Washing a Classic Car
When washing a classic car, stick to organic products, from degreasers to tire and wheel cleaners to waxes and sealants. Auto detailing products that contain harsh chemicals do remove dirt and grime rapidly. The problem is, their toxic contents can cut through lacquer paint, consequently exposing the metal to nature’s elements. When this happens, rusting will take place.
5. Don’t Take It to an Automatic Car Wash
Studies have repeatedly shown that the gigantic brushes of automatic car washes cause swirls and scratches on car surfaces. Remember that your classic is covered in lacquer paint. Thus, it needs careful hand washing to get that cleanliness and shine it deserves. You can either do it by yourself or seek the services of a reputable auto spa.
There are some don’ts when washing a classic car. But avoiding these can extend the life and beauty of your prized beauty. Want the best results when washing a classic car? Schedule an appointment with DetailXPerts to have your ride detailed by a professional team. We have skilled manpower and advanced cleaning technology to make your classic car look like it just came from the showroom.
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