Washing your car – proven tips and tricks
How often should I wash my car?
As a rule of thumb, you should wash your car every 1 – 2 months, but the degree of soiling is decisive. Contamination by insects, bird droppings or tree sap in particular has an aggressive effect on the paintwork if it is not removed for too long.
Washing a car in winter - at what temperature?
New cars usually survive the winter without special care. On the one hand, because the underbody of vehicles today is often better covered as standard, and on the other hand, because a new, intact layer of paint still fulfils its protective function perfectly. If you drive a car whose paintwork is older or damaged, you can treat the car with wax in autumn for extra protection. This optimally supports the protective effect of the car paint.
Once winter has arrived and the temperatures are low, you should take a quick look at the thermometer before going to the car wash. You should not wash your car at temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius, because the paint and rubber parts react more sensitively in this cold. Cleaning with warm water, such as that coming from the car wash, also causes too extreme a temperature difference. It is best to wait until the temperatures reach at least the zero degree mark again.
Where can I wash my car?
Preferably only in the car wash and in the wash box of your choice, because these have to meet strict environmental requirements.
Car cleaning dissolves oils, greases and potentially environmentally harmful substances that are contained in cleaning agents and waxes, for example. In many municipalities, the wastewater from road shafts is not led into the sewage treatment plant, but flows into streams and rivers.
In addition, depending on the soil condition of your parking space, the dirty water can seep away unhindered and, in the worst case, pollute the groundwater. Since the polluter is liable for water pollution, there is a risk of high fines.
In what order should I wash my car?
If you wash your car and also clean the inside, it is advisable to proceed from the inside out. This prevents dirt on the freshly cleaned paintwork. Washing the car itself should always be done from top to bottom. Otherwise, the dirty water will run over areas that have already been cleaned again and again and you will have double the work.
How to wash your car properly
Our tips for car care in the car wash and the wash box show what you should pay attention to in each case and why the pre-wash should always be done as thoroughly as possible.
Which is better: washing machine or hand washing?
For many car owners, this is one of the most important basic questions. Some swear that their car is only washed by hand because they are afraid of scratched paint in car washes, which could be caused by the brushes.
Others see this as a waste of time and trust modern car washes. In general, the following applies to modern car washes and cars: A properly maintained car wash will not leave any damage. On the one hand, the paint of modern cars is extremely resistant. On the other hand, textile brushes made of polyethylene are used in most modern car washes. If the right cleaning agent is used in the right concentration, the car paint survives the wash without any problems.
The real danger here is when coarse dirt from the predecessor sticks to the brushes. This can leave fine, round scratches (swirls). Therefore, when washing your car in the car wash and by hand, it is equally important to always do a thorough pre-wash. This removes the coarsest dirt in advance - and you prevent scratches from dirt particles.
Car cleaning in the car wash in 6 steps
One more thing in advance: For heavily soiled cars, washing by hand is recommended, as car washes are often unable to completely remove particularly stubborn, burnt-on dirt, such as brake dust that has lasted for several years, due to the standardised movement sequences. They are more suitable for superficial cleaning in between. In addition to car washes, there are also gantry car washes. There are usually no major differences in the washing result, as both systems work with the same chemical detergents and paint-friendly brush materials. The only difference is often the price, as in the car wash the manual pre-wash is often done by an employee, while in the gantry system you have to take the high-pressure cleaner into your own hands.
- Follow the instructions: Most car washes work similarly, but you should pay attention to the instructions for using the facility before entering.
- The pre-wash: The coarsest dirt should be removed with a high-pressure cleaner before the wash cycle. Otherwise, these particles will come loose in the car wash and will be pushed back and forth by the brushes on the paintwork and there is a risk of scratches.
- Choose your washing program: More expensive is not always better here. According to the ADAC, the most expensive programs are often only something for the eye and contribute little to the durability of the vehicle.
- Driving to the car wash correctly: Close all windows and the sunroof and check that the fuel cap is well closed. Also fold in the exterior mirrors and unscrew the antenna. An antenna that cannot be unscrewed threatens to press on the car roof in the car wash or portal system - nasty scratches can be the result. If your vehicle's antenna can no longer be retracted or removed, it is best to fix it with adhesive tape.Now drive up to the signalled point and take out the gear – switch automatons to 'P' or 'N'. Do not step on the brakes if you remain seated in the car. The car wash cleans your vehicle fully automatically.
- After the car wash: Only drive out of the system when the corresponding signal follows. To prevent possible water stains, it is advisable to rub the car dry with a large microfibre cloth in the areas that still have traces of water.
- If something should happen: Manual drying is also perfect for checking your car for any damage after leaving the car wash. If something has happened, it is best to contact the staff directly and record it in writing.
After washing the car, you unscrew the antenna, fold out the exterior mirrors and drive home relaxed in the clean car. Caution: The wet brakes may not take effect as usual for the first few metres.
Tips for washing your car by hand in the car wash box – step by step
- The pre-treatment: Bird droppings and insects are among the most harmful and stubborn dirt. Place damp newspaper on insect residues and let them soak briefly. Alternatively, there are special cleaners for this in specialist shops. You can also treat heavily soiled rims with appropriate agents.
- Pre-wash here as well: Now use the high-pressure cleaner to remove the coarsest dirt. Always keep a distance of 30 cm from all parts of the vehicle, otherwise there is a risk of damage.
- Foam beaters desired: Depending on the equipment of the wash box, you can now lather the vehicle manually with a foam sprayer or the foam lance of the wash box. Foaming is very important for car washing, as it absorbs and transports dirt particles. Then rinse with the high-pressure pressure cleaner and the pre-wash is done.
- The actual hand wash: Take two buckets with you when you hand wash – one for shampoo and one for washing out the microfiber cloth or glove. Shampoo your car gradually by hand, always switching back and forth between the shampoo bucket and the washout bucket. Work your way from top to bottom. Don't forget to open the trunk lid, fuel cap, doors and hood and wash your car there as well. When the whole vehicle is washed, rinse again with clean water
- Dry properly: Now let the car drip a little. Here, too, open the doors and flaps to let the water drain away there as well. Now dry your vehicle manually with a microfiber cloth. Again, proceed from top to bottom.
Pro tip: After washing the car, it is also a good time to treat door rubbers and skirting boards with a deer tallow or Vaseline stick and make them supple.
What is an underbody wash?
An underbody wash removes road salt and dirt residues from the underside of your vehicle. It is also offered in car washes or can be done by hand. Underbody washes in car washes are controversial, especially in relation to stubborn snow and salt residues at the end of winter. The problem: Water is sprayed at high pressure on the underside of the vehicle, pushing salt and dirt particles into corners and cracks where they do not belong. It is recommended to carry out a thorough underbody wash by hand if you have previously driven a lot on roads treated with road salt. For light winter residues, an underbody wash is safe and reliably preserves the underside of your vehicle. In any case, it should be noted that you should not overdo it with the underbody wash - once or twice a year is usually sufficient.
Elaborate cleanings better from professionals
Clearly, hand washing is the more thorough alternative to car washing. However, if things have to be done quickly and the car is not particularly dirty, the use of a car wash is definitely recommended.
If your vehicle needs special care, but you don't have time to wash your car or a sale is pending, it's worth thinking about cleaning by experts. Cleaning can easily cost between CHF 250 and 500, but the money is well invested: With specialized vacuum cleaners, compressed air and shampooing devices, a professional will make your vehicle look like a new car. In addition, minor quirks in the context of car detailing are also eliminated here.