Auto Washing

Keeping your car clean is part of your vehicle's overall maintenance. It keeps it looking nicer, and it will help protect the paint and make your car safer to drive. Having dirt and grime obstructing your windshield and headlights, for instance, can be a safety concern that regular washing can help prevent.

If your car gets dirty often, it may be difficult to spend the money to get it washed as often as it needs. Even if paying for a car wash doesn't seem like much, the cost can really add up over time and become a large expense. One of the best options for those trying to save money on car care is to do the job at home.

All you need to take care of auto washing at home is some space to do the job and a few basic tools. You will need a hose, bucket, soap, sponge, and a dry towel. Once you gather your cleaning items together, you will be ready to get started. Park your car in a shady spot if possible, since direct sunlight will cause spots to form on your vehicle's exterior quickly.

Use your hose (preferably with a power spraying attachment for extra force) to rinse the tires. You can also use a sponge on the tires for a deeper clean. If you do this step first, you won't end up with dirty water spraying from the tires onto your otherwise clean auto. Those tires can be pretty dirty, so take care of them first and then get to the rest of the car.

Continuing with the hose, spray off the rest of the car to get off as much stuck-on dirt as possible before applying soap. When you're done, you can go ahead and mix your soap with water in a bucket. Dip the sponge into the soap mixture and scrub your car down working from top to bottom, paying extra attention to areas that are still grimy (for instance, bug residue on the front of your car). Rinse away the soap when you are done using the hose. You can remove any hose attachments for this step for a better rinse.

Finish up the car wash by drying the vehicle. Use a dry towel or chamois to pick up water before it dries and leaves spots on your car. Dry the windows first, then move on to the rest of the exterior. Apply wax if needed, and you're all done!