A regular car wash is vital to maintain a vehicle's eye-catching finish, no matter the age, make, or model. Yet, if this project is completed incorrectly, it can make your car look worse and even cause costly cosmetic damage. To avoid these issues, learn from these common mistakes.

Common Car Washing Mistakes

1. Choosing the Wrong Solutions

While dish soap works well at home, it's not suited for a vehicle. In fact, many household cleaning solutions contain chemicals that are hazardous to paint, clear coats, and metal. For that reason, only use products designed for automobiles. You'll also need different solutions for each part of the car, as tires and windows have different needs than doors and hoods.

2. Using the Wrong Tools

The correct supplies are essential to achieving a high-quality finish. Cotton towels are ideal for a thorough, lint-free clean. Additionally, separate towels should be used for the drying process and switched out once they're saturated. It's best to avoid microfiber and sponges, as it's hard to rinse away scratch-causing debris from these materials. Ideally, you should also have specialized tools for getting into hard-to-reach areas.

3. Following the Wrong Procedure

There's a specific car washing order to follow to ensure the most thorough finish. The rinsing, soaping, and re-rinsing should begin at the top, working down. The wheels are typically the dirtiest, so leave those for last. It's also important to ensure all soap and residue are removed from the body and windows before applying wax.

To avoid making costly mistakes, leave the car washing to the professionals at Premier Island Auto Detail in Honolulu, HI. This full-service car wash cleans and auto details vehicles by hand using high-quality materials. Their attention to detail and commitment to top-notch customer service attracts drivers from all across Oahu, including owners of exotic cars, yachts, and private jets. Learn more about your service options by visiting their website, and schedule an appointment today at (808) 234-9789.