Automobile Washing
Not What It's Cracked Up To Be

Automobile washing has traditionally been considered the first step in detailing since the invention of the horseless carriage. However, have you ever really thought about what happens when you take the sponge and soap to the surface of a dirty car?

Soap and water does not completely break down dirt and grime that is on the paint surface. So moving the sponge across the paint surface actually pushes the dirt along with it. The result is paint scratches. Scratches in paint are often so minute that they can't be seen. But they can allow elements to get under the paint and destroy the finish over time.

Even if you were to use a car wash product that could break down all the dirt, what is the first part of the cleaning process? That's right! You spray the surface with a hose. So the dirt has already scratched the paint as it is pushed along by the pressure of the hose. This process is compounded by the softeness of the newer automotive paints.

The effects are compounded even more by the use of a pressure washer. The dirt is now forced even deeper in to the paint as it is pushed along under pressure. The abrasiveness of the pressure washer intensifies the problem when used on fiberglass parts.

In today's busy world, we often don't have time to go through the wash and wax procedures ourselves. So we turn to the automated car wash. Here we get all of what is not good for the paint. First the car is hit with high pressure water. Then it goes through a series of brushes that are capable of scratching the paint by themselves. Again, with the newer softer paints in particular, we end up with swirl marks in the paint.

Additionally, the water you use may also cause problems. Hard water such as found in the Southwest can leave water spots on the paint that can be very difficult to remove. And harsh detergents can cause streaking and damage to the finish.

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