The appearance of your Saab is a reflection of your personality, and it can make a powerful statement about who you are. A clean and well-maintained SAAB shows that you are a person who takes pride in their possessions and pays attention to detail. On the other hand, a dirty and neglected car can make you appear sloppy and careless.
Most Saab car owners understand the importance of keeping their cars clean and well-maintained, which is why you will often see long lines of vehicles waiting to be washed at local car washes.
However, there are also many car owners who prefer to wash their cars themselves. If you are one of these DIY enthusiasts, here are some tips to help you prevent paint damage and make your car shine like new.
Table of Contents
Do It Yourself Car Wash
Choose the Right Products
Before you begin washing your car, it’s essential to choose the right products. Using the wrong type of soap or detergent can damage your car’s paint and finish. Instead, choose a high-quality car shampoo that is specifically designed for washing cars. Avoid using dish soap or laundry detergent, as they can strip the wax and protective coatings from your car’s paint.
UseTwo Buckets
Using two buckets is one of the easiest ways to prevent paint damage when washing your car. Fill one bucket with soapy water and the other with clean water. Dip your wash mitt or sponge into the soapy water, wash a section of the car, and then rinse the mitt in the clean water before dipping it back into the soapy water. This helps to prevent dirt and debris from being transferred back onto the car’s surface, which can cause scratches and swirls.
Start at the Top
When washing your car, it’s essential to start at the top and work your way down. This prevents dirty water and soap from running down onto areas that you have already cleaned. Start with the roof and then move down to the hood, trunk, and sides of the car. Be sure to rinse each section thoroughly before moving on to the next one.
Dry Your Car Properly
After you have finished washing your car, it’s important to dry it properly. Water spots can form if you let your car air dry, which can be difficult to remove. Use a soft, clean towel or chamois to dry your car, starting at the top and working your way down. Be sure to dry all the nooks and crannies, including the door jambs and the area around the wheels.
Wax Your Car
Waxing your car is an essential step in maintaining its appearance and protecting the paint from the elements. Waxing creates a protective barrier between the paint and contaminants such as dirt, dust, and UV rays. Apply wax to your car after washing and drying it. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a high-quality wax product.
What are some extra tips for caring for car paintwork
Gary, who is experienced in body repair, painting, and finishing, has some extra tips for caring for your car’s paintwork. Here are some of them:
- Never use an automatic car wash, as the brushes can severely abrade paintwork. Jet washes are okay.
- Use a good quality detergent wash and avoid using household detergents.
- Use a good quality soft sponge and replace it frequently.
- Do not use a nylon brush, as it can scratch the paintwork.
- Rinse the sponge frequently and change the washing water frequently to avoid concentration of contaminants.
- Do not wash your car in direct sunlight and start washing from the top down.
- Do not wash the wheels with the same sponge due to the presence of metallic particles, etc.
- Dry the car with a good quality chamois, but only use it to dry the exterior paint – not wheels, under-bonnet, or internal surfaces.
- Select a good quality wax or glaze for polishing and use a fine cheesecloth or similar soft material to apply the polish.
- Apply masking tape to windscreen rubbers, badges, and textured plastic parts so that they don’t contaminate the polish or become loaded with polish.
- Work in small sections, such as ¼ roof, ½ bonnet and boot, or 1 side panel at a time.
- Use a trade-quality product which is specific for the intended purpose when attempting to remove defects by hand.
- Minor rectification of paint defects, such as oxidation, light scratches, or removal of fallout, can be accomplished by hand using a light abrasive polish or cleaner wax.
- Polishing by machine for defect removal is best left to professionals who have specific tools and knowledge of the job. Avoid using cheap buffers and wool-faced buffing pads, as they can severely damage the paint in the hands of an amateur.
How the Pros Do It?
If you ever find yourself feeling weary of the regular upkeep of your Saab (although we don’t think that’s possible), you can always entrust it to the capable hands of professionals. Check out this video of a Saab getting the ultimate spa treatment with car detailing services at BigFoot Car Detailing Centre in Grimstad.
A well-maintained Saab car is a mirror of its owner
By following these steps, you can keep your vehicle looking great and protect the paint from damage. Regular washing and detailing can also help maintain the value of your vehicle over time. The appearance of your SAAB can say a lot about you as a person. Keeping your car clean and well-maintained shows that you are a person who takes pride in their possessions and pays attention to detail.
If you prefer to wash your car yourself, be sure to follow these tips to prevent paint damage and keep your car looking like new. By doing so, you can ensure that your car continues to make a positive statement about you for years to come.
