Pitfalls to avoid to keep your car sparkling all summer long

It's summertime and yet you're having trouble keeping your car sparkling. You take the trouble to wash it well, at least once a week, but nothing seems to do the job. The problem is, you may have unknowingly done something you shouldn't! Here are the things to avoid to keep your car shiny all summer long.

When washing
During the warmer months, you may be tempted to clean your car yourself. While this is a good idea in itself, there are several mistakes that can damage your paint finish.

First, make sure you rinse your sponge or mitt thoroughly. A dirty tool can easily damage the paint when a small stone gets stuck in it, for example. When washing your vehicle, replace your wash water with clean water if it ever becomes cloudy with dirt, for the same reason.

Avoid using large brushes to wash the entire car. While these brushes will save you time, their bristles are usually too aggressive for the car, and over time, they will damage the paint.

Finally, avoid automatic car washes. The chemicals used in these machines are too strong to clean the car without touching it, which, over time, causes a loss of shine. If you can't do it yourself, choose a hand car wash.

Go strategically
Another good tip is to park your car in the shade to prevent the sun from fading and damaging your finish.

If you have no control over where you park, at least make sure your car's body is protected with a good coat of wax!