Best Car Wash and Wax Tips from the Pros

It is a proven fact that the better your car looks the higher the value you will get at resale or trade-in. Proper car care to include washing, waxing, and polishing will not only make your car look its best, but will help retain its value and make it last longer. For the purpose of this article we questioned numerous detailing experts and other similar professionals as to what works best. Here are their best car care recommendations:
Start by using a garage or shaded area. The hot sun will make proper car care and cleaning hard, if not impossible and could be detrimental to your car’s finish. Next thoroughly wet down the car. This will remove dirt and road debris which will cause scratches if you skip this step and start using a sponge and soap on the car. If it is a hot day, be sure to routinely wet the car so it does not dry suds or cleaning chemicals on it.
Next use a car wash solution, don’t use general purpose detergents and cleaners that were never meant for car care and car washing. A car wash solution will not dry out your paint or strip and possibly remove protective coatings. A long armed, soft bristled wash brush will greatly reduce the time it takes to thoroughly clean your car. It will also make it easier on your back and muscles. A good quality brush can be cheaply obtained at Walmart for about $10-$15 – buy one, you will be glad you did. When you have finished washing the whole car, use a chamois to dry off your car. A chamois will remove water quickly and not leave lint which terry cloths are prone to do. Routinely washing your car will remove things like bird droppings, bugs and industrial fallout which are all detrimental to your car’s paint and finish. If there is road tar or stubborn bugs left after washing you should use a bug and tar remover prior to waxing and polishing.
It is a good idea to follow washing with the application of a cleaner/polish. This will remove minor imperfections in the paint caused by the environment and sun damage, remove minor scratches, and provide a good surface for car wax or car polish. Follow the directions on the bottle. Basically you apply cleaner wax as you would wax – in a circular motion and you treat one area or panel at a time. Use modest pressure and then let dry to a whitish haze. Buff with a clean cloth towel and reapply as necessary.
Then you need to decide whether to use car wax or a polymer car polish. According to the experts, carnauba car wax has the deepest and wettest looking shine, but it is also the weakest protection for the harsh environment (acid rain, extreme temperature ranges, bird droppings, etc. . . ). Car polish is easier to apply as it requires less effort to apply and remove. It will also last much longer (some have polymers and even Teflon and will last as long as 52 car washes after 1 application). Car polish will still give you that new car look and was the unanimous recommendation from our experts for any outdoor use (car wax was recommended mostly for car shows). Both car polish and car wax are applied in the same way and many come with a cloth or foam applicator. Apply in a small circular motion same as with the cleaner/polish. Car polish will go on easier and come off easier than car wax and requires only one coat for great protection in any climate. After allowing it to dry to a haze, buff it off, but use a microfiber towel as it will leave a smoother finish quicker and without any lint.
The above recommended steps for properly washing, waxing and polishing your car will leave you with the best shine, maximum protection, make your car last, and maintain its highest value. Remember, a little proper car care can and will go a long way.

How to Start a Car Wash Business

There are several options for a person to consider when looking getting into the car wash business. Should the person buy an existing business? Should it be automatic-self service or one with a staff of washers? Should you consider a mobile business or a business with a fixed location? Should the business be a hand wash business or equipment oriented? All of these questions must be answered and the potential owner must come to grips with these options. The amount of money the person has available to put into the business will be a determining factor on what way would be the best way to go. A fixed location will cost more to do than a mobile business. Buying an existing business is usually more costly upfront than starting one from scratch, but in this case it would depend on which way the person chose. For example the mobile car wash would be far less expensive than a fixed location operation. The mobile business would have the cost of equipment and a truck. The fixed location would entail a building and the equipment for the bay or bays.

Starting either from scratch would cost a certain amount. Whether this would be more of less than buying an existing business would depend on the deal that could be made with the current owner. If the owner is motivated and trying to just get out of the business, then a better deal may be possible. The circumstances would dictate the answers to these questions.

Talking with business brokers and looking on the Internet could help in finding a person with a mobile business. The fixed property would probably be easier to find.

Another possibility would be to start with a mobile business and as the cash flow became more stable, look into getting or adding a fixed location car wash.

The Internet is a terrific way to find businesses/equipment for sale

A person thinking about starting one of these car wash associated businesses can easily find car washes for sale and brokers who represent them. The mobile businesses may be slightly harder to find, but they are available. The advantage of buying an existing business is almost always a better way to go than starting one from scratch. The immediate cash flow and clients is a huge plus to a new owner. This factor could be the difference between success and failure. An existing business is much easier to push past the break-even point and to a successful venture. A true start-up business has to gain clients and slowly build up cash flow. The question for the owner of this business is will it happen soon enough for the business to survive.

Talk with a broker about what is available and the terms they feel they can obtain from the current owner. If this is out of your reach financially, then a mobile hand wash could be the answer or using a small power washer to get the business off the ground and started. There are several options in this business that could lead to a successful new business. Getting clients will be the biggest problem facing the new owner of such a business, as there are few to none when the business is opened.

The Internet can be used to find equipment, which is new or used. This is another real advantage of using this tool to help a potential owner find what is needed. Just put in what you are looking for in the search box and you will be surprised at how many sources will show up.

Arranging financing of an existing business

The current owner is the obvious source of some financing of an existing business. The problem is the buyer will have to pay a higher price for the business than if it were being purchased for cash. Having your financing in place when making your offer for the business will save money on the purchase price.

The Internet is an excellent way to find business financing for your purchase. There are several firms that show up on the Net for this type of loans. These firms are in the business of doing this kind of lending and are much more understanding of the problems a new owner faces when buying a business. They are certainly worth contacting and discussing your situation.

Car Wash information and Car Wash business planning

There are great sources on the Net that will help the potential owner of any type of business. The Car Wash business is well covered and a buyer can get good information about running and owning this type of business. Having prior knowledge of what is needed to be successful in this business will help a potential buyer decide if this is the correct move for them to follow. A book that tells the facts is invaluable to the buyer of such a business. Getting an up close and personal look before the fact lets the buyer imagine what it would be like to own a car wash business. If they like what the see in their minds eye they can pursue the project.

Another way to get information is to speak with people in the business. They may be willing to talk if they are sure that you will not be in competition with them. They could lead you to brokers and companies that would be helpful in getting more information. The one question that you should try to get them to answer is would they do it again. Has it panned out like they thought it would before they got into it?

Any information from all sources will help you evaluate even better the advantages and disadvantages of going into such a business. This is true of any type of business that a person is considering.

The problem as always is one size does not fit all. One owners experience could be great and another could wish they never made the decision

Conclusions

This business, car washing, has so many options available to owners and potential buyers that need to be looked at and considered very carefully.

It is not like buying a restaurant or a plumbing company. Those businesses have limited variations such as location or the type special services they offer. This business has many different levels of financial commitment to buy or start. All of these options make this an interesting business to consider. People are very particular about their cars these days. Their car represents a substantial investment that needs care and ongoing maintenance. This means this business niche is likely to grow and be used by more people all of the time. A trend like that makes this business even more attractive to the potential owner.

Finding a business for sale and the needed money to make the purchase is fairly easy for a person that is used to using an Internet search engine. If you speak with someone in the business, they may be very helpful and even better they may be in the market to sell. If they are, the obvious question is why do they want to sell. In any event they could give you valuable insight into the business.

Tips on the Proper Way to Wash your Car or Truck

It’s a nice sunny day and you decide to wash the car, however the hottest part of the day is probably the worst time to wash your car. Water dries up quick, and soapy water is the key to avoiding scratches and swirl marks. Follow these simple steps to ensure you have a swirl mark free shine every time. Make sure you car is cool

Do not start washing your car in the middle of the day, or after a long drive. This is especially important for your breaks and rims. Introducing cold water on your hot break rotors may cause them to warp. While very rare, cold water on an extremely hot windshield can cause it to crack. Use lots of water

Water helps lubricate the surface to avoid scratches and swirl marks. If you car is dry and you start rubbing a sponge or brush on the surface, all of the fine grit and road grime gets pushed into your paint to create tiny surface scratches. Start by wetting the entire car to rinse off any loose dirt or grime. If the car dries off on it’s own before you get to wash it, be sure to hit it with the hose one more time. Use low pressure water

If you decide to use a pressure washer, make sure it is safe for use on cars and trucks. While pressure / power washers are great for getting dirt out of engines, wheel wells, and the under carriage, they are not so great for your car’s paint. High pressure water will push any fine particles into the paint surface and cause tiny scratches. It’s best to use low pressure from a garden hose. Use the correct car wash soap

Get a car wash soap that is safe on all paints and clear coats. If you do not know what kind of paint your car has, it’s best to get a car wash soap that is safe for all. Most of them are, but it’s always good to check. Do NOT use dish washing liquid / soap. This is a very harsh soap that will do a great job of cleaning off the car, but will remove some if not all of the wax / sealant, and will leave a slight residue on the surface. Use a soft brush or car washing mitt

There are a variety of different sponges, mitts, and brushes for your car, and most are good. You do get what you pay for here. You want something soft that is going to hold lots of soap and water. You must keep the brush / sponge clean, rinse it often and make sure it is full of soapy water. This is the key to avoiding swirl marks. Start from the top down

Starting from the top will help with rinsing and not have you wasting water by going over the same section twice. It’s a good idea to also wash in sections, roof, hood, trunk, sides, etc. This way you can be sure to touch up any missed spots. Use a different brush / sponge for wheels

You can start or end with washing your wheels, but make sure you use a different brush or wash mitt. The wheels are usually far dirtier than the rest of your car, and you do not want to rub that dirt all over your paint. You should not need any special wheel cleaner, the same soapy car washing soap is good to use. Always check and make sure what ever you use is safe for rims. Chrome and alloy rims react differently to the same detergent/soap. Dry with a water blade

A good quality water blade is essentially a windshield wiper for your car’s paint. It removes a lot of water in one stroke, and will not scratch your paint. It’s a good idea to touch up any missed areas with a good quality towel. Terry cloth / micro fiber are the best. Again, start from the top. Always wash your drying towels separate from any other that may have special shines, or polishes on them. This will ensure they last longer and be less likely to scratch your paint.

These tips should help you prolong the paint and keep your car looking newer longer.

A Professional Approach to Car Wash

 
Having a clean car obviously keeps the car looking newer longer. But there are other, more technical reasons to keep one’s car clean. Dust, sand, salt in the winter – all of these are miniscule, abrasive particles that attach themselves to the paint and finish. If one’s car is not washed on a regular basis, these particles can literally scratch the finish of the car. Some substances such as bird droppings or tree sap can even eat through the clear coat, leaving the finish unprotected and vulnerable to additional wear and tear.
Most people claim to wash their car more than once a month. Ultimately, keeping the exterior of one’s car clean not only makes the car look nicer and keeps it looking newer; it also protects it from real damage that can be done over time. What is the best way to wash one’s car?
There are really two options for washing one’s car – doing it at home or taking it to a professional car wash center – whether it is self-serve or automatic. Most people think the way to give their car the best wash possible is the “old-fashioned” way – in the driveway, at home. And while that can prove to be a fun afternoon activity, it can actually be quite harmful to both the car and the environment. However, taking one’s car to a professional carwash can ensure a safe and thorough cleaning as well as provide the means to protect the environment around us.
If we use everyday towels or rags from around one’s home to wash and dry their car, we are not aware of the fact that there is a definite chance that the finish of the car will get damaged. But the fact is that this can be avoided by having a set of 100% cotton towels that we can use only use for washing one’s car. Wash them only in liquid detergent, and never use one after dropping it on the ground. This will help alleviate scratching, but cannot guarantee eliminating it all together. Many professional washes offer “touch less” options – where the car is cleaned by a powerful blast of water – and no cloth or other friction material ever touches the surface. Washes that do use brushes, called “friction” washes, only use materials or cloth that are engineered to wick dust, sand and grime away from the surface, therefore protecting your finish from scratching or damage. In fact, there have been great advances in the types of materials available for friction washes, including soft foam brushes specifically designed to protect one’s car.
There are also environmental concerns to consider when choosing where to wash one’s car. Most people who wash their cars at home do so in their driveways or out on the street. The water runs directly into the storm sewers in the street.
Professional car wash centers are built to provide appropriate drainage that ensures harmful chemicals do not make it into the local storm sewer system. In fact, many of them filter the water they use, and often recycle it. Also, washing one’s car at home can use up to 100 gallons of water per wash.
No matter what ever car wash system one uses, it is a must that the car wash does not pollute the environment and it really helps in conserving water, especially in those areas where water is really scarce.
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Car Wash Tips

Buying a car is much easier when compared to maintenance. Wash your car regularly. Things like dust, bugs, bird dropping can leave the stains and damage the car paint if it is not washed off immediately. Usually when the car is clean all the moisture dries up quickly but when it is dirty, the dirt it accumulates causing corrosion. Once in a while the pressure wash will be useful to remove the dirt accumulated from difficult to reach areas.

One has to be extremely careful during winter. As the process of rusting due to dirt accumulation speeds up. It’s a bath time for your car so let’s keep in mind certain tips for car.

Use mild soap wash or car shampoo

You can always visit your auto part store or automotive department, where you can find a variety of car wash soaps or shampoo. Few pennies from your pocket for good car wash soap can always deliver the best. But always remember never to use any house hold or kitchen soap or detergents as these can be very harmful for your car paints.

Check for Pre-wash areas

It is always important to check your car thoroughly before the wash. Take a close look at the paint for any signs of road tar or any such sticky substance, especially in the lower panel areas dried bugs (leading edge of hood, body areas of lights and air dam). all kinds of solvents are now available in the market to remove stains and dirt.

Wash your car in shade

Start with the surface soak, spray the water to soak the layer of dirt, oil, dust accumulated, so that the after a minute or two, much of the dirt will float down before you go to sponge it clean. Rinse the bottom of the car well, removing all the dirt and debris from inside fenders, above and below the exhaust system hardware, underpan area as well as the ‘hiding’ spots behind bumpers too.

Now as the soaking procedure is on, you can start with the actual wash. Blend the car wash soap/shampoo with the cold water and use a large sponge to apply the mix. Remember to rinse the sponge after every scrub, to avoid the accumulated dirt that can scratch the paint. Work from the roof and windows down, hood to trunk and upper-to- lower sides. Do not skip the tyres, wheel cup, head lights and other light lenses as they need a good scrub too.

It must me surprising to know… but car wash has certain myths too.

It is said that car wash soap/ or shampoo can damage your car paint. There are several things, to b kept in mind before cleaning the car. The most important thing is that you have to make the water………. . wetter.

This may sound silly. Is there is something more wet than water? Yes a lot of things.

First and foremost thing is that water has a surface tension and this is what keeps the water from beading on the shiny cars and a good car wash will act to break down the surface tension and that’s the reason, the soapy water does not bead. You cannot wash your car and wax at the same time, and any product claiming to do both is compromise or worst. It is also said that high pressure wash is not good for your ca. It can damage your car, and most of the people do not have the luxury or time to hand wash.

With few tips on car wash and maximum protection, you can make your car maintain its highest value. A little extra and proper care can and will go a long way.

Make Your Car Spotless With Waterless Car Wash Techniques

The most common technique, when washing cars and other vehicles, is done with the use of water and car wash products. You either do this right at your own garage, or you drive your car to the nearest car wash shop. Some car experts say that your vehicle will get destroyed, when you have it washed with water constantly. If you are wondering how to clean your car, when it gets really dirty, there is a new car washing technology. This new discovery is known as the waterless car wash technology. This technique is done with the use of car cleaning products that do not need rinsing with water.
 
If you want to clean your vehicle with waterless car wash products, there are certain steps that you have to follow. This way, you will be able to wash your car properly. The first step in cleaning your car, through this method, is to prepare the materials that you are going to need. These include waterless washing products and towels made of top-quality microfiber materials. The minimum number of towels that you can use is two. But if your car is really dirty, you can prepare more than two towels.
 
After you have prepared your waterless car wash needs, you can start with the process of cleaning. The first technique is to wash your car from the top, working your way down. Since the lower panels are the dirtiest, these should be among the last parts to be washed. You should clean each panel with separate towels, so that the dirt from the first one will not stick to the other panel. You might want to wash the roof first, followed by the windows, then the hood, and trunk. The upper panels and lower panels of the door are next. The bumpers are best cleaned last.
 
Before you wipe the car with the towel, apply it with a waterless car wash spray. You should also spray the car part that you are working on. When the towel and panel are wet, you will be able to make the cleaning process more effective. The first wipe of the towel should be light, while the second wipe done with slight pressure. This way, you will be able to get rid of the contaminants that have not been wiped off. If your waterless car wash product is formulated with wax, you should only use a small amount of it on the windows. If you use a big amount, this can result to smearing.
 
When you are cleaning your vehicle with a waterless car wash product, do not clean your car if the temperature is below freezing. This is because this type of product is water-based. It will freeze, when it comes into contact with cold surfaces. If your vehicle is heavily caked with mud, you need to have it pressure-washed first. Doing this will remove the heavy and dirty residue. Another important reminder, when cleaning your vehicle with waterless car wash products, is to use a product close to the surface of the car if it is windy. You would not want to lose much of the solution because of the wind.
 
If you want to buy waterless car wash care products, there are several retailers that provide these. There are shops found near your area, while there are several found online. One online retailer is Go-Waterless, which sells waterless car wash cleaning products and products for valet and car care. Go-Waterless sells car care products that are eco-logical and eco-friendly. It also offers waterless technology that is highly advanced. You can purchase waterless car wash care for the exteriors and interiors of your vehicle. There are even kits for waterless cleaning.

Why Your House Painter Might not be the One to Pressure Wash Your Home Before Repainting

Why your house painter might not be the one to pressure wash your home before repainting. Ok. It seems logical that the people who are going to paint your house would know how to clean it properly with a power washer. But in many instances, this is really not the case. Why? Many painters and painting companies see cleaning the house before painting as grunt work and beneath them. Worse, many see washing the house as simply a way to make quick money, rather than making a surface as clean as possible to ensure peeling and de-bonding of the paint doesn’t happen. You, as the owner of the house might see getting your home washed before painting as just an expense you didn’t want to have to pay. But remember, if your home is not prepared properly for paint you could be on the hook for a new paint job much sooner than you expect. Thats why you should ask questions of your painter to see what they plan to do,and if they are using a professional power washing service to get the job done right. Rinsing and cleaning are two different things. What do they do with moss and algae? How do they make sure that moisture doesn’t get up under siding and cause rot and mildew? Do they use high or low pressure washing methods and why? If you are not satisfied with their answers, it may be time for a second opinion from someone who specializes in cleaning exterior siding and pre paint preparation. If the surface is not all clean, there could be problems. The professional knows the issues and recognizes that not all surfaces can be washed the same way. With the proper homework, you’ll have a beautiful, new looking house with a finish that will last a long time. And in the long run, that’s a big money saver!