Washing a car involves more than just splashing around some soap and water. In fact, washing your car incorrectly can actually do more harm than good. Below, we’ll offer up some tips for how to properly wash your Jaguar to make it turn heads while also protecting it from the elements.
Your Essential Guide to Jaguar Summer Care
Don’t wash in the sun
Washing your Jaguar under direct sunlight will cause the water to dry faster and promote water spots. Find a shaded spot instead.
Rinse first
Before you begin actually washing your car, start by giving it a quick rinse off to remove any loose particles or debris.
Use a sponge or mitt
Use something plush or with long threads like a sponge or washing mitt. Towels and rags are a bit harsh and can leave tiny scratch marks on the paint.
Start with the wheels
The tires are the dirtiest part of your car, and washing the wheels tends to splash dirt and grime upward. Start here, as any dirt that splashes onto the body will then be washed off next.
Use a dedicated car wash soap
Avoid dish detergent or any other type of soap that is not designed to be used exclusively on cars as these can attack your car’s protective coating.
Use two buckets
Fill up one with soap and water and the other with only water. Each time you’re ready to reload with soap, dip your sponge or mitt into the water bucket first to rinse off any dirt that has accumulated. This keeps your soap supply from being contaminated with dirt and grime and prevents you from recycling it back onto the car.
Wash from the top down
Start at the top of your car and work your way down, rinsing and re-loading your sponge or mitt often to avoid cross contamination.
Wipe, don’t circle
When washing, make one wipe in one direction. Wiping back again in the opposite direction drags the dirt you just removed right back across the car. And circular motions can cause tiny scratches in the paint.
Dry it right
Dry your car using a blower or a microfiber towel. Don’t use paper towels or discarded bath towels as these materials can be rough on a car’s surface. Don’t just let the car air dry or you’ll see water streaks on the finish.
Wax
Apply a fresh coat of wax every few months in order to maintain a layer of protection from the elements and give the paint job some additional shine.
Once your car is all washed, waxed and ready to go, continue to protect it by parking it in a garage, under a carport ,or by using a car cover. And when out and about, try to park in shaded spots. The less exposure your car gets to direct sunlight, rain, pollen and other harmful elements, the better.
Get the Parts You Need for Your Jaguar
Sometimes even a thorough cleaning can’t save a particular part of a car’s body, and it just needs to be replaced. If that’s the case, shop our inventory of parts for all Jaguar models and have your part delivered right to your door. Need help finding a part or with a particular project? Fill out our inquiry form, and our team of experts will get right back to you.