Washing your vehicle is key when it comes to keeping your car clean and looking its best. In order to keep the car in peak condition and maximize its longevity, washing the car is necessary, but few things are more frustrating than putting in the time to make the car look new and shiny only to find that water spots have formed.
The good news is, there are a few ways to ensure that you don’t run into water spots and ensure the time you spend cleaning your vehicle isn’t for nothing. Water spots aren’t fun to look at, and while they don’t necessarily affect the car negatively, it is always more satisfying to see a car that is flawlessly washed and polished.
But first, what is a water spot?
That’s a great question. You may have heard of the term “hard water” before. What this refers to is large amounts of mineral deposits within your water source which, when it comes to washing your car, is not a great combination. When you mix hard water with washing your car and don’t fully remove said water it could be left to dry on the surface leaving behind the minerals contained in that water droplet which in turn leaves a ring or unsightly mark on your vehicle.
Washing in a shaded area
On nice days it may be tempting to wash your car in the light of the sun, but unfortunately, the sun can cause the water on the car to dry quicker than it would otherwise. When this happens the water can dry on the vehicle actually leaving behind water marks all over the car. These spots are actually minerals being left behind after all the water has evaporated which is why you see a ring left on the paint.
Washing the vehicle in a shaded area will ensure that the water doesn’t dry prematurely and will allow you to dry the car off evenly without leaving any behind. This will prevent any water spots from being left behind. More importantly, it will save you from having to go back and wash the car all over again starting from scratch.
Using microfiber cloths
Using old rags or towels may not seem like a bad idea when it comes to giving your car a quick wash, but these towels may not be properly and effectively drying all the water on your vehicle.
Microfiber cloths that are made specifically for use on cars and more specifically for drying, such as a waffle weave drying towel, will help reduce the amount of left behind, thus resulting in less water marks. These towels will also absorb water more effectively in order to aid in the drying of the vehicle.
Use deionized water
If none of the above listed methods help in the reduction of water spots left on your car after washing, it may be due to the fact you could be using hard water. Hard water is water that is high in mineral content like we mentioned earlier and filtering out those minerals is paramount when it comes to reducing water spots.
The minerals will attach to the clear coat of the vehicle and when the water has dried, will leave behind a water mark. Deionized water is simply water that has been filtered to remove the minerals from the water, when deionized water dries on your car, it dries much more evenly and will not leave behind any unwanted water marks. Next time you fill a bucket with water, consider filling it in the sink as opposed to the hose if you have a water filtration system.
Give us a call
Washing your car isn’t something that needs to be overly-difficult and doesn’t need to take an inordinate amount of time. Doing it yourself is the best way to make sure your vehicle is properly cleaned, but if you find yourself pressed for time, a touchless car wash is your best bet. Always try to avoid car washed that utilize brushes and swinging arms as debris from other vehicles can get caught, leading to potential scratches.
If you have any other questions regarding the care of your car, fill out our contact form, stop by the shop or give us a call at 814-230-6991. We would be happy to help.
