Basic Tips to Wash Your Cadillac Escalade Like a Pro
TheCadillac Escaladeserves up many pros like strong V8 power, whisper-quiet interior, seating for up to eight, and a huge towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds. When a vehicle gives you this much, you’ll want to give back to it in ways like maintenance and cleaning services.
For many, washing their vehicle is a chore they’d rather not have to deal with. But just like we need to shower regularly for good health, our vehicles require the same care. A car wash may seem straight forward, but there are some things to keep in mind so you don’t accidentally scratch or degrade the finish. To wash your car like a pro, here are some basic tips.
When to Wash
There is no designated time that your vehicle requires washing. The only way to know when it’s time is to simply look at your vehicle. Waiting until your car is covered in a good layer of dead bugs, tree sap and bird droppings is never a good idea. All of these things, along with other harmful environmental chemicals, etc. are damaging to your vehicle’s exterior, causing wax and paint to be stripped and chipped away. To avoid these problems, it’s important to wash these things off your vehicle as soon as possible. Rinsing your car once a week is the best way to keep the finish in optimal shape.
Cleaning Products
All cleaning products are not made equal. This should be kept in mind when choosing a cleaning agent to wash your car with. Household cleaners like hand soap, dishwashing detergent, and glass cleaner should never be used on your vehicle. These products are not formulated to use on a car’s paint and can actually strip off protective wax. Instead, use a dedicated car-wash product, which is milder and specifically designed for use on automotive paint.For your car’s surface, opt for soft, natural sponges or a lamb’s-wool mitt. For wheels and tires, use a separate sponge for cleaning. These areas are often coated in sand, brake dust, and other debris, which can wreck your car’s finish. Try mild soap and water first. If something strong is required, use a dedicated wheel cleaner. Just be sure the cleaner is compatible with the type of finish used on your wheels (paint, clear-coat, chrome, etc.).
How to Wash
Believe it or not, some ways to wash your car are more ideal than others. Here are some do’s and don’ts.
- Don’t wash your car immediately after driving it or after it has been parked directly in the sun. When a vehicle’s body is hot, soap and water will dry at faster speeds. As a result, washing is more difficult and increases risk that spots or deposits will form.
- Don’t move your sponge in circles. This can cause light scratches or swirl marks to appear on your vehicle’s surface. The ideal sponge motion is lengthwise across the hood and other body panels.
- Do thoroughly rinse all surfaces of your car with water before you begin washing. This will remove loose dirt and debris that may cause scratching.
- Do concentrate on one section of your vehicle at a time. This will ensure there is plenty of time to rinse before the soap dries.
How to Dry
Letting your car air dry after a wash may be the simplest solution, but it is definitely not the optimal one. Doing so will leave watermarks. You also don’t want to use abrasive towels or other materials to dry your car because it can cause scratches on the paint. The best method is to use soft terry cloth towels and blot the water dry.
Learn more about the New Cadillac Escalade and other car tips and tricks when you visit our dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA. We serve Carlisle, Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster.
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