Maintaining the pristine appearance of your car is a source of pride for any car enthusiast. Ceramic coating is a revolutionary solution that offers unparalleled protection for your vehicle’s paintwork, ensuring a lasting shine and shielding it from environmental contaminants. However, to enjoy these benefits for an extended period, regular maintenance is crucial.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deeper into how to maintain a ceramic coated car and maintain it. We will explore each step in detail, including the equipment and products needed, and explain hot to wash ceramic coated car and why following certain rules is essential to preserve the ceramic coating’s integrity.
By following these guidelines and incorporating proper care into your car care routine, you can keep your ceramic coated car looking immaculate and protected for years to come.
I. Quick Guide to Cleaning a Ceramic Coated Car
1. Wash the Wheels:
The first step in cleaning a ceramic coated car is to tackle the dirtiest area – the wheels. Begin by rinsing off loose dirt and brake dust using a pressure washer. Use a dedicated wheel and tire cleaner for effective results. For added convenience, consider using a product that works effectively on both wheels and tires.
2. Pre-Wash the Car:
Pre-washing is a crucial step to remove stubborn dirt and grime from the paintwork. Employ a citrus pre-wash or snow foam to loosen contaminants, making the subsequent washing process gentler on the coating.
3. Wash the Car:
To clean the paintwork, use a microfiber wash mitt and a pH neutral, wax-free shampoo. This combination ensures gentle yet effective cleaning without harming the ceramic coating.
4. Rinse and Dry:
After washing, thoroughly rinse the car with a pressure washer to remove all traces of shampoo. Finally, use a soft microfiber drying towel to dry the car, preventing water spots and streaks.
II. Equipment and Products Needed
To achieve optimal results while washing a ceramic coated car, having the right equipment and products is essential. Here’s a closer look at each item:
1. Pressure Washer and Fan Attachment:
A pressure washer with a fan attachment provides ample water pressure for effective pre-washing and rinsing.
2. 3 x 20 L Buckets of Clean Water:
Using separate buckets for wheels, paintwork, and rinsing ensures there is no cross-contamination, preserving the ceramic coating.
3. Wheel & Tire Cleaner:
Choose a specialized wheel and tire cleaner to tackle the tough grime found on these surfaces effectively.
4. All-Purpose Cleaner (APC):
An all-purpose cleaner (APC) is versatile and useful for cleaning wheel arches and other hard-to-reach spots.
5. Wheel Mitt, Wheel Barrel Brush, Tire Brush, Soft Detailing Brush:
These brushes cater to different parts of the wheels and tires, allowing for a thorough and gentle clean.
6. Pre-Wash Chemical (Citrus or Snow Foam):
A pre-wash chemical, such as citrus or snow foam, aids in breaking down dirt and contaminants before the main wash.
7. pH Neutral, Pure Car Shampoo:
Select a shampoo without wax or gloss-enhancing additives to maintain the ceramic coating’s integrity.
8. 2 x Microfiber Wash Mitts:
Microfiber wash mitts are gentle on the paint and provide effective cleaning.
9. Microfiber Drying Towel:
Using a soft microfiber drying towel prevents scratching and ensures a streak-free dry.
10. Tire Dressing:
Applying a tire dressing rejuvenates the tires and enhances their appearance.
III. Rules for Cleaning a Ceramic-Coated Car
To safeguard the integrity of the ceramic coating and avoid any potential damage, it is essential to adhere to specific rules during the cleaning process. Understanding and following these guidelines will help preserve the longevity of the ceramic coating and keep your car looking pristine:
1. Use Separate Buckets and Tools:
One of the fundamental rules is to use separate buckets and tools for washing the wheels and paintwork. This separation prevents any transfer of brake dust or dirt onto the coated surfaces, minimizing the risk of scratches.
2. Use pH Neutral, Pure Shampoo:
Choosing a shampoo that is pH neutral and free from wax or gloss-enhancing additives is crucial. Wax-infused or gloss-enhancing shampoos can create a barrier over the ceramic coating, reducing its effectiveness in protecting the paintwork.
3. Stick to Microfiber Mitts:
Opt for soft microfiber wash mitts instead of abrasive sponges or brushes. Microfiber is gentle on the paint surface and helps prevent scratching.
4. Be Gentle on Paintwork:
When washing the car, avoid excessive scrubbing. Instead, use plenty of lubrication with the pH-neutral shampoo and apply gentle wiping motions. This approach ensures a safe and effective cleaning without damaging the ceramic coating.
5. Avoid Washing in Direct Sunlight:
Washing the car in direct sunlight can lead to water and cleaning chemicals drying too quickly on the surface, leaving water spots and streaks. Choose a shaded or indoor area for washing.
6. Wash from Top to Bottom:
Always begin washing from the top of the vehicle and work your way down. This method prevents dirt and contaminants from higher areas from flowing onto the lower, freshly cleaned surfaces.
7. Use Microfiber Towel for Drying:
When drying the car, opt for a soft microfiber towel. Avoid using water blades, chamois leather, or bath towels, as these can cause scratches or marring on the ceramic-coated surface.
Step 2. Pre-Wash the Car
Pre-washing is a critical step in the cleaning process, especially for ceramic coated cars. While ceramic coatings offer better scratch protection than bare paint, they can still accumulate swirl marks if not handled carefully. Pre-washing aims to remove as much dirt as possible before physically touching the paint with a wash mitt.
There are two primary methods to pre-wash your car:
Snow Foam:
Snow foaming is a fun and efficient way to pre-wash your car. Using a snow foam cannon, apply a pH neutral or alkaline snow foam to the car’s surface. Alkaline foams work better for heavily soiled vehicles, while pH neutral foams are suitable for regular maintenance. Allow the foam to dwell for the recommended time, ensuring it doesn’t dry out, and then rinse it off with a pressure washer.
Citrus Pre-Wash:
An alternative to snow foam is a citrus pre-wash. Apply the citrus pre-wash using a pump or trigger sprayer, covering the car’s surface evenly. Allow it to dwell for the recommended time, and then rinse it off with a pressure washer.
Remember, rinsing the car before applying the pre-wash is beneficial in two scenarios: when the car has thick mud or on warm days to cool the panels. Experiment with both methods to determine which one works best for you.
Step 3. Contact Wash the Car
The contact wash is the main phase of the cleaning process, where you physically remove the remaining dirt and traffic film from the car’s surface. For this step, choose a dedicated pH neutral car shampoo without any gloss-enhancing agents or waxes that could clog up the ceramic coating.
To safely wash your ceramic coated car, follow these steps:
Prepare the Wash:
Fill two buckets with 20 liters of water each. Add the recommended dilution of car shampoo to one bucket and mix it thoroughly. Use a pH neutral car shampoo specifically designed for ceramic coated cars. Avoid using household cleaners or dish soap, as they can damage the ceramic coating.
Choose the Right Wash Mitt:
Opt for a high-quality microfiber wash mitt, like The Rag Company Cyclone, as it offers a soft and scratch-resistant surface. Avoid using sponges or brushes, which can be abrasive and harm the ceramic coating.
Wash the Car Methodically:
Start washing from the top of the vehicle and work panel by panel, using straight-line motions to glide the wash mitt over each section without applying pressure. Rinse the mitt in the bucket of clean water after washing each panel.
Rinse Off the Shampoo:
Once the entire car has been washed, rinse off the shampoo thoroughly using a pressure washer. Avoid letting the shampoo dry on the surface, as it can lead to water spots and streaks.
Step 4. Dry the Car
Drying your ceramic-coated car properly is essential to avoid water spots that could damage the coating. After rinsing off the shampoo, it’s crucial to dry the car immediately.
To dry the car, you’ll need two separate microfiber towels—one for the paintwork and another for the wheels. Using the same towel for both areas increases the risk of inflicting scratches.
Follow these steps for proper drying:
It’s extremely important to dry your car after washing, following are the steps:
Use Dedicated Microfiber Towels:
Select high-quality microfiber towels for drying, ensuring they are clean and free from any debris that could cause scratches.
Drying the Paintwork:
Gently pat the paintwork dry with the dedicated microfiber towel, starting from the top and working your way down.
Drying the Wheels:
Use the second microfiber towel to dry the wheels, removing any remaining water to prevent water spots.
Ensure Towel Cleanliness and Softness:
Before drying, make sure the microfiber towel is completely clean and free from any debris that could scratch the coating. Microfiber towels are soft and gentle, while bath towels are too harsh and can damage the coating.
Avoid Water Blades and Chamois Leather:
Never use a water blade (squeegee) or chamois leather to dry the car, as these tools can cause scratches and mar the coating’s finish.
Use Low-Pressure Water:
Start by using low-pressure water, such as from an open-ended hose, to rinse over the car. Water’s cohesive nature helps push most of the water off the paintwork, making the drying process easier.
Dry Windows First:
Begin by using the microfiber towel to dry the windows.
Pat Dry with Microfiber Towel:
Gently place the microfiber towel on the paintwork and pat it dry, avoiding swiping motions that may cause scratches.
Dry from Top to Bottom:
Dry the car from top to bottom, ensuring the entire surface is dry.
Use Separate Towels for Wheels:
Use a separate microfiber towel to dry the wheels, preventing cross-contamination between paintwork and wheels.
Apply a Tire Dressing
Applying a tire dressing is essential to complete the “detailed” look of your car and keep the tires looking clean for longer.
Wrap up!
Maintaining a ceramic coated car is an art that requires attention to detail and the right tools. By following the step-by-step guide on washing a ceramic coated car, you can ensure your vehicle remains in top-notch condition with a stunning, long-lasting shine. Remember to pre-wash the car to remove dirt and minimize the risk of scratches, use a dedicated pH neutral shampoo with microfiber mitts for contact washing, and dry the car with soft, clean microfiber towels.
For an exceptional car washing and detailing experience in Logan Square, look no further than Logan Square Hand Car Wash & Detailing. Our expert team understands the intricacies of ceramic coated cars and employs the best techniques and products to maintain their shine and protection. Trust us to handle your prized possession with care and dedication, and see your ceramic coated car radiate brilliance like never before. Visit us today and give your car the pampering it deserves!
