A car expert has warned motorists not to make a costly and all too common car mistake - warning that it could well be wrecking their paint.
Although drivers will often just simply chuck the rag they've used aside to dry, picking it back up again when it's time for the next car wash, this could be costing you precious pennies.
Grit and dust may still be embedded in the fibres of the rag the next time you come to wash your car. Furthermore, some toweling materials, such as tea or bath towels can be too abrasive, and may well end up causing micro scratching on the clear coat.
Experts at car leasing company Leasing Options have instead advised opting for a clean microfiber cloth instead, making sure to wash this thoroughly in between uses for a sparkling, scratch-free finish.
Dirt, sand, and grit can also cling to sponges and can be rubbed back into the paintwork if you're not careful. As well as between washes, you also need to watch out when going between different areas of your car, for example, going from the wheels to your paintwork.
Leasing Options, therefore, suggests using separate sponges for different parts of your car, while making sure to also change your water bucket when switching sponges.
As we enter a fresh new season, many will be looking to give their car a good spring clean. Given that some professional car washing and detailing can cost as much as £200 (according to NimbleFins), many Brits may choose to try and wash their vehicle themselves.
Mike Thompson, chief operating officer at Leasing Options, said: "There's no better time to rid your car of winter dirt than at the start of spring. With the cost of living crisis pushing prices up across the UK, many drivers will be opting to detail their cars at home this year.
"However, it's important to be aware of common practices that could be either reducing the effectiveness of your cleaning or worse, damage your vehicle's paintwork."
Do you have a car cleaning tip to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
