Car washing dos and don’ts
Rinse your car first to remove larger pieces of dirt which can scratch your car when washing, and use clean drying cloths. Photos by Rachel Mabala
What you need to know:
- You put a lot of effort into looking good, so it is no surprise that you want your ride to look good, too. The best way to do this is with a good, thorough wash with lots of attention to detail.
- However, attention should also be paid to the soap used among other factors.
George Muwonge is a proud owner of a Toyota Premio that he recently bought. His love for the car is demonstrated by how often he washes it. With a number of washing bays being set up in most suburbs, cleaning your car has been simplified. Most washing bays have different types of washes they offer depending on the owner’s request.
However, this also comes with a number of glitches, one being the presence of untrained workers. According to Bosco Kigongo of Iconic Garage in Kinawataka, precaution should be taken while washing different parts of the car.
The exterior
This includes the top, sides and under the car. For example, Kigongo says when washing the body of the car, one should mostly look out for the colour. Here, the type of soap used matters because some soap brands used are corrosive and as such affect the body of the car. “Use mild car detergents which are available in most supermarkets from as low as Shs13,000,” he suggests.
Kigongo also cautions car owners against using jet sprays all over the car. He says jet sprays can only be used on top and under the car.
However, they should never be used near the hood because this is where the engine and electrical fan of the car are located.
“Do not use high pressure water around the lower fan system. Jet sprays when directed to the rubber seals, around windows damage the sealing which in the end causes peeling off of the rubber leading to leakage especially during the rainy season,” he says adding that “rather than using a jet spray, you should instead clean these areas yourself taking care not to pour water there.”
The interior
According to Kigongo, while washing, some people have the habit of just pouring water in the car. Unfortunately, the same goes for cleaners at washing bays who have a habit of removing upholstery and drowning the carpets with water which is not good. Water can easily cause corrosion and short circuits in the car.
How to clean
The best way to clean the interior is by using a spray or a damp cloth. Kigongo also advises against rinsing the car seats with a lot of water because if they do not dry, they will smell. “Usually, use enough water that will dry quickly without wetting the electrical wiring. Damaged wiring will lead to malfunction of the car lights or even the indicator lights,” he advises. Kigongo advises that the surest way to clean the interior of your car is by using a spray. He says that most are available in supermarkets and range between Shs13,000 and Shs18,000. Kigongo says that if you cannot afford the spray, you can use a mild detergent mixed with a little vinegar. “This leaves the car fresh,” he says.
The engine
When doing a general car wash and cleaning which involves cleaning even the engine, Kigongo cautions car owners against pouring water on the engine because it damages the electrical parts of the engine.
He says the engine is the most sensitive part of the car as it has the power generator, the carburetor and also the computer system for most common cars that are heavy on electronics. The engine also has fuse boxes and junction points which all need to be kept dry.
“Instead of water, the cleaner should use compressed air to clean the engine. The bits of dirty oil and dirt can be cleaned using detergent soap. But when doing so, make sure to cover the electrical components with a cloth to avoid contact with water,” Kigongo advises.
According to Ronald Lubega, a mechanic in Rubaga Kampala, you should never pour water on the engine because it might damage the sensors, thus the car may fail to start. “There is no need to wash the engine. If it is very dirty, simply wipe it,” he adds.
Don’t
Forget to take your jewellery off before you start washing. If you wear rings, watches, necklaces, a belt, or anything else that could potentially scratch the paint, leave it inside. There’s time enough for style when your ride is clean.
Completely clean the wheels before you wash the rest of your car. If you do that, you’ll be fighting gravity -- and gravity always wins. When you wash the rest of your car, all that dirt and grime you rinse off will end up right back on your clean rims. No need to pull double duty.
