How to use Karcher correctly - instructions for use, connection and care

Advantages of a contactless car washing method

When using this modern device, materials and compositions that negatively affect the properties of varnish and paint and contribute to corrosion are not used. The car surface remains bright and shiny. The touchless wash takes about 15 minutes.

Thanks to the new technique, it is possible to remove dirt both from the surface of the body and from hard-to-reach places :

• bottoms;
• engine compartment area;
• spaces under the seats;
• wings;
• wheel rims.

Another plus is the affordable price .

A touchless car wash can thoroughly clean your entire car.

How to choose the right car wash?

To achieve the maximum effect from visiting a car wash, you need to choose it correctly. This is quite easy to do. The first thing you should do is ask your friends and acquaintances. Listen to their opinions on this or that issue about each car wash they visited. Preference should be given to those services that your friends have visited repeatedly. Repeated visits to the same car wash says a lot.

The same can be done directly at the car wash. If there is a long queue and you need to sign up in advance, then this indicates regular customers who trust the service. You can also watch the car wash from the side. Pay attention to what cars drive there. Expensive foreign cars? Cheap and rusty scrap metal piles? Draw conclusions.

And finally, you will have the opportunity to verify the quality of the wash yourself. No one will forbid you to stop washing if you see that your car is being treated like a tin can. At professional car washes, the workers treat someone else's car as if it were their own. You can verify this by at least watching several videos on this topic.

Safety precautions

Before washing your car with Karcher, you need to study the safety rules . Water flies out of the nozzle under very high pressure, so if the device is used incorrectly, this can lead to dire consequences. Particular care should be taken when using nozzles that produce a pinpoint and narrow stream of water.

You cannot come closer than 15-30 cm; the surface begins to be processed from a distance of 60 cm. It is forbidden to use the sink while standing on a hill. When the trigger is pulled, there may be kickback, causing you to fall.

It is safer for the operator and the paintwork to spray with a wide spray pattern. It takes longer, but the risk of damage is much lower. Do not use a contactless car wash near a power line or point the nozzle with pressurized water at people or animals.

Instructions for washing a car with Karcher

The presence of hundreds of would-be advisers on the Internet has become a real problem. In every second article about “proper” car washing, you can read information that you need to wipe dry dirt with a rag or other useful advice that will help you quickly decide to repaint the entire car. If you wash your car with Karcher, then there should be no contact actions. This is a contactless car wash; the machine will do all the work for you.

If the car is too dirty, you must first remove the dirt from it using water pressure. And here again there is a lot of advice that active foam is applied to the body only in dry form. This is a myth - it is in combination with water that the foam will work most effectively. So, the process of washing a car with Karcher is as follows:

• remove dust and dirt from the body using high water pressure from the device;
• wait a few minutes until most of the water drains;
• apply the selected element of automotive chemicals (shampoo, foam, etc.) to the body;
• The body must be completely covered with this solution, including the glass;
• give the active elements of chemistry a few minutes to work;
• thoroughly rinse off the foam using high water pressure;
• If necessary, wipe the car with a soft cloth or let it dry.

While performing all these procedures, do not forget about the wheel arches, the wheels themselves, the lower part of the sills and bumpers. These places often go unnoticed during self-washing, and the result of the entire process does not please the owner. Car shampoo also requires special choice.

If you buy cheap automotive chemicals, the washing result will be unexpectedly bad. Official chemistry from Karcher is also not universal and is not suitable for all types of paintwork. Manufacturers often make recommendations regarding the chemicals used for care. These are the recommendations that should be followed.

How to prepare a high pressure washer for use

Before using Karcher to wash your car, you should familiarize yourself with the procedure for preparing it for use.

If an extension cord , it must be unwound. It must be thick to withstand high loads. The pressure washer does not work with hot water. Because of it, the pump and rubber seals will fail. The water temperature should not be higher than 60 degrees. The pump may break if there is not enough water. This is especially true for powerful washers, which require a large continuous flow . If there is a shortage, a mixture of water and air bubbles forms inside the pump.

The hose from the source is connected to the apparatus. Check the reliability of the connections. Let the water flow, its pressure should not be higher than 5 bar. You need to check that it fits the sink. A device operating without water will quickly break down. Before turning it on, press the trigger of the sprayer for a few seconds. The air will come out of the system, the residual pressure will be released, continue pressing and turn on the washer.

Wash completion and storage

• After completing the job, turn off the water supply and press and hold the trigger until water stops coming out of the nozzle. After this, immediately turn off the washer. This will release any remaining pressure in the system.
• If possible, keep the washer warm during the cold season to avoid damage to the pump, hoses and lance.
• If the sink will be stored in an unheated garage, then you need to use a special antifreeze for the pump (Pump Guard).

Sequence of procedure

How to properly wash a car with a high pressure washer? The car windows must be closed before the procedure. The first time you pull the trigger, pointing the nozzle to the side, otherwise a sharp strong flow can damage the plastic parts and coating.

Many car enthusiasts make the mistake of starting to work with a mini-wash, soaking and removing the main dirt, and then cannot understand how to wash a car with a Karcher without streaks. You can achieve perfect cleanliness if you follow the technology . It is recommended to apply the foam to a dry surface. Wet will dilute it even more and reduce its effectiveness. Therefore, if the car is not very dirty, then the foam can be applied immediately. However, if there is a thick layer of dirt, it is better to first rinse the machine using a wide or medium torch and high water pressure, as a result, dirt, salt and sand will be washed away.

The product for contactless washing (shampoo) is poured into a special tank, which is included in the kit, or built into the body. Before use, you should read the instructions, which tell you how much water is needed for dilution and what the proportion should be. Instead of a container, you can use a special foam nozzle. It creates a thick foam that does not slide off and stays on the hood for a long time.

To begin to act on contaminants, the foam must remain on the surface for 4-5 minutes.

There is an important condition that must be observed. This applies to the residence time of the foam composition. If you wash it off too early, the product will not have time to fully react with the dirt; as a result, it will not completely liquefy and some of it will remain in place. Overexposed foam will cause dirt to fall off as sediment, leaving streaks behind.

Do not wash a hot car or under the scorching rays of the sun. Wash off with a clean stream of water under pressure. After washing with clean water, rinse the spray head and bottle with suction tube well.

If the body has been regularly waxed , you can only apply and wash off the foam. In some cases, you can simply clean a dirty car with clean water and a special microfiber mitt.

The sink is equipped with a special tank for detergent

Applying detergent

The final result depends on how you wash your car correctly with Karcher. If there is a thick layer of dirt, first rinse the car under a strong stream with a medium or wide nozzle . Then a special product is applied, which is intended for use in a high-pressure washer.

The composition is applied with horizontal movements, from bottom to top. As a result, the lower strip will prevent the foam applied in the upper part from sliding off. The foam strips must be applied so that they slightly overlap each other, then there will be no missing areas.

Washing off foam

When washing off the foam, hold the nozzle at an angle of 25–45 degrees to the surface This will prevent foam solution and dirt from splashing onto the washed surface. When sprayed at an angle, the hood will not be scratched, which could leave hard dirt that can be washed away.

In some cases, in order to clean up the car, you need to wash it with your own hands with a sponge or microfiber mitt; you don’t need to use car shampoo

Finishing touches

The car is also washed with a special brush , attaching it to the sprayer. When using one brush for the body and wheels, the latter should be cleaned last. This will help prevent small pebbles or abrasives from getting onto the surface of the body.

Salt and dirt always stick to the bottom. They are eliminated with a special lance , which sprays at an angle. You can purchase a nozzle for washing the bottom, which must be pressed against the floor so that there is no rotation and no kickback occurs.

Features and differences between washing in winter and summer

Many car owners do not change their car washing routine during the warm and cold seasons.

This is a mistake, because some aspects in terms of water temperature and the features of removing contaminants will differ. Let's look at these points in more detail.

Differences

Summer and winter washing have a number of features:

1. The water should be warm in winter and cold in summer.
2. In summer, the rugs do not need to be wiped or dried, but in winter this must be done. If you skip this step, moisture will appear in the cabin and, accordingly, frost will appear on the inside of the glass.
3. Summer washing requires additional removal of organic dirt characteristic of this period.
4. It is advisable to cool a body heated by the sun with cold water, but at a temperature close to “0”, on the contrary, it needs to be heated.
5. In winter, pay special attention to arches, sills and other hidden areas of the car where road dirt and “chemicals” accumulate.

Features of washing in summer

When washing a car in the summer, it is worth considering aggravating factors such as high temperature, the presence of plant/animal origin, traces of insects, etc.

Basic recommendations:

1. Do not use a final rinse. Water dries quickly, and the mineral elements present in it do not have time to drain away. To avoid streaks, use osmosis.
2. Avoid applying foam to hot metal. In this case, the foam dries quickly and does not cope with its functions of removing dirt. Pre-spray the body with plain water or a prepared solution with shampoo. This is especially important for dark cars that warm up to +50 degrees Celsius.
3. Use wax. Additional protection reduces the risk of insects, berry juices, resins, bird droppings and other aggressive contaminants getting into the paint.
4. Do not keep the foam on the body for a long time. Do not exceed the time the “chemistry” remains on the surface for more than two to three minutes. Otherwise, it will dry out and will not cope with its task.

Features of washing in winter

A separate difficulty is washing a car in winter, when the temperature drops below “0” or stays around this mark. If the thermometer drops to -5 or less, it is better to temporarily refuse washing.

If it is not possible to postpone the procedure, follow these tips:

1. Use a car wash with a heated box. Avoid walk-through pavilions, because in severe frost and windy weather you cannot wash your car.
2. Do not park your car immediately after cleaning. Turn on the heater and drive for a while, or at least stand with the engine running. The presence of warm air inside the cabin speeds up the drying process of the car.
3. Don’t rush to wet your car right away. After entering the pit, let the car sit for a while and warm up to the indoor temperature.
4. Blow out the locks/gaps. The main danger of winter washing is the accumulation of water on rubber bands, door locks/handles, seals, etc. If your sink has an air gun, use it to dry.
5. Wash your car with warm water. It is more effective in removing dirt, ice and reagents from the road. The machine must be rinsed with the same water after completion of work.
6. Use wax. The car body needs special protection in winter. After applying a wax layer to dirt, water and hazardous reagents do not linger on the body and quickly drain.
7. Pay attention to processing the lower part, because it receives the most “chemicals” from the road. Try to avoid the accumulation of such dirt in the lower part of the machine.

How to properly wash a car under the hood

Before you start washing the engine, you need to remove decorative and protective screens, plastic elements, and disconnect the wiring . Cover the tanks and body parts with inscriptions and plates; waterproof material is suitable for this.

Close with polyethylene and tape:

• electrical equipment parts;
• terminals;
• connectors;
• air intakes.

It is advisable to remove the battery . You cannot start washing the engine while it is still hot, the chemical composition will evaporate quickly and the result will not be visible. The engine temperature should be 40-50 degrees.

Before the procedure, be sure to remove dry leaves so that they do not fall into the drainage holes. Coat the motor with a special compound and wait the prescribed time. There is no need to apply foam liquid liberally; it will take a long time to rinse off, which poses a danger to electrical wiring. The engine must be flushed gently so as not to damage plastic and rubber parts and wiring. It is better to wash the engine in warm weather. In cold weather, water may remain on the moving parts, this will negatively affect the condition and operation of the engine. Drying is necessary after washing .

A high pressure washer is also used to wash the engine.

Adviсe

Often, after washing a car, white stains remain on the body, which are especially visible on a dark surface. They appear due to the use of low-quality shampoo.

You cannot buy ordinary shampoos intended for washing hair, which is what inexperienced Karcher owners most often do. For such a procedure, it is necessary to purchase only specialized products.

Don't skimp on this shampoo and you won't regret it. For contactless washing, a professional product is the best.

Also, do not spare water to rinse the car. Rinse off the shampoo well from the body and do not forget to wax the car after water treatments.

With the help of simple rules and recommendations, you can become an expert in this matter. Once you try to wash your car yourself with a Karcher once, you won’t want to take it to the car wash again.

It is difficult to imagine any modern cleaning or washing process without the use of such a convenient and practical device as a high-pressure washer. It is easy to use, affordable, and effective on large surfaces. By purchasing a mini-wash for private use, you get a real assistant who can facilitate any work related to cleaning the house and the surrounding area, cleaning the territory, washing a car, walls, roofs, facades, garden equipment and agricultural implements.

Choosing a mini-wash is a process that requires special scrupulousness and seriousness. It is no secret that German-made Karcher high-pressure washers are the most popular among consumers. They are so popular and widespread that many buyers call any washing unit from another company Karcher. A real Karcher is distinguished by its versatility and reliability. Such a machine is suitable for performing almost any task, so the demand for this equipment is growing every day.

The reason for its popularity is that Karcher specialists were the first in Europe to produce high-pressure washers, and therefore have extensive experience in developing new models. Over decades of productive work, they managed to study this issue thoroughly, introduce several patented technologies, and select ideal materials for the washing mechanism.

How to make the right choice of mini-wash

Karcher has several classes of sinks. Each model has a type designation: – K2, K3, K4, K5, etc. Also on the packaging of each sink there is a diagrammatic illustration of what can be washed with it. The classes differ from each other in performance, power, price, and, most importantly, the material from which the pump is made.

We will help you understand the main types of mini-washes from the renowned German manufacturer in order to find out their features and performance characteristics, because these indicators determine performance and determine their purpose.

There is a common opinion among users that they need to be guided by size. The small one washes small objects, the medium one washes, respectively, medium-sized ones (including a small and not very dirty car). And the big one - everything of size, including trucks and trucks, tractors and combines.

There is a grain of truth in this statement. But it’s better to look not at the size of the washing machine, but at its technical characteristics.

1. Entry-level mini-washers K2 and K3 are characterized by a low price and small body parameters. Their advantage is light weight, ease of storage and transportation. They are compact and fit in the trunk. But they don't wash well. K2 are suitable for garden equipment, benches, borders, bicycles. As a rule, they are purchased for rare and short-term work on occasional cleaning of small areas. K3 will wash both a motorcycle and even a car, but not too dirty. The pressure in such models does not exceed 100-110 bar. Classes K4 and K5 are the most optimal and popular among users. These devices are practical, easy to use, and designed to perform a wide range of tasks. They have a long working life and a durable aluminum pump. The outlet pressure can reach 120-140 bar, it is possible to work with any source of water, it can be connected to a tap or to an artificial reservoir, a water tank, or a barrel. This is the most optimal option for a mini-wash, including high technical characteristics and an affordable price. It is also worth noting that this class is equipped with:

• Quick connect system;
• forced cooling of mechanisms, which promotes long-term operation;
• hoses included, K-4 – 6 m, K-5 – 9 meters.

2. There are also high-class Karcher industrial units K6 and K7. They can work without interruption for cooling, that is, constantly on. This feature is important in large service stations, when washing large areas in enterprises. The speed and performance of such machines are worthy of respect; no other manufacturer can compare with them. The devices are large, heavy, and equipped with wheels for transportation. For a home there is no point in buying such a unit with such power, but for a business it is just right.

What is needed for a quality wash?

In order to choose the right model that will best satisfy your needs, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of each, the range of its operation, the rated power and the capabilities that it provides to the mechanism.

You will be able to use Karcher correctly only when the technical characteristics of the washing unit perfectly match the future volume of work.

The tips located on the box of each unit will help with this - the areas of application of the model that it can cope with are drawn here. Instructions for use of each device are included in the box; you should also read them carefully. The standard package of Kärcher miniwashers has everything necessary for the device to fully operate, but some models do not have a low-pressure hose. Sometimes it can be replaced with a garden hose of a suitable diameter.

The cleaning performance is affected by the material of the piston and pump. Karcher always has a steel piston, and regarding the design of the pump, its material comes in different types:

• Fiberglass. The strength is not bad, but it does not tolerate heavy loads. Installed in the lowest class, K2 and K3.
• Die-cast aluminum. Surprisingly durable and light at the same time. Does not rust. Resistant to deformation and loads. Used in classes K4, K5.
• Brass alloy. Combination of copper and inca. It is considered an “eternal” material that does not change its appearance for decades.

High-quality washing is also determined by the detergent; it must be special, designed for high-pressure washing.

Washing stages

The first stage of working with a mini-wash in a home or industrial environment is to clearly determine the source of water: a stationary water supply or a prepared container.

Connecting a Karcher sink to a water supply is the most popular method of using it. To enable it you need:

1. You need to attach a filter and fitting to the supply pipe. A filter is not a prerequisite, but water, even from a tap, is never absolutely clean. Therefore, it is better to protect the unit from damage.
2. Using an adapter, attach the hose. Ideally, the adapter should be quick-clamping, keyless, and even with an aqua-stop to stop the reverse flow of water.
3. On the other side, the hose is connected to a water tap. Here’s a simple way to connect to a centralized water supply. Before connecting the Karcher to a barrel or natural source, we do the same thing, only we hook the hose not to the tap, but lower it into a container. And we suck it in a little (like gasoline from a canister). It is very convenient when an outlet with a fitting is cut into a barrel or tank. Then the hose can be attached to it.
4. We check the clutch points, the possibility of water leakage and troubleshoot problems
5. Apply detergent to the contaminated surface. To carry out a touchless wash, detergent is applied to dry dirt.
6. After rinsing, the surface should be wiped if necessary.
7. It is worth noting that when using contaminated water, it is still necessary to resort to the use of special filters to purify the liquid. If we pull from a barrel, then the filter must also have a check valve (so that water does not leak out).

Is it possible to “kill” a motor by washing?

If the high-pressure washing technology is violated, then:

• the car will not start;
• the engine will start, but immediately stall;
• some electrical appliances will stop working;
• unstable engine operation is observed;
• there are dips when pressing the gas;
• no traction.

The main troubles will affect the electronics , since the mechanical part is protected from water penetration. Some signs will appear only after a certain period of time, for example, this concerns the oxidation of contacts.

If most problems in the operation of an internal combustion engine can be eliminated by getting water on the spark plug wells by drying the contacts of the distributor, then if the electronic control unit fails, you will have to invest a lot of money in its repair. Therefore, before washing the car, you should carefully prepare it.

How do self-service car washes work?

Externally, such complexes look like covered or open boxes, each of which has two guns for supplying water, foam, wax and other compounds.

The general algorithm of actions involves several steps: entry, payment, selection of a program and washing the car.

The work is done independently, so the driver needs to make some effort.

There are three types of self-service car washes:

1. Dead-end. The car enters and exits the pit on one side. This option is less convenient, but is often used in gated complexes: parking, cooperative.
2. Through. The car enters from one side and leaves from the other. This principle can be compared to a regular gas station. The advantage of end-to-end systems is high speed of service and convenience, but they take up more space.
3. Closed. They look like boxes with the ability to close doors. Set up in a special room. They have a higher price, require more time to clean, but allow you to wash the car even in winter.

Through

Washing a car with Karcher: tricks and secrets

When washing with Karcher, special car shampoos , which are concentrated formulations. They are diluted in the proportions indicated on the packaging. Do not direct the jet directly at the gaps between the panels; water may penetrate into the interior. Headlights and glass are washed with less pressure and a wider torch. It is not always possible to remove dirt particles embedded in the paint with a high-pressure apparatus. You can remove it using special clay for cleaning the body. a rotating nozzle (tornado) to wash your car . It can easily damage the paintwork because it is very aggressive. To ensure that no streaks remain, wipe the surface dry with a clean, dry cloth.

Frequently asked questions

When using a self-service terminal, many questions arise regarding the rules and features of car washing. Below we will consider the main points that interest car owners.

Which car wash is cheaper?

When using special complexes, the driver pays for a specific program, and the costs depend on the degree of contamination of the car.

If you have the skills, you can wash the body of a small car for 150-170 rubles. More money will be spent on a crossover - up to 180-200 rubles. For a dirty car, prices will be higher. When adding rugs, add another 20-30 rubles.

For comparison, a visit to a regular car wash will cost 500-700 rubles, depending on the car body.

If we compare, the savings are insignificant, but with 10 visits they are significant and can reach 3000-5000 rubles.

How safe is this type of washing?

Self-service car washes are organized in such a way that it is difficult to damage the car. When setting up the equipment, a safe pressure and pressure are established, which eliminates damage to paintwork, headlights and chrome elements.

If the setting is made incorrectly and the con is too high, the chrome and lacquer plastic may become cloudy. Problems can occur at any car wash, including the most expensive ones.

The occurrence of damage when the gun comes into contact with the machine is eliminated due to the presence of rubber tips.

If you plan to use brushes, pay attention to their condition. They must be clean, free of sand and foreign debris. If there is dirt on it or lack of lint, you should refuse to use the product.

In conventional sinks the situation is different, because water is supplied under high pressure. If a washer has just started a job and is not yet familiar with the basic requirements, he can easily damage some element.

In addition, after washing the car is wiped with a dry and often not very clean cloth. As a result, scratches may appear on the body.

Despite the lower pressure, it is better not to bring the gun too close to the car. It should be located at a distance of 0.3 m or more. If there are “saffron caps” or other defects on the surface, it is better to avoid direct impact of water in this place.

When is the best time to come wash your car?

When choosing a time, give preference to hours with minimal load, when there is no queue at the terminal. In this case, you can deposit a small amount, cover the car with foam and wait more time.

If there is no queue, no one will “push you in the back” and force you to leave the machine.

The load level changes constantly throughout the year and time of day. This moment is influenced by many factors, including weather conditions.

On a sunny day there are more people willing to wash the “iron horse”, but on rainy days all the terminals are empty.

The opposite applies to indoor car washes. They are more popular in frosty, windy or rainy weather.

When choosing the best option, look at the operating hours and tariff. In some establishments it is more profitable to wash your car at night. At the same time, the absence of queues will allow you to get your work done calmly.

An additional advantage in the summer is that the body will already have time to cool down and does not need to be watered with cold water.

How long does it take to wash?

The process of treating the body with foam takes no more than three minutes, and the total time depends on the type of body. The same amount will have to be spent on removing foam.

If we take into account that the “chemistry” should be on the body from two to five minutes, the total time costs will be up to 10 minutes.

Additionally, you will have to set aside 20 minutes to completely wipe the body, glass and other body parts. Total - half an hour.

Please note that your first visit may take longer.

How to save money on car washing?

Despite the low cost of services, car owners often think about additional savings.

In most cases, self-service car washes are billed on a per-second basis.

To save money, break the process into three stages:

1. Removing dust/dirt.
2. Foam body treatment.
3. Final cleaning of the car from “chemicals”.

For each stage, use a separate payment so as not to waste money for downtime.

Additionally, follow these recommendations:

1. Avoid unnecessary programs. For example, in dry weather, wax is not needed, and instead of using osmosis, it is enough to wipe the car.
2. Take rags with you, as they are offered at a higher price at the self-service car wash.
3. Check out several different options and choose the service that is most convenient and allows you to save money. Here a lot depends on the quality of the foam substances and water pressure.
4. Use the system of bonuses and discounts that operate in such establishments. This is especially true immediately after opening.
5. Do not attempt to use all wash cycles. They are only needed to clean a dirty car. To remove dust, it is enough to use ordinary foam and water.

What to take with you to the self-service car wash?

Before visiting such services, stock up on everything you need to complete the work.

You will need:

1. A soft microfiber cloth (at least one). It is needed to remove moisture from the bottom edge of doors/openings. Water and foam often accumulate in these places and must be removed to avoid streaks.
2. Wet wipes. Needed to clean hands after washing. As a result, you can protect the steering wheel and interior from additional sources of dirt. Just don’t use them to wipe interior elements, because the impregnated contents of the napkins negatively affect leather products and reduce their service life.
3. Glass cleaning and plastic care products. They will come in handy in a situation where you are planning a global cleaning of the interior.

Is it possible to wash a car without getting dirty?

Newbies often leave the self-service car wash covered in water and foam from head to toe.

As for experienced car owners, they easily avoid such a fate. The only thing you can get wet is your shoes.

But this does not mean that work can be done in a formal business suit and while traveling to a business meeting. According to the “law of meanness,” you will definitely get dirty.

If you handle the car carefully and there is no strong wind, your clothes are unlikely to be damaged by shampoo or foam getting on them.

If you are afraid of getting dirty and want to stay completely clean, it is better to use a regular car wash and pay a little extra.

Is it possible to clean the interior?

Most self-service car washes have a vacuum cleaner available and rent to drivers for a nominal fee.

The power of such devices is enough to remove sand and minor dirt from the interior. This is especially important in the summer, when you have to go to the beach or into the forest.

The average cost of cleaning the interior is about 60-80 rubles. An additional 20-30 rubles will be spent on cleaning the luggage compartment.

Is it possible to wash the engine at a self-service car wash?

Features of car cleaning depend on the rules of a particular self-service car wash. If management does not prohibit such work, it can be easily done by following standards, rules and safety measures.

If you have no experience, it is better not to take risks and turn to specialists. Read how to properly wash a car engine.

Is it possible to never go to a regular car wash again?

The emergence of self-service car washes creates the erroneous opinion that ordinary establishments can be abandoned altogether. And really, why pay 500-600 rubles if you can do it yourself for 150-200 rubles? Please note that achieving a perfect result in a DIY car wash is a difficult task.

Self-service car wash is suitable for keeping the car body clean. Foam easily copes with dust and small debris. In case of serious contamination, a film is formed on the body, which includes reagents, soot and dust.

You won’t be able to remove it yourself, and the only way out is to use shampoo and a sponge. In some cases, white spirit and special auto chemicals may be required.

Therefore, at least once a month you need to go to a regular car wash to clean the trunk and interior. The rest of the time, it is enough to keep the self-service stations clean.

Can I wipe down my car after waxing?

It is not necessary to do this kind of work. But if possible, it is better to use a microfiber cloth, because it helps in obtaining additional shine.

Is it possible to apply wax to glass?

Applying wax to glass provides a durable protective layer that protects the surface from dirt and repels water.

The downside is that due to frequent operation of the wipers, this coating wears off and only lasts for a few days. To save money, you can skip the glass processing step.

Common mistakes

Drivers often wash their cars under very high pressure . As a result, the surface protective layer vibrates, the paint becomes covered with small cracks, which after a few years become dull. If the car is old and there are traces of corrosion on the body, then this pressure can break off the necessary pieces of metal and putty.

Experts advise buying cleaning products that do not form a lot of foam. A very aggressive one can ruin the top layer of paint.

Cheap products are also not worth purchasing, as they are difficult to bring the car into proper shape. You need to work with a high-pressure washer carefully, slowly, and apply the foam composition evenly. Direct the jet carefully onto doorways and other gaps in the body. We must try not to get on the radiator grille. It does not matter how to direct the water flow, from top to bottom or vice versa. In the first case, it will be possible to wash off the foam faster.

What not to do at a self-service car wash

Despite the simplicity of the process and the safety of the elements used, some things are still prohibited.

At a self-service car wash you are not allowed to:

1. Bring the gun less than 30 cm from the car to avoid damaging the body paint.
2. Direct the flow of water at an acute angle in relation to the decorative elements of the machine. Otherwise, there is a high risk of damage.
3. Try when processing defective paintwork with chips, scratches or traces of corrosion. If you try too hard, you can tear off a piece of paint.
4. Rub contaminated areas with a napkin/rag. Dirt sticks to such material, which subsequently damages the paintwork.
5. Wash a hot engine with cold water. With a sharp temperature change, small cracks may appear and metal elements may deform.
6. Direct the flow of water towards throttles, hoses, filter, wiring and other electrical components. Otherwise, starting difficulties may occur.
7. Direct a powerful flow to the radiator, as this can damage the lamellas.

How to properly wash a car at home - Digital Plus equipment store

There are several ways to wash your car yourself. We will tell you about the most effective of them in this article. Of course, you love your car, which means you wash your car correctly. To keep your pet in perfect condition, you need to know some secrets that we will tell you about.

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