When you first get the keys to your brand-new vehicle, the paint and chrome are polished to a mirror-like shine. Unfortunately, it only takes a few months for that magical gloss to start fading, worn down by dust and bad weather…
Thankfully, with the right techniques and protection, you can maintain a showroom-worthy finish. Here are some expert tips from the pros at VitroPlus to help you get there.
Car Washing Techniques
Hand washing: the professional’s choice
This traditional and gentle technique is the best way to protect your vehicle’s paint over the long term. With careful attention, you can achieve results that rival professional detailing services:
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Use the two-bucket method. Fill one with soapy water and the other with clean water for rinsing your cloth or mitt. This prevents dirt from being reapplied to your vehicle and reduces the risk of scratches.
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Start by rinsing the car with a hose or pressure washer to remove loose dirt and debris before scrubbing.
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Use a pH-neutral car shampoo. Avoid dish soap or household cleaners, which can strip wax or protective coatings.
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Wash from top to bottom. Begin with the roof and upper panels, working your way down to avoid redoing sections.
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Use a microfibre cloth or mitt. These are gentle on surfaces, effectively lift dirt, and leave fewer streaks than sponges.
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Rinse frequently with clean water to prevent soap or dirt residues from drying onto the paint.
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Dry with a clean microfibre towel. Gently blot or wipe the surfaces. You can also use a car dryer or even a leaf blower (in a clean, dust-free environment) to dry hard-to-reach areas.
Automatic car washes: time-saving… but at what cost?
If you’re short on time or the weather doesn’t favour hand washing, a drive-through car wash can get the job done in minutes. But be cautious: pricing and quality vary significantly between locations—especially in terms of equipment, soap, and products used.
For example, dirt and debris can get caught in the brushes, leading to micro-scratches on your paint. Touchless car washes are generally safer, but some use strong detergents that can strip wax or sealants. Choose premium facilities with water filtration systems to avoid residue buildup in spray nozzles.
Spray-on sealants or waxes provide temporary protection for a few weeks, but they don’t replace a proper hand-applied treatment by professionals.
Paint Protection
Regular cleaning is part of basic vehicle maintenance. Adding paint protection helps keep that flawless finish after each wash for much longer. Here are a few options:
Wax and Sealant
Wax adds shine and depth to your paint. Colours appear richer and more vibrant. However, wax needs to be reapplied about every six weeks to remain effective.
Synthetic paint sealants offer longer-lasting protection against contaminants and UV rays—typically lasting 4 to 6 months. However, their finish isn’t as warm or deep-looking as wax.
Always apply wax or sealant to a clean, dry surface using a microfibre pad. Work in straight lines rather than circles to avoid leaving marks.
Nano-ceramic coating
Unlike wax or sealant, a nano-ceramic coating bonds at a molecular level with the paint. It adds hydrophobic properties and greater resistance to UV rays and contaminants. Dirt and grime stick less to treated surfaces, keeping your vehicle cleaner after each wash.
Big-box retailers sell consumer-grade products that are fairly easy to apply and offer protection for 3 to 12 months.
However, professional-grade ceramic coatings applied in-shop deliver a flawless finish and far more durable results. At VitroPlus, we offer Diamond Gloss®, a high-strength, ultra-glossy sealant with a 10-year warranty, and Ceramic Z-Gloss®, an advanced nano-ceramic coating guaranteed to protect for 7 years without reapplication.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
This invisible film offers ultimate protection against rocks, road debris, and scratches by absorbing minor impacts before they reach your paint. It’s especially useful on vulnerable areas like the hood, bumpers, side mirrors, and rocker panels.
Wheels and Rims
Last step: a clean, shiny car deserves gleaming rims and well-dressed tyres.
Cleaning and protecting your rims
Brake dust, released through friction, is highly corrosive and can dull your rims if left untreated. Clean your rims regularly with a non-acidic wheel cleaner—acid-based ones can damage aluminum.
Scrub dirt with a soft-bristled brush and microfibre cloth to prevent scratches. You can also apply a nano-ceramic coating to your rims for easier maintenance.
Tyre shine
Tyre shine is the final touch for that showroom look. Depending on your desired finish, water-based products offer a natural satin look, while silicone-based ones give a glossy, wet appearance. Some tyre shines also provide UV protection, helping prevent rubber from drying and cracking over time.
Apply these products on dry rubber in thin layers to avoid drips or sling-off.