A few simple steps can make all the difference when washing your car. First off, never allow bird mess or tree sap to remain on the car as it can quickly damage the finish. When washing the car, park it in a shaded area to avoid uneven drying.

A jet wash is a good way to blast off most of the dirt as you don’t want small particles scratching the finish when you use a cloth later. Next, wash the car with a cloth or specialist wash mitt using an appropriate car shampoo. Using two buckets, one to rinse your cloth and one for clean soapy water, wash the car from top to bottom, avoiding a circular motion which could leave swirl marks.

When you’re done washing, rinse of the soapy residue with clean water. When you do this, look for the water “beading” off the paints surface: if it doesn’t do this then the wax coat needs replenishing. To avoid unsightly water marks you should dry the car quickly with a drying cloth or chamois.