Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the potential dangers of washing your car with water that’s too hot. The National Weather Service has released a statement warning people not to wash their cars with water that’s hotter than 91 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why is it important to wash your car with water that’s cooler than 91 degrees Fahrenheit? First and foremost, this is to protect the car’s finish. If you Wash your car at temperatures over 91 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re also subjecting it to the risk of paint damage and rust.
Additionally, when you wash your car with hot water, you’re also potentially causing all sorts of problems for your engine. By washing your car with hot water, you’re stressing out the engine components and can even lead to a failure.
So what temperature should you wash your car at? The National Weather Service recommends washing your car with cool water at around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. This will protect both the paint finish and the engine components.
What is the Purpose of Water Washing?
The purpose of water washing is to remove dirt, dust, and debris from a car. This will keep the paintwork clean and free from blemishes. Additionally, it will protect the car’s finish from UV rays and environmental pollutants.
How Much Water Should You Use To Wash Your Car?
If you’re like most car owners, you probably rinse your vehicle with water before washing it. But how much water should you use?
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using at least one gallon of water per 750 square feet of car. This means that a 3,500-square-foot car would require six gallons of water. If the car is wet inside and out, add another gallon of water.
The USDA also recommends using a gentle soap and cool or lukewarm water. Never use hot water, a pressure washer, or any other harsh chemicals on your car. These can damage the finish and void your warranty.
Guidelines for Proper Vehicle Washing
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), most vehicles can be washed using a total of three gallons of water. If the car is extremely dirty or heavily soiled, it may require more than three gallons of water to clean.
Here are AAA’s guidelines for washing your car using the right amount of water:
-Wash your vehicle with cool or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild soap if needed.
-Use a bucket or a large pot to rinse off the soap and water. Do not use hose attachments or spinners.
-Rinse off all exterior surfaces, including the hood, trunk and roof.
-Drive the car around the block to remove any excess water before parking it in the shade.
-If possible, let the car air dry overnight.
What Else Goes Into a Good Vehicle Wash?
A good vehicle wash should include a thorough cleaning of the exterior surfaces, a degreasing of all trim and plastics, and a final coat of wax or sealant. Here are additional steps you may want to consider:
-Remove all pollen, dust, bird droppings, and other debris from the vehicle with a vacuum cleaner before washing.
-Apply a pre-washampoo to the dirty areas and work into the crevices.
-Add a mild car soap to the suds and work it into the dirt.
-Rinse thoroughly with cool water and dry off with a towel.
-Apply a protective coating such as Meguiar’s Quick Detailer or Mothers Protectant Wax before driving.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Car Wash Bucket?
Water buckets can last anywhere from 6-12 months, provided you are using it for the intended purpose. If it’s not being used often enough or if it seems to be slowly losing water, it may be time to replace it.
Conclusion
There is no one answer to this question since everyone’s climate and driving habits are different. However, a good rule of thumb is to wash your car twice a week – once with a full bucket of water and once with just enough water to cover the surfaces. Remember to also rinse off any dirt, debris, or salt that has accumulated on the car during the rain or snow!