Don’t leave bugs or bird droppings on your paint.
They might be doing it out of revenge, but we know for a fact that bugs can really damage the paint for a long time after hitting your car. These splattered insects get stuck on the bumper, and do you know what’s the problem?
They are filled with acidic substances. As insects stay in a decomposed state, they make enzymes meant to break down the carcass. These enzymes are able to break down even automotive clear coat and, ultimately, paint.
It could result in permanent etching, and on top of everything, they’re super gross. Bird droppings are just as difficult and gross, and they also contain enough acid to penetrate a clear coat and leave long-lasting stains.
There’s an easy fix to this issue: just grab a spray detailer and wipe off those bugs and bird poop right after you notice them. The last thing you want to do is wait!
Don’t wash your wheels last.
I know it might seem counterintuitive, but I strongly believe in washing your wheels and tires first. Once you’re done with that, you can start at the top of the car and work your way down.
If you leave the wheels as a final step, all that caked-on brake dust and dirt you’re spraying away from your wheels and tires get on the nice, clean paint that you just cleaned.
And let’s be honest: who likes doing the work twice? On the same note, it would be recommended to use a separate wash mitt or even brush when you decide to do the wheels, tires, and wheel wells first. The last thing you want is to soil a mitt or microfiber and then apply it to the body.
