How To Wash A Car TOYOTA Corolla XI Saloon (E160) (05.2012 - ...)

The best option for washing a car is a contactless car wash. This method will keep the car's paintwork in good condition longer and allows to choose the chemicals from the seller of equipment for contactless car washing.

To wash your car safely and avoid damaging the paint, especially if your vehicle has paint protection film (PPF) or ceramic coating, follow these expert tips and use the right products:

Best Products to Use
- pH-neutral automotive soap: Avoid household detergents or dish soaps as they can strip protective coatings and dull the paint. Use car-specific, gentle, pH-balanced shampoos designed to clean without harming paint or films.
- Soft microfiber wash mitts: These prevent scratching and swirl marks. Avoid sponges or brushes with stiff bristles.
- Two-bucket method: One bucket with soapy water and one with clean water for rinsing your mitt helps prevent dirt from reapplying to the paint.
- Dedicated drying microfiber towels: Use clean, soft towels specifically for drying to avoid contamination and scratches.
- Low-pressure water spray: Use a gentle hose or pressure washer on a low setting to rinse off dirt before washing and rinse soap off afterward.

Washing Technique
- Pre-rinse the car thoroughly to remove loose dirt and grit that could scratch the paint during washing.
- Wash from top to bottom to avoid dragging dirt from lower, dirtier panels onto cleaner upper surfaces.
- Use straight-line motions rather than circular scrubbing to minimize swirl marks, especially on PPF.
- Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight or when the surface is hot to prevent soap drying too quickly and leaving spots.
- Rinse frequently during washing so soap doesn’t dry on the surface.

Cleaning Wheels
- Use a dedicated wheel cleaner formulated for your wheel type (alloy, chrome, etc.) to safely remove brake dust and grime.
- Use a soft wheel brush or sponge to reach tight areas without scratching.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to avoid residue buildup.

Getting Streak-Free Windows
- Use a glass cleaner specifically made for automotive glass to avoid haze or streaks.
- Clean windows in the shade or when cool to prevent streaking from fast drying.
- Use clean microfiber cloths or lint-free towels dedicated to glass cleaning.
- Wipe in horizontal or vertical strokes, not circular, to reduce streaks.
- For stubborn spots, a mix of distilled water and white vinegar can be effective without leaving residue.

Additional Tips
- Avoid automated car washes with stiff brushes if you have PPF or ceramic coating, as they can cause lifting or scratches. Touchless washes are safer but still use mild chemicals.
- Dry the car gently using a soft microfiber towel or a touchless air blower to prevent water spots and scratches.
- Regularly inspect and clean edges of PPF carefully to avoid lifting caused by aggressive scrubbing or high-pressure water jets.

Following these steps and using the right products will keep your car’s paint, wheels, and windows looking pristine without damage.