Car cleaning tips during rainy season

The rainy season is upon us and, even though some of us do not welcome the thought, we have no choice but to adjust to Mother Nature’s changes. We usually do little to transition with the weather. However, this is not the case for most vehicle owners.

Rain introduces new hazards to drivers not only when it comes to driving and road safety but also to the overall appearance of their cars. The wet season brings mud, acid rain, and sticky grime with it and Philkotse.com has prepared a guide to help you keep your vehicle clean.

We will tell you what parts of your vehicle you should pay extra attention to. A clean vehicle, even during this time, will help ensure a better and safer driving experience.

1. Windshields, Windows, Mirrors, and Headlights

Having a clear view of the road is extremely important. Regardless of how the weather is, you will never go wrong if you have good visibility of what is in front and behind you as you travel.

During the rainy season, you should clean your windshield with a bit more effort compared to how you maintain these during the summer months. Cold temperature and rain are factors you should not easily ignore.

Visibility is everything when you’re on the road

Procedure

Hose down any water that may have come from the rain with clean tap water. Remember that rainwater should not be considered “plain water” as it contains elements that are dangerous to your car when left for a longer period of time.

Next, get a car wash shampoo and lather it on your windshield, headlights, mirrors, and window parts. Make sure that there are no spots and dirt left behind that can block your vision. Use a sponge, dedicated window cleaner or a super soft microfiber cloth to clean all the spots and grime away.

>>> Worth to note: How to defog your windshield regardless hot or cold weather

After this, dry the newly-washed parts with a soft rag. This should be followed by applying a coat of glass protectant on the windshield, and other glass and mirror parts of the vehicle. This will protect these surfaces from chemicals or other harmful elements present in the raindrops.

Use only a sponge, a dedicated window cleaner or a super soft microfiber cloth to clean all the spots and grime away

2. Windshield Wipers

Your vehicle’s windshield wipers may have been taken a long hiatus during the summer months. And it’s your job to prepare them for work during the monsoon season. We all agree on the importance of having excellent road visibility.

And having good, quality windshield wipers are a must for every vehicle. Assess the condition of your current windshield wipers and see if they need cleaning or replacing.

If you decide to purchase new ones, remember that most stores offer free windshield wiper installation. Ask if they require a minimum purchase amount to avail of this service so you can scan the store for more items, in case you need to reach a specific amount.

A good quality windshield wiper is must for every rainy day-driver

Procedure

Dilute your cleaning solution in water, aiming for a 50/50 proportion. Position the windshield wipers away from the windshield. Get a chamois cloth or rag and dip in your cleaning mixture.

Wring the extra water out and slowly but firmly wipe away the dirt and grime under the wipers. Rinse the chamois cloth or rag when it has absorbed a lot of dirt before dipping it into the solution again. Rinse the wipers after and then let air dry.

>>> Read more: When & How to replace your windshield wiper blades?

3. Give the car exterior a full-on body wash

No matter where you live, there is a large chance that the rain in your area is classified as acid rain. Mild and seldom contact with this is fine and will barely affect your car’s surface, as long as it is not exposed to rain very often.

However, if you prolong your car’s exposure to acid rain and do not religiously hose it down with clean tap water, you might be inviting damage to your car without knowing.

Your car is made up of multiple layers of paint and protective coating. The very top layer is the clear coat that protects the vehicle’s color and its base paint.

Although a single event of acid rain-exposure cannot do much harm to your vehicle, frequent use of it during the rainy season without properly washing it can corrode the clear coat that protects the layers beneath.

Once the clear coat is damaged, the layers underneath are more susceptible to peeling and crusting. Once the very base is exposed, rusting will start soon and will make it harder (and more expensive) to fix.

There is a large chance that the rain in your area is classified as acid rain

Procedure

Prepare your preferred car cleaning solution, sponge, and tap water. If you are used to cleaning your car outside, consider washing it under a shaded or covered area that is free from the rain.

Washing your car outdoors while there’s rain pouring will render all your efforts useless. You can also clean your car outdoors during days when the weather is fair.

After choosing a covered spot, you can then take your power hose (if available) or bucket of water. Start rinsing away the rain water that has attached to your vehicle. This is also an effective way to wash off dirt loosely attached to your car.

Washing your car outdoor while there’s rain pouring will render all your efforts useless

Then, get your cleaning solution and lather your sponge to clean the car exterior. You can rinse the suds off after, then dry your vehicle with a soft, clean, absorbent cloth. Don’t forget to wax your car after to add an additional level of protection between the rain and your vehicle’s clear coat.

Reminder: Giving your car a thorough wash can be done every eight to 10 days. However, consider hosing down your car with plain water whenever you can -- especially before parking it in your garage.