Have you ever had your vehicle washed at a car wash, only to have it look nice and clean and shiny, only for it to be dirty again just a few days later? It happens to nearly everyone, especially if you live in Calgary, where the weather can be hot one day, dusty the next, and rainy the next day within a week! However, never mind that. You don’t need to visit a car wash every few days to make it look nice. There are a few easy tips you can use to make your vehicle stay shiny for longer after a car wash. Let’s cover some simple secrets that will make your car shine for much longer after a visit to a car wash in Calgary!
Use the Right Soap after a Car Wash in Calgary
Many people clean their cars with dish soap or laundry detergent after a car wash, but that is a big mistake! Those detergents are too harsh and can strip the special protective wax coating from your car’s paint. Without the wax, dust and dirt stick quickly, and your car’s shine fades quickly. Always use car wash shampoo specifically designed for vehicles. These soaps are gentle and keep your paint safe. Many good car shampoos even contain wax, allowing them to clean and protect simultaneously.
Bright Tip: Calgary can get pretty dusty, so rinse your car first before washing it. That way, you won’t rub dirt into the paint and cause tiny scratches.
Dry Your Car the Correct Way
Once you’ve finished getting your car washed, you may think that letting it air dry is okay. However, that will leave ugly water spots on the surface! Calgary’s water tends to contain minerals, and when the water evaporates, those minerals remain behind and give your car a dull appearance. Instead, you should use a soft microfiber towel or chamois cloth to dry your vehicle. They absorb water and will not scratch the paint. Begin drying on the roof and work your way down. That prevents streaks and spots.
Bonus Tip: Make your car even shinier? Spray some “quick detailer” or “spray wax” when drying. It adds extra sparkle to your vehicle and provides a thin layer of protection.
Don’t Ever Forget to Wax or Seal Your Paint
Wax is sunscreen for your vehicle. It protects the paint from intense sunlight, rain, dust, and even road salt during Calgary’s cold winters. A fresh coat of wax keeps your vehicle looking shiny and allows dirt to slide off. You can use two basic types of wax:
- Carnauba wax which produces a warm, rich glow and retains its shine for around 1–2 months.
- Synthetic wax or paint sealant that is long-lasting up to 6 months or more.
If you want something even longer-lasting, consider using a ceramic coating. It’s a little pricier but can last for years and provides your car with a glass-like finish.
Park Smart and Stay Away from the Blistering Sun
Where you park your vehicle does make a big difference in how long the shine will last. The sun’s UV light causes your vehicle’s paint to fade and lose its shine quickly. Calgary has a lot of sunny days, so you always want to try to park your vehicle in the shade whenever possible. If you must park outdoors, cover the car with a cover to shield the paint from the sun, bird poop, and dust. These small things can spoil all your hard work if left unchecked for too long!
Did You Know? Paint on cars exposed to sunlight for many hours daily can fade 50% quicker than paint parked in the shade.
Do Small Clean-Ups Between Washes
Here’s a little secret that Calgary car enthusiasts keep to themselves: you don’t have to clean your car thoroughly every week! Small cleaning up can make it look shiny in between car washes. You can:
- Use waterless car wash sprays to wipe off light dust.
- Clean fingerprints and little spots with a microfiber towel.
- Wash the wheels and windows frequently, as they tend to get dirty first.
This helps you achieve a newly washed look without spending hours on cleaning time.
Pro Tip: Avoid automatic car washes in Calgary that use spinning brushes. They may scratch your car’s paint, leaving it dull and scratched. Opt for touchless car washes at New Brighton Car Wash or wash manually for the highest shine.
Why It’s Worth Keeping Your Car Shiny
A shiny car not only looks terrific, but it also lasts longer! If you keep your car’s paint clean and protected, it won’t rust or fade quickly. That way, your vehicle retains its original color, appears newer, and even maintains a higher resale value. In a city like Calgary, where the roads get dirty and the weather is unpredictable, maintaining a shiny, clean look is like giving your car armor. You’ll be spending less time washing and more time enjoying the rides!
After Care is Just as Important
By doing these simple things, your car will remain shiny, clean, and maintained after a car wash in Calgary, regardless of weather conditions. Remember, taking care of your car’s shine doesn’t have to be hard, but it just needs a little love and the proper maintenance.
Keep shining with New Brighton Car Wash!
