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How do I prevent water spots after a car wash?
What can I do to prevent my car from getting water spots after a car wash? I'm meeting my girlfriend's parents tonight and I want my car to look brand new.
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Meeting the parents is a big step, so making a good first impression is important! If you have time, consider hand-washing your car instead of using an automated car wash—most automated car washes use jets and air drying features, so water spots tend to be a part of the deal.
Should you hand wash your car, remember these tips:
- Use a microfiber cloth. Cheap cloth can leave behind bits of lint, which collect water, concentrate in a single spot, and create water spots.
- Try not to wash it under the sun. While it’s tempting to wash your car on a sunny day, the sun can dry your car unevenly, causing water spots.
- Use a water filter for your hose. Most water in and around your house contains a variety of mineral deposits. When you use it to wash your car, you can have uneven drying and mineral residue.
- Rinse with a soft free-flow. High-pressure rinse settings may get the job done faster, but they lead to uneven rinses and end in water spots. Letting the water flow freely over the car is an easy way to get a spotless rinse.
While these steps can help you prevent water spots, they can also help you prevent
scratches and dents
. Rough cloths and high water pressure can damage paint jobs—which insurance normally doesn’t cover.To find out what your insurance does cover, give your provider a call and ask! If you don’t like what you find, you can always explore your other options with the
Jerry
app. As a licensed broker, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy.Best of luck with meeting the parents—you’ve got this!
MORE How to wash a car at home
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- Gregory R.
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