How To Properly Maintain Your Vehicle

Why Regular Car Washing Matters

As a proud Changan UNI-V owner who relies on my vehicle for daily commutes, I've learned that consistent care is the foundation of vehicle longevity. Road grime, tree sap, bird droppings, and brake dust don't just affect your car's appearance - they can actually damage the paint and components over time. Through trial and error, I've developed a 9-step washing routine that keeps my UNI-V looking showroom-fresh while protecting its value.

My Proven 9-Step Car Washing Process

Step 1: The Preliminary Rinse

Always begin by thoroughly rinsing the entire vehicle with clean water. This initial rinse removes loose dirt and debris that could scratch your paint during washing. Pay special attention to wheel wells and lower body panels where road grime accumulates. For my UNI-V, I use a gentle spray pattern to dislodge sludge without forcing water into sensitive components.

Step 2: The Foam Treatment

After the rinse, apply a generous layer of pH-neutral car wash foam. I've found that allowing the foam to dwell for exactly five minutes before rinsing dramatically improves its cleaning power. The foam lifts embedded contaminants while lubricating the surface to prevent swirl marks. When I return for the rinse, dirt slides away effortlessly.

Step 3: The Second Foam Application

Here's my professional secret: a second foam application after the first rinse. This two-stage foam process ensures complete contamination removal, especially important for UNI-V's complex body lines and aerodynamic features. The second application catches any remaining impurities the initial wash might have missed.

Step 4: Precision Drying Technique

Using a clean, plush microfiber towel, I methodically dry every panel starting from the roof. Special attention goes to the front grille areas and wheel hubs - places where water tends to collect. For the UNI-V's distinctive wheel design, I use a dedicated wheel towel and make several passes to prevent water spots in the intricate spokes.

Step 5: Glass Care for Optimal Visibility

Windows require separate treatment. I use a high-quality glass towel and make vertical strokes on the outside, horizontal on the inside. This technique helps identify streaks immediately. Crystal-clear glass is crucial for safety, especially during night driving or adverse weather conditions.

Step 6: Tackling Hidden Areas

The UNI-V's flush door handles demand special care. I manually extend each handle to clean the recessed areas where grime accumulates. Similarly, I raise the active rear spoiler to clean beneath it - an often-overlooked area that collects road spray and foam residue during washing.

Step 7: Interior Threshold Maintenance

Opening all doors, I meticulously clean each threshold where passengers enter and exit. These areas collect dirt that can eventually cause wear. I also wipe down door jambs and the edges of all doors - places that show dirt prominently on the UNI-V's sleek body.

Step 8: Engine Bay Attention

While not part of every wash, I periodically inspect the engine compartment. I check fluid levels and remove debris from the wiper cowl area. Fallen leaves here can clog drains and cause water intrusion issues. A clean engine bay also makes leak detection easier during routine maintenance.

Step 9: Complete Interior Refresh

Finally, I remove all floor mats for thorough cleaning. Using a Tornador cleaning tool (or compressed air), I remove dust from vents and crevices. All surfaces get wiped with appropriate cleaners - leather for seats, plastic protectant for dash components. This completes the transformation.

Essential Car Washing Tools I Recommend

• pH-balanced car wash soap (never dish detergent)

• High-quality foam cannon for even application

• Multiple plush microfiber towels (separate for body, wheels, glass)

• Soft-bristle brushes for wheels and grilles

• Tornador air tool for interior cleaning (optional but effective)

• Detailing clay bar for periodic deep cleaning

Common Car Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Through my experience maintaining the UNI-V, I've identified several critical errors many owners make:

• Using household cleaners: These strip protective waxes and damage surfaces

• Washing in direct sunlight: Causes premature drying and water spots

• Reusing dirty towels:

Creates swirl marks in the paint

• Neglecting door jambs: Leads to visible dirt accumulation when doors are open

• Forgetting the undercarriage: Important especially after winter or off-road use