How to wash a car in a self-service car wash

The car needs to be looked after. Timely repair, maintenance and cleanliness both inside and outside are the key to long-term operation of the vehicle. Washing is now not a cheap business, and therefore self-service car washes are becoming more common. But, since many motorists do not know how to use them, they still spend considerable amounts at familiar stations to give their vehicles an attractive look.

What is a self-service car wash?

A self-service car wash is a kind of box in which a special apparatus is installed that releases liquids under strong pressure. Depending on the regimen, such a liquid may be water under different pressures, combine with foam, or wax may be supplied. This is all, of course, useful for the car, but how convenient it is to use such a service in the winter, and whether they are convenient at all, everyone decides for himself.

Although at first glance everything is easy and simple: in fact, in order to get the result, you must use it correctly. But we will talk about this later.

The most important thing to successfully wash your vehicle is to carefully read the instructions at the entrance. Sinks differ from each other in services, but most of them offer a preliminary, main wash, rinse, waxing and shine (drying). Some have the option of washing discs, but since there is very high pressure in this mode, you should not experiment and try it, for example, on the body, since the paintwork will not say thank you.

Although the sink is automatic, it may not have some options, for example, drying, so you should take along a few rags made of soft material that absorbs moisture well and does not leave fibers, as well as a scraper (squeegee).

We drop into boxing

When you drop into a box, you will find a self-service machine in it. The modes will be indicated on it, you will be prompted to choose the time you spend on the service. If this is the first time you are not greedy in such a sink, take at least 20 minutes, so to speak, for your reference.

Here are some tips:

1. If you use a car wash in the summer, allow the machine to cool slightly before starting the process.
2. At the first visit, do not try to do everything quickly, it is better to take more time to study the operation of the system.
3. Pay attention to the time that is displayed, it will help you navigate how much you still have the opportunity to use the program.
4. For the first throwing in the machine, 80 rubles is enough.
5. You can independently switch between washing modes, and just when you consider it necessary.
6. In the process, you can deposit money if you see that time is running out and you have not had time to do everything you wanted.

It’s also good to pull out the mats first, you can also wash them in the box, there’s enough time for this.

Stage number 1
It is called prewash. She will be able to clean significant pollution, dust from your transport. If there are adhering dirt, clay, sand, then in such places you need to go especially carefully. This mode is characterized by a small pressure, for effective dissolution a special detergent is used, which comes immediately with a stream. Keep the gun at a distance of 25-30 cm from the surface.

The initial washing helps to turn the high-pressure apparatus, in other words the hose. But using it is not so simple, you need to get used to it. And note: self-service car washes do not use such hoses as in a professional car wash, they are much weaker here.

The result of this step:

• Local body cleaning from dirt and sticking
• Flushing the entire body
• Flushing thresholds and cavities

Stage number 2
It has the name of a thorough wash or main. Car shampoo and hot water will be used here. Microgranules of shampoo and powerful pressure of water come into action, as well as its high temperature. For a good result, you must first wash the machine on the side, then the front and rear parts, after what remains.

Conventionally, this process is divided into two parts: the application of car shampoo and lining under the foam. What you need to know:

1. It is important to apply foam evenly over all areas of the machine, while avoiding blind spots. You need to start from the sides.
2. The hose distance to the body must be between 25-35 cm.
3. You must remember to apply foam on mirrors, seams and other places that can become a shelter of dust.

Helpful advice! Do not immediately deposit a large amount, 50-80 rubles will be enough for the first stage and applying shampoo. Anyway, the car will have to stand under the foam for at least three minutes, and preferably five. That is, you will not pay for a simple machine. If a few minutes remain, you can rinse the mats.

Stage number 3
Rinse / thorough wash. In the process, you need to remove the detergent. Depending on the season, different options are used. If the street is warm, then you can apply a thorough wash - this is rinsing the body with hot water. When it is frosty, then such manipulation is likely to damage the paint layer, so it is better to use just rinsing. It uses cold distilled water.

Stage number 4

Stage number 5
Drying. In order for the machine to dry quickly and acquire an additional shine, it is coated with a hose spray, which contains special rinses and a means for drying.

Using a self-service car wash is still convenient, but you need to get used to it and understand all the tricks. And they, of course, are here. If this succeeds, then, as a result, you get a perfectly clean car for little money.