FAQ
Questions and answers
Here are the questions owners ask most often when they take on car care themselves or choose where to have their car washed. The answers are short and general; for details on specific materials and formulations, see the owner's manual and the product labels.
If your car's manual and advice from the internet disagree, follow the manual: it was written for your car.
About the guide
Is this the website of the organisation that used to be here?
No. The organisation's previous website on this domain stopped working long ago, and later unrelated spam pages were hosted here. This guide has no connection with them, does not reproduce their content and offers nothing on their behalf.
Can I get my car washed with you?
No. We are not a car wash, a service centre or a detailing studio. This site only offers reference material on how to care for a car.
Why don't you recommend specific products?
Formulations and product ranges change often, and the right product depends on your paint and materials. We explain what to look for so that you can make the choice yourself.
What is your advice based on?
On general care principles, instructions from car and car care product manufacturers and, where the law is concerned, the Russian Water Code. Many other countries also restrict washing cars by rivers and lakes or letting wash water reach drains, so check your local rules.
Washing
How often should I wash my car?
Go by the weather and the roads rather than the calendar. Fresh dirt, bird droppings and road salt are best washed off straight away, before they set in; in dry weather you can wash less often.
Why shouldn't I wash a hot car?
On hot metal, water and shampoo dry instantly and leave spots, and a sharp temperature change is bad for the paint and glass. Wait until the body has cooled and wash in the shade.
Can I wash my car in the yard or by a river?
Not on the banks of rivers and lakes: the Russian Water Code (art. 65, part 15) prohibits washing vehicles within water protection zones. Many other countries also restrict washing cars by rivers and lakes or letting wash water reach drains, so check your local rules. Choose equipped sites where dirty water is collected and drained away.
What should I dry the body with after washing?
A clean, soft microfibre cloth or a dedicated car drying towel. Old towels and rough rags leave lint and can scratch the clear coat.
Interior and protection
How do I clean fabric seats?
Vacuum first, then treat the stain with a fabric cleaner as directed, without soaking the seat. After cleaning, always air and dry the cabin.
Does leather need separate care?
Yes, genuine leather needs gentle cleaners and conditioners made specifically for it. Check your car's documents to see what material you have, and test the product on a hidden spot.
Do I have to apply wax?
No, but a protective layer makes washing easier and helps the paint cope better with dirt and road salt. Apply it only to a clean, dry body, following the product's instructions.
What should I do about a stone chip on the bonnet?
A chip lets moisture reach the metal, so don't put it off. Wash the area and show it to a body repair specialist: wax and polish won't seal a chip.
Read next
- Care
Regular and seasonal care: how often to wash the car, why to dry the body, what to do in spring and autumn, and how to look after the underbody and mats.
- Choosing products
How to choose car care products by purpose, ingredients and compatibility, and what to look for if you use a car wash rather than washing it yourself.
- Problems
Streaks, fine scratches after washing, misted windows, unpleasant smells and orange specks on the paint: what you can do yourself and when to see a professional.
Sources
- The Russian Water Code, art. 65
- Instructions from car and car care product manufacturers
Legal information reflects the rules in force when the page was prepared and may change over time. Every manufacturer has its own formulations and directions for car care products, so the product label and your car's owner's manual remain the main points of reference.