Wash without rushing
Wash the car while the dirt is still fresh and comes off easily. Dried droppings, tree sap and insects eat into the clear coat over time, and then they take real effort to remove.
Care
Maintenance: regular and seasonal care
A clean car depends not on rare deep cleans but on simple habits. Unhurried regular washing, drying the body, paying attention to the underside in winter and keeping the interior tidy take little time but spare you stubborn stains, corrosion and unpleasant smells. Here are the main care topics, season by season.
A quick wash once a week is gentler on the paint than one long battle with dried-on dirt once a season.
We don't give exact intervals or settings: they depend on the climate, the roads and the manufacturer's recommendations. Go by the condition of your car and the owner's manual.
Regular care basics
Six habits that keep the body and interior clean.
Dry after washing
Dried drops leave streaks and limescale rings. Blot the body with a soft cloth, then open the doors, boot and fuel flap so that water doesn't sit in the seals.
A protective layer
Wax and protective products form a thin film that dirt rinses off more easily. Apply them only to a clean, dry body, thinly and as directed. They won't hide chips or deep scratches; those need a professional.
Underbody and sills in winter
Road salt and salty slush build up underneath the car. In the cold season, rinse the underbody, arches and sills, and let the car dry after washing before leaving it out in the frost.
Mats and floor
Take rubber mats out, shake them and wash them separately; vacuum fabric mats and dry them outside the car. A wet mat underfoot holds moisture that mists the windows and causes odours.
A tidy interior
Vacuum the seats and floor, wipe the panels with a slightly damp cloth and don't leave food or rubbish in the car. The less builds up, the less often you need a deep clean.
Seasonal care: spring and autumn
Wash winter off in spring
Once the roads are no longer being salted, give the car a thorough wash: body, underbody, wheel arches, sills and door seams. That is where most of the salt remains.
Inspect the paint
With the car clean and dry, look over the bonnet, sills and lower doors in daylight. It is better to spot chips and orange specks in spring than a year later.
Give the interior a deep clean
Take out the mats, vacuum the floor and seats, and air the car on a dry day. A lot of snow and dirt gets carried inside in winter, and moisture hides under the carpet.
Renew protection in autumn
Before the cold sets in, wash and dry the body and, if you like, apply a protective product as directed. Slush and road salt cling less to a protected surface.
Prepare seals and locks
Clean dirt off the rubber door seals and, if needed, treat them with a suitable product so the doors don't freeze shut. Choose the product according to the car manufacturer's recommendations.
Think about mats
In winter, mats with a raised edge are handy: they hold meltwater and stop it seeping under the floor covering. They are easy to take out and empty after a drive.
Read next
- 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.
- Safety
How to use car care products without harm to yourself, children or nature: gloves, ventilation, storage and the ban on washing near water.
- FAQ
Answers to common questions about this guide, washing the body, cleaning the interior and protecting the paint.
Sources
- 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.