Factory paint
Usually several layers: primer, a colour coat and a clear coat on top. The clear coat takes the brunt of grit, bird droppings and road salt, so protect it from rubbing over dry dirt and from aggressive products.
Materials
Materials and finishes: the body and interior
Before you pick up a sponge or a brush, it helps to understand what you are dealing with. The body and interior are made of different materials, and a product that cleans one surface beautifully can leave stains, dull marks or cracks on another. This page gives a short overview of the main materials and how they react to water, chemicals and friction.
Choose a product for the surface, not for how dirty it is: harsh chemicals on a delicate material do more harm than the dirt itself.
We describe materials in general terms and do not name car or product brands. For details of the finish on your particular car, see the owner's manual.
Finishes and materials
Six surfaces an owner deals with most often when caring for a car.
Matte finishes
Matte paint or wrap does not tolerate polishing or abrasives: they leave shiny patches that cannot be removed. For these surfaces, choose products that are clearly labelled as compatible.
Exterior plastic
Unpainted bumpers, wheel arch trims and mouldings fade and turn grey over time. Wash them with a mild shampoo, and apply restoring products thinly, keeping them off the glass.
Glass and headlight lenses
Glass is tougher than paint, but many headlight lenses are made of plastic. Don't scrub them with hard sponges or clean them with solvents, or the surface will turn cloudy.
Fabric upholstery
Fabric seats soak up spilled drinks and odours. Deal with stains straight away without soaking the seat: excess moisture gets into the padding and takes a long time to dry.
Leather and leather substitutes
Genuine leather and synthetic materials look alike but need different care. Check your car's documents to see what you actually have, and always test a product on a hidden spot first.
Read next
- 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.
- Reviews
Brand-free looks at care methods: hand and touchless washing, wax and polishes, dry and wet interior cleaning, plus a catalogue of articles.
- Safety
How to use car care products without harm to yourself, children or nature: gloves, ventilation, storage and the ban on washing near water.
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.