Autoexpert46a clean car: caring for the body and interior

An independent guide to caring for a car's body and interior. We are not a car wash or a service, we provide no services and have no connection with the previous website on this domain. Use car care products according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Problems

Common problems: when car care goes wrong

Even careful owners sometimes notice things on their car that shouldn't be there: cloudy streaks on the paint, a fine web of scratches, a smell in the cabin. Often the cause lies in the care routine itself and is easy to fix. Below are common situations, simple steps that need no disassembly, and signs that it is time to see a professional.

If a simple product doesn't work the first time, don't press harder or reach for stronger chemicals; show the surface to a specialist instead.

— Editor's note

We only describe simple steps without tools, disassembly or polishing machines. Anything that involves removing parts or restoring the finish is a job for a professional.

Common problems

There are streaks on the body after washing

Usually the cause is dried drops or a shampoo solution that is too strong. Rewash the area in the shade, rinse generously with clean water and blot it dry with a soft cloth straight away. Next time, dilute the product strictly as directed.

A fine web of scratches has appeared on the paint

This is the mark left by rubbing with a dirty sponge or a stiff brush. Change your habits: rinse off grit with water first and keep a separate sponge for the lower part of the car. The swirl marks themselves are removed by polishing, which is best left to a professional.

The windows keep misting up on the inside

Most often there is too much moisture in the cabin: wet mats, snow on shoes, water under the carpet. Dry the mats, air the car on a dry day and check whether the floor is getting wet. If the dampness returns, have the car checked by a professional.

There is an unpleasant smell in the cabin

Find the source: a spilled drink, forgotten food, a damp mat, dirt under the seats. Remove it, vacuum and air the cabin. An air freshener only masks the smell; if it persists after cleaning, the cause may be in the ventilation system, which is a job for a specialist.

Orange specks are visible on light-coloured paint

Often this is embedded metal dust rather than corrosion of the body itself. Wash the area carefully and see whether the specks remain. If the paint is bubbling underneath or there is an orange patch on the metal, see a body repair specialist.

Tree sap, bird droppings or insects won't wash off

Don't scrape them or rub them with a dry cloth. Soften the spot with water or a suitable cleaner as directed, give it a little time and remove it with a soft cloth. If a dull mark remains on the paint, show it to a specialist.

When to see a professional

  1. The paint is damaged

    Chips down to the primer or metal, deep scratches that catch a fingernail, and bubbling paint cannot be fixed with washing and wax.

  2. Rust has appeared

    Orange patches on the sills, door edges and arches spread over time. The sooner a professional sees them, the simpler the repair.

  3. The damp won't go away

    If the cabin floor gets wet again and again, water is getting in through the seals or drainage. A specialist should find and fix the cause.

  4. The smell won't go away

    A persistent smell after cleaning may come from the ventilation system. Have the filters and ducts serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule.

  5. The headlights are cloudy

    Heavily clouded lenses reduce light output. Restoring the surface takes careful work and is best left to a professional.

  • 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.

  • FAQ

    Answers to common questions about this guide, washing the body, cleaning the interior and protecting the paint.

  • 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.

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.