Tips for cleaning cars this summer – helps avoid £1,000 fine and damage

The vehicle scrappage site Scrap Car Comparison has given drivers car cleaning tips to avoid running the risk of fines and accidents this summer.

Whilst many drivers think winter is the worst time to keep a car clean, dusty roads in the summer can damage a vehicle’s paintwork and lead to a £1,000 fine if it reduces visibility.

David Kottaun, Operations Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, highlighted the importance of keeping a vehicle clean during the summer months.

He explained: “Glare, busier traffic and more people out and about means summer driving requires more care when out on the roads, but also when your car is parked at home.

“It can be a chore to spend a portion of the summer cleaning, but as the elements bring with them the danger of damaging your car permanently, or more importantly putting yourself and others at risk while driving, it’s always worth taking the time.”

In order to keep a car looking fresh this summer, Scrap Car Comparison advised drivers to wash their car when the temperature is cool, with the vehicle parked in the shade if possible.

Whilst washing a car on a sunny day can leave streaks over the bodywork, the sunlight is concentrated on the water droplets, permanently damaging the paintwork.

Once drivers have a good day to wash their car, the company suggested that they have the right tools for the job, including two buckets for water and car shampoo, two wash mitts, a fine brush for the wheels and some microfibre cloths for drying the paintwork.

According to Scrap Car Comparison, the best way to wash a car is to start by giving everything a quick rinse to remove any dust, clean the wheels with a special cleaner and a mitt, and then apply a pre-cleaner to the bodywork.

The company explained that a pre-cleaner, like washing up liquid on dishes, breaks down any grime and makes cleaning the car an easier process.

 Afterwards, drivers should wash off the pre-cleaner with the buckets of shampoo and water, and then dry the car with the microfibre cloths to prevent staining.

Whilst a dirty car may look unpleasant, David explained that they can also encourage corrosion which could lead to expensive repairs or, as a worst-case scenario, it needing to be scrapped.

He said: “We have seen many cars end up having to get scrapped because they haven’t been cared for, and over time have been taken hold of by rust. 

“It is never good to say goodbye to a vehicle because it hasn’t been cared for properly, and a regular clean can be all it takes to avoid it.”