The 12 best products to wash your car

A regular car wash will help protect your car from the harsh winter weather. It will also protect the value of your car by saving you money on costly repairs.

For many vehicle owners, a car wash is not so much a chore as it is a relaxing and fun weekend activity. That's good, because frequent washing is also the best way to maintain a new-car finish.

But where do you start? We put together a list of the best car washing products so you can get your shine on.

1. Rubber gloves

To protect your hands from any chemicals.

2. Non-acid based tire cleaners

Wash your wheels and tires before you clean to protect your car’s paint.

3. Car wash formula

A professional car wash formula will preserve your car’s finish and keep its protective wax intact.

4. Large natural sponge or lamb’s wool mitt

It doesn’t matter which one you use, but both will help you clean your car. Move the sponge or mitt lengthwise across the hood and body panels. Use a separate sponge to clean the wheels and tires, which may be coated in sand, dust, and other debris.

5. Two buckets

Use one bucket for the car wash formula, and another bucket to rinse your sponge or mitt.

6. Hose

Use a hose without a nozzle and let the water flow over the car from top to bottom. This creates a sheeting action that helps minimize pooling of water.

7. Squeegee or terry cloth towels

Dry your car with a rubber-bladed squeegee or a soft (natural or synthetic) towel. If you choose towels, you may need several. It’s best to blot the water up instead of dragging the towel over the paint. You can speed up the process by using a soft squeegee to remove most of the water on the body of the car.

8. Small block of paint-cleaning clay

If you have any bird droppings, sap or other debris stuck to your car, a normal car wash formula won’t thoroughly clean it. Lubricate a block of paint-cleaning clay and rub it gently on the debris. Just make sure you don’t use a piece of clay you've dropped on the floor.

9. Car wax

You can choose a paste wax or a liquid wax. Both will help you keep your car clean and protected. Apply two coats to cover any areas that you might have missed with the first coat. But don’t apply more than two coats. They don’t adhere properly and will be wiped off when you buff the car.

10. Oscillating polishing buffer

This is a great tool for DIY-ers and will help keep your paint looking shiny and cool.

11. Ammonia-free glass cleaner

Ammonia is bad for vinyl upholstery and the instrument panel. Plus it stinks.

12. Microfibre cloth

Make your windows sparkle with a microfibre cloth.