Although we all love a bit of sunshine, any seasoned detailer knows that washing a car in direct sunlight can be a nightmare. The heat speeds up the drying process, causing chemicals to stick to the paint and potentially stain, while water evaporates too quickly, leaving behind those dreaded water spots.
The last thing you want after all your hard work is a finish ruined by streaks and stains. That’s why it’s always best to wash your car in cooler conditions or work smart to keep the surface wet and manageable throughout the process. In this guide we will go through the do's and don'ts when washing your car in the sun
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The Risks Of Washing Your Car In The Sun
Water Spots & Streaks
When rinsing your car, water will start to dry almost instantly, which is why having a drying towel ready is essential to soak it all up before water spots take over. Trust us, dealing with dried-on water spots is a headache you don’t want.
To make the drying process even easier, we recommend using a drying aid or ceramic product like our Ceramic Foam. This ceramic-infused snow foam doesn’t require any dwell time, meaning as long as you rinse it off immediately, there’s little risk of it drying onto the paint.
Not only does this help prevent water spots, but it also leaves behind a layer of ceramic protection, keeping your car looking fresh for longer.
Soap Residue & Uneven Cleaning
Washing your car in the sun can make the process feel rushed, leading to missed spots and a less thorough clean. The heat speeds up chemical drying, increasing the risk of product residue sticking to your paintwork.
This can also mean skipping crucial steps like a proper pre-wash, which helps lift dirt safely, without it, you’re more likely to introduce scratches when washing. For the best results, it’s often worth waiting for cooler conditions or finding a shaded area to ensure a safe and effective clean.
When is the Best Time to Wash Your Car?
During the peak of summer, the best time to wash your car is early in the morning or in a shaded area to prevent the sun from heating up your vehicle
If you choose the shade, keep in mind that your car may still be warm from sitting in the sun for hours, so it’s best to let the paintwork and wheels cool down first.
Washing in the shade gives you more time for proper pre-washing and chemical dwell time, leading to a more effective clean while reducing the risk of scratches and water spots caused by rapid drying.
Pro Tips for Washing Your Car on a Hot, Sunny Day
Wash Your Car In Sections
Washing your car one panel at a time for example starting with the bonnet, rinsing, and then moving to the passenger side door will greatly reduces the risk of chemicals drying on your paintwork.
Pre-washing and rinsing the entire car at once can take time, increasing the chance of products drying too quickly in the sun. By working section by section, you ensure a safer and more effective clean, minimising the risk of streaks, water spots, and potential paint damage.
Apply Ceramic Snow Foam As A Drying Aid
Applying our ceramic foam instantly creates a hydrophobic barrier on your vehicle’s paintwork, helping water bead off effortlessly during rinsing.
This acts as a drying aid, reducing the risk of water spots while making drying much easier. Since ceramic foam requires no dwell time, you can rinse it off immediately, minimising the chance of it drying onto the paint
For an even safer application, you can work in sections—just like we recommended above—to ensure the best results.
Dry Your Car With A Drying Towel
Working section by section, you can use a drying towel to soak up excess water and prevent water spots from forming on your paintwork.
This method ensures a cleaner, streak-free finish and is much safer than allowing your car to air dry in the sun, reducing the risk of unsightly marks and residue.
