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How to Maintain a Coated & Wrapped Vehicle

Updated: Nov 15, 2024


Well Maintained and Washed BMW purple at Sonoma Raceway detailed by Robust Auto Detailing

NOTE: The products mentioned in this post are subject to change. You're welcome to substitute shampoo, towels, and other products in your car. These are recommendations to give you an idea of what to look for.


Congratulations on getting Ceramic Coating and Paint Protection Film (PPF) installed by us here at Robust Auto Detailing. Protecting your vehicle's finish is very easy, and you're now part of an elite community of car owners who will have a beautiful-looking vehicle for years to come.


Though the duration of the coating itself may vary from 2 years to 10 years, depending on the coating installed on your vehicle, and a properly installed paint protection film (PPF) is warrantied for 10 years, the maintenance procedure is very simple. Most of the time, you will have to eyeball and see if the vehicle needs to be washed but washing the vehicle at least once a month or bi-weekly is a good place to be. If you go off-roading or on long travel trips, you may want to wash your vehicle right after you return from your trip.


After getting your vehicle coated and/or wrapped, it is best to let the vehicle sit in a shaded or unshaded sun for at least 24 hours. Inside the shade, the curing and leveling process for both the paint protection film and coating takes slowly but uniformly with minimal chances of any outside interference. Meanwhile, direct sunlight allows infrared rays to expedite the curing of the car coating while rapidly drying the paint protection film (PPF) at the same time. It is best to keep the vehicle away from water and direct humidity during the curing, hardening, and leveling process. The first wash or rinse of the vehicle should be conducted about 1 week from the installation of the coating and film. If the car is wrapped, it is recommended to use low-pressure water to ensure that the wash doesn’t lift the edges duirng the earlier weeks of the install. After the first 2 weeks, you can apply high-pressure(1.5-3.0 GPa) water at higher angles(20-40 degress) to wash and rinse off the vehicle with paint protection film(PPF) on.


Following are ways in which you can wash your vehicle, either at home or at a commercial car wash place:


Washing at Home


Waterless wash and wiping by Robust Auto Detailing in Bay Area, California


  1. Waterless Wash Method

Waterless car washes are a modern, eco-friendly solution to traditional car washing. Developed in the late 1990s in response to water scarcity concerns, these washes use specialized sprays and microfiber towels to safely lift dirt and grime without water, reducing environmental impact and offering a convenient alternative for today's car owners.


Time: 10-15 minutes*

Equipment Needed:

Optional:

Steps:

  1. Lightly spritz the microfiber towel to create lubricity

  2. Liberally spray a panel or a section of a panel with the waterless wash solution

  3. Gently wipe, with minimal to no pressure, the wet panel to create a streak-free finish

Optional: Repeat the process with a spray wax or coating booster for extra gloss and to rejuvenate existing protection


Pros

  • Quick, simple, and easy

  • Can be done in shade, garages, or apartment complexes

  • No water needed

Cons

  • Limited to light dirt and dusting

  • More prone to scratches and swirls

  • Reduces the lifespan of microfiber towels faster

  • Doesn't deep clean wheels, grills, nooks, and crannies efficiently


When to use: Waterless car washes are ideal for quick detailing on vehicles with minimal dirt, spot treatment, and soiling or on cars that are primarily garaged, covered in a car cover, or minimally driven. They are also excellent in locations with water restrictions such as car shows, indoor events, apartment complexes, and garages.



Supercar washed with rinseless wash by Robust Auto Detailing

  1. Single-Bucket Rinseless Wash Method

One of our favorite methods, rinseless car washes offer a modern and efficient approach to car cleaning, utilizing specialized high-lubricity solutions and microfiber towels to safely lift dirt and encapsulate it, eliminating the need for a traditional rinse.

 This method minimizes water usage, anywhere between 2-5 gallons, while providing a scratch-free clean, making it a convenient and eco-conscious choice for car owners.   


Time: 10-15 minutes*

Equipment Needed:

Optional:

Steps:

  1. Place the grit guard at the bottom of the bucket

  2. Fill up the bucket with 3-4 gallons of water, depending on how dirty the vehicle is. Please ensure that the water is de-ionized if washed in heat or sunlight to mitigate water-spotting. If not, you can use soft water but wash the vehicle inside a shaded location.

  3. Add in the detergent and use the mitt or sponge to mix it into the water

  4. Starting from the top of the car, start spiraling downwards to wash the car using your sponge.

  5. Once the rest of the car is done, you can wash the wheels

  6. Optional: Gently spray a tiny spritz of spray wax on the vehicle while it is still a bit wet

  7. Using the drying towel, you can start drying the vehicle spiraling top to bottom around the car.

  8. You can use the rinseless wash detergent at low concentration to use as a glass cleaner alongside the glass towel.

Pros

  • Quick and easy

  • Can be done in shade, garages, or apartment complexes

  • Minimal water needed

Cons

  • Limited to light to moderate dirt and dusting

  • Lightly prone to scratches and swirls

  • Reduces the lifespan of microfiber towels fast

  • Doesn't deep clean wheels, grills, nooks, and crannies efficiently


When to use: Rinseless car washes are ideal for quickly washing vehicles with minimal to moderate dirt, spot treatment, and soiling or on cars that are primarily garaged, covered in a car cover, or minimally driven. They are also an excellent in locations with water restrictions such as car shows, indoor events, apartment complexes, and garages.



Two Bucket Wash Method with soaped up Rolls royce Spectre by Robust Auto Detailing

  1. Two-Bucket Wash Method

This method is recommended for extreme car enthusiasts who don't want to compromise on the finish of their vehicles. It is also recommended for show cars and vehicles that need a very rigorous wash. Though this method uses lots of water, it is one of the safest methods. For most people, however, this is overkill.


Equipment Needed:

Optional:

Steps:

  1. Place the grit guards at the bottom of the buckets

  2. Fill both buckets with water

  3. Add the detergent to one of the buckets and agitate using the mitt or sponge to dilute. This will be your "wash" bucket. The other filled bucket will be your "rinse" bucket.

  4. If the car is too dirty, pre-rinse the car by blasting it with jets of high-pressure water to remove dirt and debris

  5. Starting from the top of the car, start spiraling downwards around the car using your wash mitt and work in a couple of panels

  6. Dip and agitate the mitt or sponge in the "rinse" bucket before reloading it with the detergent in the "wash" bucket.

  7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the entire vehicle is fully soaped up with wheels last.

  8. Rinse off the soap with soft water and dry using microfiber towels(or shammy.)

  9. Optional: Perform a final rinse with deionized water to reduce the chances of water-spotting and air drying rather than using towels

  10. Use a clean glass towel with the glass cleaner to clean the glass, as needed

  11. Optional: If you have a compact leaf blower, air compressor, or master blaster, you can dry faster while blotting out the remaining water with the drying towel.

  12. Optional: Apply spray wax to restore the slickness and gloss of the coating or to rejuvenate paint protection

Pros

  • One of the safest ways to wash the car

  • Extends the lifespan of microfiber towels

  • Minimal to no risk of scratching and swirling the car

Cons

  • Consumes lots of water

  • Elaborate and can be time-consuming

  • Cannot be done indoors, in apartment complexes, inside a garage, or at car shows

  • May not hit nooks, crannies, grills, and deep contours


When to use: A two-bucket wash method is ideal for regular washes of the car while being exceptionally safe for any painted surface of the vehicle. A two-bucket wash method can be used to watch a vehicle on the driveway or anywhere water restrictions don't apply


white ferrari foam cannon washed outside by Robust Auto Detailing in Napa

  1. Foam Cannon Pressure Wash


Time: 10-20 minutes*

Equipment Needed:

Optional:

Steps:

  1. Place the grit guards at the bottom of the buckets

  2. Fill the bucket with water and some detergent. Agitate with a mitt to activate detergent.

  3. Fill up the foam cannon with the correct detergent and solvent. Agitate to activate detergent.

  4. If the car is too dirty, pre-rinse the car by blasting it with a pressure washer with low angle attachment to remove dirt, bird bombs, insect remains, and debris

  5. Starting from the top, evenly coat the vehicle in foam using the foam cannon attachment for the pressure washer

  6. Gently scrub and agitate the surface using the wash mitt soaked in detergent water. Finish with wheels at the end.

  7. Starting from the top, using a high-angle pressure washer attachment, rinse off all the soap and foam from the vehicle.

  8. Optional: Perform a final rinse with deionized water to reduce the chances of water-spotting and air drying rather than using towels

  9. Dry using microfiber towels(or shammy.)

  10. Use a clean glass towel with the glass cleaner to clean the glass, as needed

  11. Optional: If you have a compact leaf blower, air compressor, or master blaster, you can dry faster while blotting out the remaining water with the drying towel.

  12. Optional: Apply spray wax to restore the slickness and gloss of the coating or to rejuvenate paint protection

Pros

  • Faster than traditional washes

  • Exceptional at cleaning grills, wheels, nooks, crannies, and deep contours

  • Safest wash for any car paint with minimal to no chances of swirling or scratches

  • Slightly less labor-intensive and easy on the back muscles and legs

Cons

  • Consumes the most amount of water

  • Slight learning curve

  • Consumes very high amount of soap or detergent

  • Cannot be done indoors, in apartment complexes, inside a garage, or at car shows

When to use: A foam cannon wash is not only the best way to wash your car but does a great job cleaning difficult-to-wash areas such as wheel nuts, car brakes, grills, deep edges, and contours which can be challenging for all other types of washes. This is our favorite way to wash a car before we either coat, film, wax, or polish a car.


Public Car Washes

Sometimes, you may not have the time or available resources to wash your car at home. Here are some ways to have your car washed. We recommend using the least amount of touching and contact possible when having your car washed. A reputable detailer or detail shop may be a better option, albeit a bit pricier.

Touchless wash foaming car

  1. Touchless Public Car Wash

Touchless car washes are automated systems that use high-pressure water jets and specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt and grime from vehicles without any physical contact. This method eliminates the risk of scratches and swirl marks that can be caused by brushes or sponges in traditional car washes. While they may not offer the same level of deep cleaning as a hand wash, touchless car washes provide a convenient and efficient way to maintain your car's exterior.


Time: 5-10 minutes

Pros:

  • Fast and convenient

  • Minimizes the risk of scratches

  • Widely available

Cons:

  • May not remove stubborn dirt or grime

  • Can be less thorough than hand washing

  • May use harsher chemicals


When to Use: Touchless car washes are ideal for routine cleaning and when you need a quick wash between more thorough detailing sessions. They are a good option for those who prioritize convenience and want to minimize the risk of damage to their car's paint.



Brushless car wash with rinsing off

  1. Brushless Car Wash

Brushless car washes bridge the gap between traditional touchless washes and hand washing. They utilize specialized cleaning solutions and high-pressure water jets to loosen dirt and grime, followed by a soft-cloth mitt system that gently glides over the vehicle's surface for a more thorough clean. This method minimizes the risk of scratches while providing a more effective wash than touchless systems, making it a popular choice for car owners seeking a balance of convenience, safety, and cleaning power.


Time: 5-15 minutes**

Pros:

  • Reduces the risk of scratches compared to traditional washes

  • More effective cleaning than touchless washes

  • Relatively fast and convenient

Cons:

  • May not be as thorough as a hand wash

  • Can be more expensive than touchless washes

  • May use harsh chemicals that may harm coatings, sealants, and finishes


When to Use: Brushless car washes are a good option for regular maintenance washes when you want a more thorough clean than a touchless wash but don't have the time or resources for a full hand wash. They are also suitable for those concerned about minimizing scratches and swirl marks on their car's paint.


Automatic Car Wash with Brushes

  1. Automatic Car Wash

Automatic car washes are a familiar sight, offering a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to clean your car's exterior. These systems typically use a combination of rotating brushes, high-pressure water jets, and cleaning solutions to remove dirt and grime. While they provide a quick and easy wash, it's important to be aware that the brushes can sometimes cause minor scratches or swirl marks on your car's paint.


Time: 5-10 minutes**

Pros:

  • Fast and convenient

  • Affordable

  • Widely available

Cons:

  • May cause minor scratches or swirl marks

  • Can be less thorough than hand washing

  • May use harsher chemicals


When to Use: Automatic car washes are best suited for routine cleaning when convenience is a priority. If you have a car with a delicate finish or are concerned about potential scratching, you may want to consider alternative wash methods.



Public Car Wash Soaping Silver Car Before Washing

  1. Hand Car Wash

Hand car washes are a common sight in many cities and towns, offering a basic level of cleaning at an affordable price. These businesses typically employ workers who hand-wash your car using sponges, brushes, and a variety of cleaning solutions. While they may not provide the same level of meticulous care as a professional detailer, hand car washes can be a decent option for removing dirt and grime and maintaining your car's appearance.


Time: 15-30 minutes**

Pros:

  • Affordable

  • Generally removes most dirt and grime

  • Readily available

Cons:

  • Can be inconsistent in quality

  • May use harsh chemicals or abrasive methods that can damage paint

  • May not be as thorough as other wash types


When to Use: Hand car washes are a suitable option when you're on a budget and need a quick clean for your car's exterior. However, it's essential to choose a reputable business that uses proper washing techniques and quality products to avoid potential damage to your car's paint.


Washing Timeline:

Here's a very basic timeline on how you should maintain your vehicle. This can vary based on your mileage and how your car looks.

  • Every 2 Weeks or Monthly: Wash your vehicle

  • Every 6 months: Use spray wax alongside wash to give the coating a nice booster

  • Every 2 years(Optional): Have your car inspected and fully detailed on the coated areas by us to see if everything is holding up well. This is a good chance to clay bar or decontaminate the vehicle as well.


*Time estimates are based on cleaning a sedan or compact SUV size with moderate soiling.

**Time estimates are based on cleaning a sedan or compact SUV size with moderate soiling. Wait time in lines or traffic can increase that time.


Thank you for reading the article and we hope it helps you maintain your vehicle for years to come.


Cars, after our homes, are the second largest financial investment of our lifetime. Did you know that your car's cosmetics are valued at about 30% of its retail price while having a professional film and car coating installed on your vehicle can save you thousands of dollars in maintenance and cosmetic damage? Keeping a meticulous appearance and protecting it using coatings can put money back into your wallet! Give us a call at 707-681-5944, email info@robustd.com, or book our services right away.

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