My car wash technique used to involve nothing more than an old rag, dishwashing soap, a bucket, and a hose with running water. It's a bare bones, old school tradition handed down to me by my parents, and it got the job done in a pinch, so it was good enough for me. Until I spoke with the owner of Creative Motion, a mobile auto detailing specialist company, that is. According to Frank Ortiz and his crew of car wash professionals, I've been making some of the most common, obvious mistakes that can damage a car.
"When you look at a car and see those spiderweb-looking scratches on it, it's basically because the owner didn't use the right soap or rag when washing and drying their car," Ortiz said.
No car wants to be marred with spiderweb markings, so follow our guide to washing your car the safe and expert way.