Spring clean for your car

Date 2025-04-10

Spring clean for your car - how do you get the paint shining again after winter?

Winter leaves its marks - road salt, grime, small scratches and dull paint are all normal. Spring is the right moment to bring the shine back. In this post we go through, step by step, how to look after the paint, the bodywork and the details once the cold months are over.

1. Wash the car properly - and in the right order

After winter, a quick rinse is not enough:
- Rinse the wheel arches, sills and underbody thoroughly - that is where most of the salt collects.
- Do not use brushes or kitchen sponges - they leave fine scratches.

Washing the car - materials and cleaning products

For a safe wash, use materials that lift the dirt without scratching the paint.


✅ Best materials:
- Microfibre wash mitt - soft, absorbent, safe on paint
- Microfibre cloth - for streak-free drying
- Two-bucket method with a grit guard - one bucket with shampoo, the other to rinse the mitt

✅ Cleaning products:
- pH-neutral car shampoo - kind to sealants and waxes
- Quick detailer - for a fast refresh of the paintwork
- Wheel cleaner - acid-free, safe on paint and delicate finishes

2. Washing methods compared - which is better?

Washing method	Risk of scratching	Cleaning	Cost	Time	Comment
Rollover wash (brushes)	high	medium	low	fast	Brushes can carry grit from the car before yours - not recommended after winter
Pressure washer / jet wash	mittel	good	niedrig	schnell	Do not hold the lance too close to the paint!
Hand wash	low	very good	mittel	longer	The safest method for the paint, ideal after winter

Summary - which method is best?

Of all the ways to wash a car, a hand wash is clearly the safest for the paint. It cleans the car thoroughly without the risk of fine scratches or damage. It takes more time and effort, but it gives the best finish and the best protection for the paint surface.

3. Check the paint and touch in small chips

Straight after a wash is when every scratch and stone chip shows up most clearly:
- Use a touch-up pen that matches your car's paint code (LA7W, LY9T or A4A, for example).
- Even the smallest chip can turn into rust later on.
- Do not know your car's paint code? Check the vehicle plate or send us your VIN - we will happily look it up for you.

4. Protect the paint for the months ahead

After winter the paint is left unprotected, and looking after it pays off:
- Synthetic wax or a quick detailer adds gloss and shields the paint from UV light.
- For longer protection, use a hard wax or a ceramic sealant.
- Do not forget the wheels and plastic trim - they need cleaning and care too.

5. A few more things worth checking

- Mirror covers - often damaged or scratched over winter.
- Wings - check them for rust, especially along the bottom edge and around the sills.
- Glass and wiper blades - clean them, or replace them if needed.

✅ In short

A spring service for your car is about more than looks - it is an investment in how long the car lasts. Small jobs like a thorough hand wash, touching in paint damage or applying wax can extend the life of the paintwork considerably and save you bigger bills later.

Want your car looking like new again?
Browse our bodywork care range - touch-up pens, cleaning products and washing and detailing supplies.
Everything you need to bring the shine back and look after every detail.

 Visit our shop and have a browse!