Bien laver sa voiture n'est pas aussi simple que vous le pensez. Comme la plupart des choses automobiles, il y a un bon outil pour chaque travail. Il y a peut-être même des outils dont vous n'auriez jamais pensé avoir besoin pour laver votre voiture ! De nos jours, il existe de nombreuses options pour nettoyer votre voiture. Vous pouvez vous rendre à votre lave-auto local et payer quelques dollars, ou vous pouvez le faire passer par un lave-auto à votre station-service locale. Il existe des détaillants encore plus chers qui feront briller votre voiture mieux que neuve.
Mais une partie de la joie de posséder votre propre voiture consiste à en prendre soin vous-même, ce qui signifie lui donner de temps en temps des détails appropriés. Si vous cherchez à faire briller votre voiture comme neuve à l'intérieur comme à l'extérieur, nous avons élaboré un guide complet qui couvre presque tous les produits dont vous avez besoin pour laver votre voiture comme un pro. Cela prendra un peu d'huile de coude et de temps, mais cela vous fera économiser de l'argent et vous laissera la satisfaction de le faire vous-même.
Pour plus d'informations sur les meilleurs produits de nettoyage de voiture, consultez notre table des matières.
Pourquoi vous en avez besoin :
Vous pensez peut-être qu'un seau normal est suffisant pour laver votre voiture, mais il est fortement recommandé de se procurer un seau dédié avec un piège à poussière ou un insert de protection contre les grains. En effet, pendant que vous lavez votre voiture, vous rincez probablement votre éponge ou votre gant dans le seau, ce qui signifie que la saleté et les débris de la carrosserie de votre voiture se mélangent à l'eau. Un piège à poussière ou un pare-sable aide à séparer l'eau de la saleté, de sorte que vous rincez votre gant ou votre éponge à l'eau claire. Rien n'est pire que de laver votre voiture, seulement pour réaliser que la saleté s'est coincée sur votre éponge ou votre gant et que vous rayez en fait votre couche transparente pendant que vous lavez.
Ce qu'il faut rechercher :
Lorsque vous magasinez pour un seau de lavage de voiture dédié, il est préférable de dépenser les quelques dollars supplémentaires pour un qui comprend un piège à poussière ou un pare-poussière. Vous pouvez toujours acheter l'accessoire séparément, mais vous devez ensuite vous assurer qu'il fonctionne avec votre seau. Recherchez un seau robuste qui subira des abus, et de préférence un seau avec un couvercle. De cette façon, vous pouvez ranger certains de vos accessoires de lavage de voiture à l'intérieur du seau lorsqu'il n'est pas utilisé.
Il existe également la méthode "à deux seaux" si vous souhaitez réduire les risques de saleté ou de gravier sur la surface de votre voiture. Vous utilisez un seau pour le savon de lavage de voiture et un autre avec juste de l'eau pour rincer votre gant ou votre éponge. Si vous choisissez d'utiliser la méthode à deux seaux, assurez-vous que le pare-sable ou le piège à poussière se trouve dans le seau d'eau. Alternativement, nous explorerons l'utilisation d'un pistolet à mousse plus tard, ce qui éliminerait le besoin d'un seau à savon.
Recommandation :
Le seau de lavage Adam's Grit Guard avec couvercle peut être un peu plus cher que les autres seaux de lavage de voiture, mais il est livré avec un pare-grain et un couvercle. Avec une capacité de cinq gallons, le seau est suffisant pour laver même les gros VUS et camions. Vous n'avez pas besoin de chercher des cloches et des sifflets quand il s'agit de votre seau, assurez-vous simplement d'en prendre un de haute qualité et résistant qui ne se fissurera pas ou ne se cassera pas après quelques utilisations.
Pourquoi vous en avez besoin :
Cela va presque de soi, car vous ne devriez rien laver sans savon ! Mais il y a des raisons d'acheter du vrai savon de lavage de voiture, plutôt que d'utiliser quelque chose comme du détergent à vaisselle. Le savon à vaisselle est idéal pour lutter contre la graisse sur votre vaisselle, mais il enlèvera la cire et le protecteur de la surface de votre voiture. La plupart des savons de lavage de voiture sont spécialement formulés pour être utilisés sur les finitions de peinture et les couches transparentes, avec plus de lubrifiant pour qu'ils soient plus sûrs sur la surface de votre voiture.
Ce qu'il faut rechercher :
Tout comme les seaux de lavage de voiture basiques et simples, les savons de lavage de voiture sont tout le contraire. Préparez-vous à être inondé d'une pléthore d'options sur le marché, avec des prix allant d'absurde bon marché à ridiculement cher. Ne vous contentez pas d'acheter n'importe quel savon de lavage de voiture qui est populaire ou qui a des cotes élevées, car vous devrez d'abord déterminer le type de savon de voiture dont vous avez besoin. Il existe trois catégories générales de savon pour voiture :usage général, lavage et cire, et décapage.
Les savons de voiture à usage général sont idéaux pour les lavages hebdomadaires ou mensuels. Ils n'enlèveront pas la cire ou le protecteur précédent, laissant votre voiture belle et brillante. Les savons de lavage et de cire pour voiture sont parfaits lorsque vous cherchez un moyen de maintenir votre protection contre la cire sans avoir à détailler complètement votre voiture. C'est un moyen pratique de faire d'une pierre deux coups, bien que vous ne devriez pas vous attendre à la même couche de protection qu'une couche complète de cire. Enfin, des savons en bande sont disponibles lorsque vous devez enlever la cire ou le protecteur de la peinture de votre voiture. Pourquoi voudriez-vous faire ça? Vous devrez peut-être polir certaines rayures ou imperfections profondes, ou vous souhaitez appliquer une nouvelle couche de cire ou même un revêtement en céramique pour protéger votre peinture. Si vous souhaitez enlever cette cire, assurez-vous d'obtenir un savon de lavage de voiture formulé pour le travail, afin qu'il protège toujours la surface peinte.
Recommendation:
With so many options out there, it’s really tough to narrow it down to one. But if you don’t want to spend the time doing research, you can’t go wrong with Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash. The brand is a trusted name in car care and its Gold Class Car Wash is one its most popular products. It features a premium formula designed to gently foam away dirt, road grime, and contaminants without ruining your wax. All Meguiar’s car washes are non-detergent and helps lubricate the surface while you clean, so dirt and grime glide off the paint rather than grind into the paint.
Why you need it:
Don’t be tempted to wash your car with a towel. At the very least, you will want to use a sponge, but it’s best to use a hand mitt. Not only do they make the job more comfortable and convenient, most mitts are made from microfiber or sheepskin, which is much safer to use on your car’s surface. They’re also much easier to wash and keep clean when they’re not being used.
What to look for:
Nowadays, there are a lot of different companies that manufacture car wash mitts. Look for a mitt that is constructed from a soft material that’s safe to use on your car’s paint, preferably microfiber. Some products are offered in pairs at a competitive price, and having a second mitt handy doesn’t hurt. Just make sure you get a high-quality mitt that won’t fall apart after a couple uses.
Recommendation:
Griot’s Garage is another well-respected company in the car care market, and it offers a two pack of its microfiber mitts for a competitive price. This way, you can use one mitt for the extra dirty parts of your car, and another for the glass, roof, and hood. Griot’s Garage’s pair of mitts come in different colors, so you’ll be able to differentiate which mitt is being used for what. They’re also machine washable for easy maintenance and there’s no thumb area, so the mitts easily rotate on your hand.
Why you need it:
Truth be told you don’t need a pressure washer to clean your car. It’s really a luxury item that makes your job easier and gives your car a more thorough cleaning. There are a few things to keep in mind when using a pressure washer. First, most pressure washers will still need a hose hookup as a source for water. Second, you’ll need a power outlet to connect the pressure washer, which may or may not be convenient for you. Third, you’ll need a decent sized driveway if you’re using a pressure washer, since you won’t want to have to move it around and risk hitting your car.
Another advantage to having a pressure washer is the ability to use a foam gun or blaster, which attaches to the pressure washer. This allows you to spray your car soap on your vehicle, instead of having to use a mitt to soap up your car. This helps given the car a more thorough and even coating of soap, which you can then simply use your mitt to wipe away the dirt and grime.
What to look for:
When shopping for a pressure washer, you’ll want to pay attention to its power, weight, cord length, accessories and warranty. Some pressure washers come with a variety of spray tips, allowing you to tackle light, medium, and heavy duty tasks. Cord length is important, since you’ll want to make sure the pressure washer can easily reach a power outlet without getting too close to your car. Other washers make things a bit more convenient by offering a built-in hose reel, making it put everything away when you’re done washing your car.
Recommendation:
While the Sun Joe SPX3000 is one of the most popular pressure washers on Amazon, we actually recommend the SPX3001. It offers the same performance as the SPX3000 with 2030 PSI from a 14.5-amp, 1800-watt motor, but it has an onboard reel that keeps up to 20 feet of high-pressure hose organized on the pressure washer itself. It comes with five quick-connect spray tips and automatically shuts off the pump when the trigger isn’t being used. The SPX3001 also comes with a two-year warranty.
Why you need it:
If you’re using a pressure washer, paying a few extra bucks for a foam gun is a must. It allows you to easily coat your car evenly with soap, saving you a lot of time when it comes to washing your car. After soaking your car with the pressure washer and spraying all the loose dirt off, you can quickly connect the foam gun to the pressure washer to cover the car with soap. This helps ensure the rest of the grime, dirt, and other debris on your car is loose before you turn to your mitt to wipe it clean.
What to look for:
Most foam guns look the same but there are a few things to look for when shopping for one. Most importantly, you want to make sure it’s compatible with your pressure washer by looking at the required pressure figure. You’ll also want to make sure its tank capacity is generous, so you don’t have to worry about mixing up a car wash mixture in the middle of washing your car. Pay close attention to the materials its constructed from and whether the bottle is high quality. Some cheaper foam guns have bottles that will eventually shear off, forcing you to purchase a replacement. Lastly, check to make sure the nozzle is adjustable so you get good coverage rather than a “drippy” spray.
Recommendation:
Competitively priced, the TriNova Foam Gun is a solid choice. It features a wide neck to prevent cracking and works with pressure washers from 800 to 3500 PSI. It also features a dial so you can easily adjust the amount of foam from the gun.
Why you need it:
Well, if you’re planning to wash your car with a hose and you don’t have a hose nozzle, you’re going to have a bad time. A high-pressure hose nozzle is necessary to get loose dirt and grime off your paint before you start washing it down with a mitt. Stronger nozzles will even get tougher dirt and spots off your car without you having to scrub the area. They won’t be as powerful as a pressure washer, but they are a lot more affordable. They also help control the flow of water, so you don’t have to constantly turn off your hose while you’re soaping down your car.
What to look for:
Hose nozzles come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and price ranges. There are even foam cannons you can purchase to use with a hose, but naturally they won’t be as powerful or convenient as one hooked up to a pressure washer. When shopping for a hose nozzle, look for one with multiple patterns and a flow control knob, so you can adjust according to your needs. Comfort is also an important factor. You’ll want to purchase one that’s fairly lightweight and easy to grip, since you’ll be spending a good amount of time spraying down your car when you wash it.
Recommendation:
One of the most popular and highly rated products on Amazon is the Gardenite garden hose nozzle. It’s manufactured from solid metal and features a baked enamel finish, so it’s designed to last. The nozzle features 10 watering patterns, from high pressure jet to soft shower, making it one of the most versatile nozzles available. Best of all, you can use it for other purposes than just washing your car. It’s most defining feature is the flow control knob, so you can choose just how much pressure is coming through. Comfort shouldn’t be an issue either, since it uses a front squeeze trigger with a clip so it can stay permanently on.
Why you need it:
Like a pressure washer, you don’t necessarily need a car dryer. But it does save you quite a bit of time and lessens the chance you’ll scratch your car while drying it with a conventional towel. If you don’t like the idea of purchasing a specific tool just to dry your car, you can look at car vacuums that can double as a blower. They may not be as powerful as dedicated dryers, but they’ll still save you some time and effort.
What to look for:
A leaf blower actually makes for a cost-efficient car dryer. You don’t need to necessarily purchase a car dryer, when another existing and cheaper tool does the job just as well, if not better. There are plenty of leaf blowers available in the market so if you’re looking in that direction, research the power of the blower’s motor and how much it weighs. You’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable to use and that it has a long enough cord to conveniently reach around your car. Just make sure if you’re using a blower to not get any of the dirt around the car back onto the surface of the paint.
Recommendation:
Not too cheap and not too expensive, the Worx Turbine600 corded leaf blower is a fine choice to get all the water off your car after a wash. The blower pumps out air speeds up to 110 mph with a CFM of 600, while weighing 6.4 lbs, light enough for one-handed operation. It also has variable speed control so you can adjust it for different tasks. Another benefit to the Worx Turbine 600 is its three-year warranty.
Why you need it:
You don’t just need a single towel to dry your car once you’re done washing it. You’ll actually want to invest into several towels, so you have separate ones to detail certain components of your vehicle, including the interior. Invest into a proper towel designed for drying your car, and then pick up an affordable pack of microfiber towels. This way, you have a few handy whenever you need a clean towel to touch up another part of your car.
What to look for:
As we mentioned before, the first thing you want to look for is a dedicated towel for drying your car. This can range from an absorbent microfiber towel, or a product like “The Absorber” or a shammy. Look for something that is machine washable for easy maintenance and has a decent size that’s not too cumbersome to use, but covers a good amount of surface area while you’re drying.
Recommendation:
You really can’t go wrong with The Absorber. It’s one of the most popular products designed for drying your car efficiently and quickly. It has an attractive price and won’t scratch your car’s paint. It also comes with a convenient tube so you can roll it back up and store it when it’s not being used. The Absorber is resistant to mold, mildew, and other chemicals, while measuring 27 inches by 17 inches. It’s also machine washable.
Along with getting The Absorber, invest into a pack of microfiber towels. These don’t have to be expensive towels, as you’ll be using them to touch up certain spots or detailing your interior. AmazonBasics offers a 24-pack at a really competitive price, with three different towel colors. This way, you can separate each shade for a certain purpose. These towels are ultra soft and non-abrasive, safe to use on paint and other surfaces. Each cloth measures 12 inches by 16 inches and can be machine washed.
Why you need it:
Having a spotless and shiny exterior doesn’t mean your job is done. You’ll want to make sure to put some effort into cleaning your car’s interior – that is where you spend all your time with the car after all. As you can imagine, a car vacuum is a valuable tool in keeping your cabin clean, and some double as a blower that can be used to dry your car. A vacuum also comes in handy to take care of any food or drink spills, as well as tidying up your trunk so it stays in good condition.
What to look for:
Shopping for a car vacuum is surprisingly complicated. You can choose from either a corded or cordless option, and if you go the corded route, whether you want a 12-volt option that uses your car’s cigarette lighter or a standard power outlet. Cordless vacuums have several features to consider, including their weight, canister size, and battery life. Then you have to consider the size of your vehicle. If you own a three-row SUV, chances are you’ll want a vacuum that lasts longer and has a larger storage tank. Make sure to also pay attention to suction power, as you will want a vacuum that is powerful enough to pick up all the dirt and debris that has accumulated on your floor mats and carpet.
Recommendation:
Since there are so many variables when it comes to shopping for a car vacuum, it’s tough to make one overall recommendation. So instead, we picked two vacuums, one corded and one cordless.
If you’re able to use a corded vacuum with a standard power outlet it’s worth investing in the Armor All 2.5-gallon utility wet/dry vacuum . It’s basically a shop-vac, able to deal with wet and dry debris, with a 2.5-gallon storage tank that should be sufficient for even large SUVs. It comes with a 10-foot power cord and a 6-foot hose, which should be enough to navigate around your vehicle without being too much trouble. It can also be converted to a blower so you can use it as a dryer. The vacuum includes several helpful components, such as a reusable cloth filter, reusable foam sleeve, two-in-one utility nozzle, crevice tool, deluxe car nozzle, blower nozzle, and detail brush. It comes with a two-year warranty.
A popular cordless handheld vacuum is the Black+Decker Dustbuster. It weighs just 2.6 lbs but can only be used on dry debris. The portable vacuum is rated at 15.2 watts with max voltage of 16v and has a suction power of 15.2 air watts. Its dustbowl capacity is 20.6 ounces, but can easily be emptied and washed. The Black+Decker Dustbuster features a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged via a charging base. Another benefit to the vacuum is that its battery is capable of holding a charge for up to 18 months, so you can conveniently keep it in your car.
Included with the vacuum are a flip-up brush and a crevice tool, both of which will help you clean your interior with less effort. It also comes with a two-year warranty.
Why you need it:
A comprehensive wash on your car could take hours and you might not always have the time to do that. In between washes, you can spend a few minutes with a bottle of exterior detailer and a microfiber towel to keep your car looking clean. Also known as quick detailers, these specially formulated products are designed for a convenient spray-on, wipe-off touch up for when you can’t do a proper wash.
What to look for:
When picking a quick detailer, choose a reputable brand that is respected in the car care industry. These companies have invested the research and development to come up with a solution that won’t damage your car’s clear coat or paint. If you’re willing to spend a bit extra, opt for a product that has a hydrophobic component, that gives added protection while repelling water. Just make sure the product doesn’t strip or remove any wax or protectant from your car’s clearcoat. There are also some detailers that can be used on other surfaces such as glass, plastic, or metal.
Recommendation:
Available in a 22-ounce bottle, Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Detailer costs a little bit more than your standard bottle of quick detailer, but it features hydrophobic polymer technology. Designed to deliver a high surface tension for added protection, the Ultimate Quik Detailer is great to use in between washes. Expect it to leave your car looking shiny, safely removing dust and other contaminants with just a spray and wipe.
Why you need it:
Your interior takes a beating sitting out in the sun during the day, so you’ll want to protect all exposed surfaces inside your cabin. Not just that, but your seats go through more wear and tear than any other component inside your car, so giving them a bit of attention can go a long way in making sure they last. Interior detailer only cleans the surface of your dash, center console, and seats, but also protects them from harmful UV rays.
What to look for:
Depending on your vehicle, you will need to choose an interior detailer made for the job. For example, if you have leather seats, make sure you purchase an interior detailer that works for leather surfaces. You may need to purchase a separate detailer to handle your dash and door panels, or other vinyl, plastic, and rubber surfaces throughout the cabin. Look for a product that gives you the finish you desire – some people prefer a shiny look, while others would rather have a matte touch. Pay close attention to how they smell too, since sensitive noses may not want some of the stronger scents that some interior detailers put out.
Recommendation:
A great all-purpose interior detailer is the CarGuys’ Super Cleaner. It’s designed to work on various surfaces including upholstery, fabric, canvas, leather, vinyl, plastic, rubber, grease, and more. We prefer this cleaner over others because it leaves a nice, clean finish with no gloss to the surfaces. And since its all purpose, you can spray the detailer on the included towel and wipe away throughout your cabin, from the dash to the seats, door panels to even the floor mats.
Why you need it:
So you have the exterior of your car all washed up and your cabin is looking spotless. That’s when you realize that you probably neglected the windows. While the outside glass is likely clean from the wash itself, you’ll want to make sure the inside glass gets treated as well. Over time, the inside of your windows can accumulate all sorts of residue, leaving you a cloudy appearance that your wipers can’t take care of.
What to look for:
You may think a popular household product such as Windex will do the job, and you’re not wrong. But there are products that make the job easier, with a finer mist spray that won’t drip all over the place. In addition, some glass cleaners are formulated to remove the thin layer of film that builds up on the interior of windshields. If you have tinted windows, you’ll also want to make sure you’re purchasing a glass cleaner that is safe to use.
Recommendation:
Easy to apply and ammonia-free so it’s safe to use on tint, Invisible Glass premium glass cleaner comes in an aerosol can with a no-drip, fine mist spray. It’s one of the most popular products on Amazon and for good reason. It doesn’t use any soaps or dyes, nor is it scented. Each wipe won’t leave streaky residues, so your windows are crystal clear once you’re done.
Why you need it:
Depending on how intricately designed your wheels are, cleaning them can be a real pain. That’s when a wheel and tire cleaner comes in handy. After a quick rinse on your wheels, you can simply spray the cleaner, wait a few minutes for it to do its job, and then rinse it off. If there’s any stubborn dirt left over, it should be fairly easy to scrub off with your hand mitt and soap.
What to look for:
The most important factor when shopping for a wheel and tire cleaner is to make sure it’s safe to use on any finish. Modern wheels come in a variety of finishes, including chrome paint, so you’ll want to make sure the wheel cleaner isn’t so harsh that it damages your wheel. Look for a wheel and tire cleaner that’s environmentally friendly and is formulated to be acid free, non-toxic, and pH balanced.
Recommendation:
Our recommendation for a wheel and tire cleaner comes from Car Guys. One of the most popular and highly-rated wheel and tire cleaners on Amazon, Car Guys’ product ticks all the boxes we look for. It’s made in the U.S. and conforms to all safety regulations, specially formulated to be acid free, non-toxic, and pH balanced. It will clean wheels of all finishes, including alloy, aluminum, anodized, chrome, painted, polished, clear-coated, and even plasti-dipped.
June 7, 2021:Removed the promoted product recommendation.
March 31, 2021:Updated with a promoted product recommendation.
