Spring is approaching, and we see the detailing world waking up. Why is that? Besides the fact that it is simply more enjoyable to maintain your car in nice weather, there are also a few logical reasons. Below, we give 3 reasons why now is the time to perform a major spring cleaning on your car and why it is important to apply a wax, coating, or sealant afterward.
01 | Salt residue
We have had a winter with a lot of snow, and consequently a lot of road salt on the roads. During dry winter months this isn't such a big problem, but now that damp, rainy days are becoming more frequent, the road salt residue is causing rust and corrosion.
→ Be sure to pay some attention to these zones:
- Engine bay: Clean with an all-purpose cleaner and a detailing brush, and protect with Q2M Preserve or MotorPlast. Do this first and foremost, so it causes less damage in case of overspray.
- Side skirts: The side skirts collect the most road salt and dirt. Use a good pre-wash to loosen this dirt.
- Door trims: the soft plastics in your door trims dry out due to salt. First clean them with Q2M TrimCleaner, make them supple again, deep black, and protect them with Q2M Preserve.
02 | Fewer washes during the winter
Let's be honest, you haven't washed your car that regularly during the winter, have you?
Don't worry, no one stuck to a weekly wash. But the result is: a car full of small particles – contamination – rust spots, tar, brake dust… that you can't remove with a regular wash.
→ Time for decontamination!
Our ultimate combo? Q2M Iron and Q2M Tar! Spray Q2M Iron, let it do its work, and rinse off. Next, spray Q2M Tar where needed, let it sit, gently rub off with a Q2M SilkMitt, and rinse off. Now proceed with the classic contact wash using shampoo.
Do you want to go a step further? Then try mechanical decontamination or ‘clay modeling’.
03 | Switch from winter to summer tires
This is traditionally the time when we swap winter tires for summer tires. This is the perfect moment for a task you might otherwise skip: cleaning the inside of your rims (the "barrels") and the wheel arches.
04 | The new enemy: Pollen
The winter danger has passed, but the next challenge is already waiting: pollen.
When pollen comes into contact with water, it becomes slightly acidic and sticky. This means that if there is a layer of pollen on your paintwork and it then rains, your paint will suffer. The particles can etch the paint, causing a dull look.
Because they are a bit sticky, you cannot simply rinse them off, and a direct contact wash can cause micro-scratches.
A dirt-repellent protective layer such as a wax or coating prevents this problem! The pollen has more difficulty adhering to the paintwork and therefore comes off more easily during washing.