7 Car Washing Mistakes That Could Cost You Ksh30K

Many Kenyans either wash their cars at home or at car wash stations. However, in an effort to maintain the cleanliness of their vehicles, some practices could cost them at least Ksh30,000 in repairs.

In most cases, these mistakes damage car paint, requiring the owner to repaint the vehicle. The standard charge for painting a small car is Ksh30,000. For those who want sections of the car repainted, they can be charged between Ksh7,000 to Ksh8,000 per panel. 

However, in some auto repair shops, paint jobs can go as high as Ksh150,000, depending on the car. For instance, paint jobs for high-end cars such as Mercedes cost more. 

Here are the 7 mistakes and how to avoid them 

‍1. Using dish soap or laundry detergent

In most cases, Kenyans use liquid dish soap or even laundry detergent to clean their cars. While these products are designed to cut through heavy grease and oils on dishes, they can cause damage to a car's protective wax coating.

Over time, after the coat is damaged, the wax exposes the paint to sun damage, oxidation, and moisture, leading to faded, dull paint. Ultimately, this makes many motorists repaint their vehicles. On average, repainting sections of the vehicle could cost up to Ksh15,000.

Notably, in cases where the whole car has to be repainted, the costs go as high as Ksh30,000

How to avoid it: It is advisable to use car-specific shampoos. They're designed to clean while preserving your wax and clear coat. A car shampoo costs between Ksh2,000 and Ksh2,500, depending on the brand.

2. Washing under direct sunlight

Washing a car under direct sunlight causes the water and soap to dry too fast, which leads to stubborn water spots and streaks that are difficult to remove.

As a result, a car owner may end up needing a machine polish to restore the paint’s finish. This comes at a cost, too. For instance, standard polishing in Nairobi can cost between Ksh5,000 to Ksh10,000. The charges could also run up to Ksh15,000, depending on the severity.

How to avoid it: It is advisable to wash your car early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cool. During the day, washing the car under a shade is best advised.

3. Using one bucket for everything

Dipping your sponge or piece of cloth into the same dirty bucket of soapy water repeatedly can cause damage to the car paint. This is because such repeated actions lead to the rubbing of the dirt right back onto it, scratching the surface.

These micro-scratches can dull your paint, leading to scratch marks, requiring a repaint job.

How to avoid it: To prevent this, use the two-bucket method: one bucket with soapy water, another with clean water to rinse your sponge. It reduces the risk of rubbing dirt into your paint.

4. Washing from bottom to top

Starting from the bottom of your car and working your way up spreads the heaviest dirt, such as road tar, brake dust, and mud, onto cleaner areas, increasing the chances of scratching the paint. Eventually, the car will need a repaint.

How to avoid it: Always wash from the top down. The roof, windows, and bonnet are usually less dirty than the sides and bottom. Save the dirtiest parts, such as wheels and underbody for last.

5. Ignoring the undercarriage

In some cases, some motorists only clean the visible parts of their car and ignore the underbody. Over time, this area accumulates dirt, salt, and mud, which can lead to rust and corrosion.

How to avoid It: It is advisable to wash a car's undercarriage at least once a month. Many car wash stations in Kenya now offer under-wash services for Ksh300 to Ksh500.

6. Using old towels to dry

Drying your car with an old towel, t-shirt, or kitchen rag may seem harmless, but these materials often hold dust particles, and they aren't designed to be gentle on automotive paint.

These can leave small scratches or swirl marks that add up over time, leading you to spend Ksh5,000 to Ksh30,000 for a repaint or polish.

How to avoid it: Instead of old rugs, buy microfiber towels. They’re soft, super absorbent, and gentle on your paint. Car wash towels range between Ksh250 to Ksh900.

7. Letting your car air-dry

Letting your car air dry leaves water spots, especially if the water is hard or mineral-rich.

These spots can etch into your clear coat, leading to dull patches and requiring paint correction, which could cost up to Ksh30,000.

How to avoid it: After rinsing, use a clean microfiber towel or a soft drying blade to remove water gently. If you want to go the extra mile, apply a spray wax for added protection afterward. The average cost of a spray wax in various retail shops is Ksh800.