Drivers urged to avoid using cheap product to wash car or face repairs of up to £5,000
A new survey has found that nearly half of motorists regularly wash their vehicle with a substance that could damage the paintwork and cause rust.
The vehicle buying platform BigWantsYourCar.com has warned motorists to take care when cleaning their car, stating that nearly half of drivers could be causing expensive damage.
According to a recent study, 48 percent of drivers admitted to using washing-up liquid when they wash their car.
Darren Miller, motoring expert from BigWantsYourCar.com highlighted that using the substance on a vehicle could lead to serious issues with the paintwork and body.
He explained: "Using washing-up liquid to clean cars is a common mistake that can lead to significant damage to the vehicle's paintwork.
"While effective for removing grease and food stains, the washing-up liquid contains salt, which can corrode the paint and leave the car vulnerable to environmental contaminants and UV damage."
To make it thicker, most washing-up liquids contain a small amount of salt, which can lead to rust if it reaches any exposed metal, such as scratches.
In addition, drivers who use the substance to clean their car will also remove any paint sealant or wax, making the bodywork more exposed to UV.
As a result, after a number of washes using the liquid, the bodywork will start to lose its shine and, over time, begin to fade.
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Darren noted that motorists could be charged thousands to get any damage caused by washing-up liquid rectified.
He added: "Repainting a car due to damage caused by washing-up liquid can be expensive, with potential costs reaching up to £5,000 for a family car.
"To avoid this, car owners should invest in dedicated car care products designed to protect the paint and preserve the vehicle's value. Using the right products not only protects against damage but also helps maintain the car's appearance, ensuring it looks its best for years."
Instead of cleaning a vehicle with washing-up liquid, motorists should buy a dedicated automotive shampoo, with many car accessory stores selling bottles for as little as £2.50.
Then, when washing a vehicle, BigWantsYourCar.com recommended using two buckets, with one featuring pure water and the other containing a solution of both water and car shampoo.
By using this method, drivers can prevent any soap from drying on the paintwork, causing streaks from ruining the look of the vehicle, and avoid creating scratches.