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Why rain is no substitute for a car wash
Rain gets your car wet, but it doesn't wash it. The water rinses away loose dust, but the greasy film that builds up from traffic stays on the paintwork. When the droplets dry, the dirt they carried is left behind as spots and streaks. That is why a car often looks dirtier after rain than it did before.
What is left on the paint after rain
As you drive, fine dust from the road, tyres and brakes sticks to the car, along with greasy residue from exhaust fumes. This traffic film is oily, so water alone won't dissolve it. Rain just moves it around: water running off the roof and bonnet carries dirt down onto the sides, trims and seams.
As the droplets dry, they leave behind whatever was in them. Round water spots form on the bonnet and roof, and streaks on the sides. On a dark car they show straight away; on a light one they appear as a grey tinge on the surface.
Stubborn dirt doesn't come off in the rain
Bird droppings, insects and tree sap don't come off with rainwater. They are best removed soon, because they can damage the clear coat if they are left on the surface for a long time. Don't rub them off dry: hard dirt acts like sandpaper. Soften it first and only then wipe it away. You will find instructions in our articles on bird droppings and insects and tree sap.
Windows and visibility
Dried droplets and greasy film on the windscreen are at their worst when the sun is low or you face oncoming headlights. The wipers don't help, because they spread the film further and leave the glass streaky. The glass only gets properly clean in a wash, and the side windows and mirrors are cleaned at the same time.
Which wash removes traffic film
Traffic film comes off with a solvent. Premium wash (€39–52) includes a solvent wash of the paintwork as well as the hand wash, which makes it the right choice for this. Seasonal wash (€49–62) adds a quick wax to the solvent wash, after which water beads on the surface and the next rain leaves fewer marks.
If you want longer protection, wax or a coating reduces how much dirt sticks and makes future washes easier. They don't keep the car clean, but dirt comes off the surface more easily. You will find the options and prices in our article on what waxing costs.
Remove traffic film with a solvent wash
Premium wash €39–52. Book online or give us a call.