can vinegar and water be used for car wash

[MacMary]

Using a vinegar and water solution for a car wash is a risky practice that is not recommended for your vehicle's paint and exterior components. While it can effectively remove water spots and some contaminants, the acetic acid in vinegar is too harsh for automotive clear coats, rubber seals, and metal trim. Over time, it can degrade protective coatings and lead to premature fading or damage. For safe and effective cleaning, dedicated automotive shampoos are the only advisable choice.

The primary appeal of vinegar is its ability to dissolve hard water minerals. If you have spot-free rinse water, a highly diluted solution (a common suggestion is 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water) might be used as a final rinse to minimize spotting, but it must be rinsed off immediately and thoroughly. It should never be used as a washing soap or left to dry on the surface. The potential for damage far outweighs the minimal cost-saving benefit.

Automotive paint is protected by a clear coat, a transparent layer of urethane that provides gloss and UV protection. This clear coat is sensitive to pH levels. Car shampoos are specifically formulated to be pH-neutral, meaning they clean effectively without chemically interacting with or degrading the clear coat or other materials. Vinegar, being an acid, disrupts this balance and can slowly etch the surface.

The risks extend beyond the paint. The acid can dry out and crack rubber window seals and trim. It can also cause corrosion on aluminum wheels and chrome accents. For these reasons, professional detailers and manufacturers consistently advise against using household cleaners like vinegar on automobiles.

Component	Risk from Vinegar & Water Solution	Recommended Alternative
Paint Clear Coat	Can cause etching, dullness, and degrade UV protection over time.	pH-neutral automotive shampoo.
Rubber Seals/Trim	Dries out and cracks the material, leading to leaks and wear.	Protectant sprays designed for vinyl and rubber.
Aluminum Wheels	Promotes corrosion and pitting, especially on bare alloy.	Non-acidic, dedicated wheel cleaners.
Chrome Accents	Can cause pitting and tarnishing, destroying the finish.	Chrome-specific polish and cleaners.
Window Glass	Can damage aftermarket tint film and degrade windshield repellent coatings.	Automotive glass cleaners or isopropyl alcohol solutions.

[McKingston]

I tried the vinegar trick on my old sedan to save a few bucks. Sure, it got the water spots off the windows, but I noticed a hazy film on the black trim a week later. It never really shined right again. It’s one of those things that seems clever until you see the long-term effect. Now I just use the cheap stuff from the auto parts store—it’s designed for cars and doesn’t come with nasty surprises.

[DeAshley]

Think of your car's finish like skin. You wouldn't wash your face with vinegar because it's too acidic and would strip away natural oils. Car paint has a similar protective layer called a clear coat. Using vinegar, even diluted, is like using a harsh chemical peel weekly. It might solve a immediate spot problem, but it's degrading the long-term health of the finish. A proper car soap is pH-balanced to clean without causing harm.