Can You Wash Your Car Immediately After Driving on the Highway?
1 Answers
Generally, after driving on the highway, you can wash your car 15 to 20 minutes after exiting, once the engine and other systems have cooled down. Washing the car immediately, especially using cold water to rinse the brake discs, can cause the brake discs to warp in mild cases and lead to brake system failure in severe cases, compromising driving safety. Precautions for car washing: Do not wash the car before the engine has completely cooled down, as this can cause premature aging of the engine; avoid washing the car under direct sunlight, as it may leave dried water spot marks on the body; refrain from washing the car in extremely cold weather, as water freezing can cause the paint film to crack; do not use anything other than soft water for cleaning, as hard water can leave marks and a film after drying; avoid using high-pressure water jets to rinse the car body, as this can damage the paint. If there is stubborn dirt on the car, soak it with water first before rinsing. Steps for car washing: Park the car in an open area, turn off the engine, and shut down all in-car devices; prepare the car wash detergent; use a water hose to wet the entire surface of the car body; you can use a high-pressure hose to rinse the wheels and side bumpers; apply the detergent evenly on the car's surface using a sponge or microfiber cloth; rinse off the foam and dirty water from the car body with the hose; finally, dry the car body with a car wash cloth.