Car care guide: 5 home car washing mistakes you should avoid

Washing your car at home feels simple. And cheap. But one wrong move can end up doing more harm than good. Today’s cars are not basic machines anymore. They are full of electronics, sensors and delicate paint finishes. A rushed or careless wash can cause damage that costs far more than a professional clean. Let’s take a look at five such common home car washing mistakes that can ruin your car.

Not being mindful of waterflow

One common mistake is allowing water to enter areas that should stay dry. Modern cars have wiring, sensors, lights, parking sensors and cameras placed all around the body and engine bay. Too much water in these spots can trigger warning lights or cause parts to fail. It happens more often than people think. Fixing electrical issues is rarely quick or affordable.

Causing hydrolock by mistake

Water entering the engine air intake is another risk. While spraying the front of the car or the grille, water can sometimes get forced inside. In rare cases, this leads to hydrolock. The engine simply stops working. It is uncommon, yes. But when it happens, the repair bill can be massive. This is why direct spraying near the grille is best avoided.

Not making sure that the fuel cap is shut

The fuel cap is another small detail many owners forget. If it is not shut properly, water can seep into the filler neck or even the fuel tank. Just a little water mixed with petrol or diesel can affect how the engine runs. Rough idling and misfires are common signs. And that usually means a visit to the service centre.

Not using clean clothes, products

Using the wrong cleaning products also causes long-term damage. Regular dish soap or household cleaners may look effective, but they strip away wax and protective layers from the paint. Over time, the paint starts losing its shine. It also becomes more vulnerable to scratches, sunlight and bird droppings. A proper car shampoo is always the safer option.

Not being mindful of dust and dirt

How and when you wash the car matters too. Using one bucket for everything may save time, but it pushes dirt back onto the paint. That leads to fine scratches. Washing under harsh sunlight makes things worse. Water and soap dry too quickly, leaving marks on the clear coat. Shade helps. So do clean microfiber cloths.