Invest in a Regular Car Wash

Dead bugs, bird droppings, pollen, dirt, and other debris can damage your paint if not washed away in time. Running your BMW through an automatic car wash once a week is ideal, as is planning a regularly scheduled hand wash for a more detailed cleaning. If washing your car once a week doesn’t fit into your busy schedule, aim to at least have the car thoroughly cleaned by hand once a month.

Learn the Correct Way to Clean

Washing your BMW by hand is a cost-effective way of keeping it maintained, but it’s important to know how to do it correctly before setting to the task yourself. Always wash the vehicle in a cool, shady place with soft water. Hard water contains minerals that can leave unsightly spots when the water evaporates.

Contrary to popular DIY wisdom, never use household cleaners, laundry soap, or dish soap to wash your BMW. These products strip away the finish, potentially resulting in damage. Always use a soap that’s designed for cars, and wash your vehicle from the top down.

Keep plenty of microfiber towels on hand for washing, drying, and applying wax, car polish, or other car-care product. Microfiber towels are gentler on a car’s finish than regular terrycloth towels or cotton fabrics, which can dull the finish or even scratch the surface. Always wash your microfiber towels separate from other laundry items in hot water without any fabric softener.

Finish with Polish and Wax

Cleaning your car by hand is a straightforward process, but you shouldn’t skip the polish and waxing stages. After your car has been thoroughly washed and dried, sweep your hand across the surface to feel for any bumps in the paint. Bumps indicated contaminants, so you’ll need to use a mild abrasive like a clay bar to treat affected areas prior to polishing.

Polishing your car adds luster back into the BMW’s finish, but it won’t protect the paint. After you’ve applied the glaze or polish by hand using small, circular strokes, you need to follow up with the wax coat for best results. Waxing should be done at least every three months, but it’s a good idea to apply car wax after every wash to ensure the finish is always protected. Paste or liquid waxes provide the longest-lasting protection, but spray-on waxes work just fine on newer vehicles.

Consider a Professional

Doing your own car detailing is more affordable than a professional detail service, especially if you’re looking to have the car thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. If you’re pressed for time, though, you can’t beat the level of detail a professional service offers, so it’s really up to you and your individual needs.

Keeping these tips in mind will ensure your BMW’s glossy finish lasts as long as you own the car.