While dishwashing soap may seem like a gentle cleanser for your car's surface, it actually cuts through the wax, according to the Car Care Council. Use detergent especially designed for automobiles when you wash your car.

Kevin Schappell, who maintains the Web site www.autoeducation.com, says that while car wash businesses are simple and convenient, he usually recommends against using them because power sprayers can be strong enough to ruin weather-stripping, and foam brushes can have dirt ground in them that can scratch paint.

Washing your car sounds like a pretty simple operation.

There’s the water and the suds. Pretty much it, right?

Maybe. But the Car Care Council, an industry group, and Kevin Schappell, who maintains the Web site www.autoeducation.com, say there’s more to getting your car clean.

Here are some of their tips:

¢ First thing’s first. Schappell says that while car wash businesses are simple and convenient, he usually recommends against using them. Often, the power sprayer is so strong that it can ruin weather-stripping, and the foam brushes can have dirt ground in them that can scratch paint.

¢ Use a tire cleaner that removes brake dust, which often blackens the front wheels.

¢ It might be tempting to wash your car using dishwashing soap from your kitchen. But the Car Care Council says that soap will cut through your car’s wax. It’s better to use a soap designed specifically for automobiles.

¢ The council also recommends washing your car’s tires and wheels before washing the body. That way, if any of the grime from the tires gets onto the body, you can wash it off. Also, use separate washing mitts for the tires and body, to keep unnecessary dirt off the paint.

¢ When washing the body, spray down your car first. Then, apply the soap with a washing mitt. Spray the mitt with the hose between soap applications, so you’re not dipping the dirty mitt back in the clean, soapy bucket.

“You’re preventing the dirt that causes scratches,” Schappell says. “What will happen over time is modern cars have a base coat and a clear coat system. The more you scratch that clear coat, the duller it will get, and the shine comes off.”

¢ Starting at the top, wash one section at a time, thoroughly rinsing away the soap. Work your way down toward the front, sides and rear of the vehicle. Clean the rear last since it usually has the largest accumulation of dirt and grime, which can contaminate the wash mitt. Wash the inside door jams about once a month.

¢ When rinsing off the soap, take off any sprayer nozzles on your hose. Instead, just let water flow on the top of the car and down onto the sides to do a more effective job of rinsing.

¢ Don’t wash your car in direct sunlight. The sun will make the water dry faster, causing more spotting and making you use more water than you would in the shade.

¢ Schappell says cars should be waxed two to three times a year to help avoid scratches. Be sure to use a 100 percent cotton towel for applying wax, because synthetic fibers can scratch the paint.

¢ To prevent water spots, use a chamois to dry the car.