Good paint care begins with removing loose dirt before touching the surface. Use plenty of clean water, a suitable vehicle shampoo and clean wash media, then dry without dragging contamination across the paint.

Automatic washing quality varies, but worn brushes and poor maintenance can add fine marks. A controlled hand wash gives more oversight around badges, edges and heavily contaminated areas.

Tree sap, bird residue, tar and industrial fallout need the correct specialist cleaner. They should not be scrubbed away or left until the next general wash.

Polishing is an abrasive correction process, not routine cleaning. Product, pad and machine must match the defect and available paint; coarse compound is not automatically right for a newer vehicle, nor is fine polish automatically safe on old paint.

Fresh wax, sealant or coating can then protect the prepared surface and simplify maintenance. Compatibility, curing and aftercare matter more than the lowest purchase price or the longest advertised lifespan.

AVP can inspect the paint and separate what needs cleaning, correction, repair or protection before recommending a service.