How to Wash Your Car in the Heat Without Getting Water Spots
Summer sun can make car washing a nightmare—water dries before you can rinse it, and you're left with a mess of spots on your freshly cleaned paint. But with the right techniques and products, you can wash your car safely in hot weather without ruining your finish.
Watch this video for the full breakdown:
Here’s how to wash your car in the sun or heat the right way—no water spots, no rush, no frustration.
Why Water Spots Happen in the Heat
Water spots are caused by minerals in your tap water. When water dries on your paint, it leaves behind a crusty residue of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. The hotter the surface and the faster it dries, the worse the spotting.
So in the summer—or if you're washing in direct sunlight—you need to adjust your process to stay ahead of evaporation.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Car in the Heat
1. Start Early (or Late)
The best way to avoid water spots is to avoid direct sun. Wash your car early in the morning or later in the evening when the surface is cooler and the sun isn’t directly overhead.
2. Work in Sections
Don’t foam the entire car and wait—break the vehicle into small sections and rinse each one quickly. For example: foam and wash the roof, rinse it, then move to the hood, and so on.
3. Use a Soap That Helps
The Super Soaper is ideal for hot weather because it’s designed for a longer dwell time and softens minerals, reducing the chance of water spots.
4. Don’t Let Water Sit
The biggest rule in summer detailing: don’t let water dry on the surface. Rinse quickly and immediately move to drying.
5. Dry With a Quality Towel
A small chamois won’t cut it in the sun. Use a plush towel like the Massive Drying Towel to soak up water fast and safely. You want something that can absorb a ton of water before needing to wring it out.
6. Use a Drying Aid or Ceramic Spray
Boost protection and reduce spotting with a quick mist of Tough As Shell as you dry. It adds slickness, gloss, and makes the surface more hydrophobic—helping prevent future spots.
Bonus Tip: Keep a Bottle of Water Spot Remover Handy
If water spots sneak through, don’t panic. Have a mineral remover or light polish ready to knock them out before they etch into your clear coat. But prevention is always better.
Essential Summer Washing Kit
- The Super Soaper – Powerful, touchless soap with longer dwell time
- Massive Drying Towel – Absorbs tons of water fast
- Tough As Shell – Doubles as a drying aid and ceramic protectant
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