Alex Amilibia's tips for washing your car in summer without fatal mistakes
Washing the car at 40ºC under the sun? A mistake you can easily avoid. Expert mechanic Àlex Amilibia warns that many people waste effort when washing their vehicle at the hottest hours, leaving water marks that are difficult to remove afterward.
With half a million followers on social media, Amilibia has shared tips that change the way to care for the car in the summer. Preparing the tires or refreshing the interior with a simple breeze are just some of his most practical tips.
Why is washing the car in the sun worse than it seems?
What problems does washing the car at peak hours cause?
Washing at 40ºC? It seems like a good idea, but the sun makes the water evaporate too quickly and leave unsightly marks. According to Àlex Amilibia, the car can dry with droplets that are then very hard to remove, leaving the paint looking dirtier than before.
When is the best time to wash the car?
The most recommended time is to wash it in the shade, at dawn or at dusk. These moments reduce the temperature of the bodywork and prevent the water from leaving marks. Experts from Which? support this advice, confirming that avoiding direct sun is key to a clean and shiny finish.
How to prepare the tires and the interior for summer travel?
Why check tire pressure with a full load?
Àlex Amilibia reminds that measuring pressure without luggage or passengers is useless. With 400 or 500 kilos less, the pressure is not accurate, and this can cause the tires to flatten and wear out quickly during the trip.
What effects does incorrect tire pressure have during a long trip?
If driving with too low tire pressure, tires can get ruined before reaching the destination. Increasing pressure according to the load prevents problems and makes the trip safer and more comfortable, especially in summer with high temperatures.
Practical tips to fight the heat inside the car in summer
How to reduce the interior temperature before entering the vehicle?
Instead of enduring the stifling hot interior, Àlex Amilibia recommends opening one door and then the other, alternating closing them. This creates a breeze that can lower the temperature by up to 15ºC in two minutes.
What difference does this method make compared to leaving the car closed?
Leaving the car closed only accumulates heat, which is unpleasant and can damage materials. With the suggested breeze, hot air is quickly expelled, improving comfort without immediately needing to turn on the air conditioning.
The sun is not the best friend for washing the car, nor is incorrect tire pressure in summer. Following Àlex Amilibia’s advice can avoid disappointments and save time. Also, a simple technique to ventilate the interior makes the trip more pleasant from the very first moment.
