Washing Your New Beetle
Beetle Mania know new beetle owners want to have your new beetle to keep that new finish and to have your new beetle last as long older beetles on the road. We would like to show you how to clean:
  • Wheels and tires
  • Lower body and front end
  • Upper body paint finish and trim
PHASE ONE

The lower areas of the car are where the "toughest" cleaning problems exist. This area usually requires additional reaction time for the cleaning products to work most effectively.

By addressing the lower areas as a first step in the wash process, you don't risk picking up small rocks or soil and dragging them over your hood and other high profile paint surfaces.

Surface AreaCleaning Recommendations
Rubber Tires 1. Use high pressure water stream to remove road film, mud & soil before introducing cleaning products.

2. Spray on tire cleaner and scrub with a stiff brush.

3. Scrub the tires thoroughly and rinse with a high pressure stream of water.

Wheels
 1. Make sure the wheel is cool to the touch before introducing any wheel cleaning product (water will help cool the wheel).

2. The use of a wheel cleaning product will make fast work of tough brake dust and road film. Determine what type of wheel your car has, (aluminum, chrome, or clearcoat painted), and use the most appropriate wheel cleaner. A multi-purpose wheel cleaner is a safe bet if you do not know your type. (Your wheel type should be listed in your owner's manual).
Lower Body
Panels and Front
End Area  		1. Examine lower body panels and front end area for stubborn roadway contaminants.

2.Wet the areas to be cleaned.

3.If bugs or tar exist, apply the Bug & Tar Remover with a sponge (let set a few minutes).

4.Gently agitate with a sponge and then rinse with a high pressure stream of water.
TIPS: Use a Bug & Tar Remover to remove bug and other debris from front windshield and chrome sport mirrors.

WHEEL TYPE GUIDE
WHEEL COVERS Very popular alternative to expensive chrome or mag wheels
Usually plastic material such as hubcaps or "wire basket" covers.
These wheel types are common on low to mid-priced cars/vans and can readily be purchased at retail.
Recommended Products:
Turtle Wax®Wheel Brite®All Wheel Formula
FORMULA 2001® Foaming Wheel Cleaner
Now that the lower areas of the car are clean, let's wash the entire car with some car wash product.

PHASE TWO

HOW TO CLEAN UPPER BODY PAINT FINISH AND TRIM

Make sure you use a quality car wash. You want to use car washes that meet the demands of today's sensitive clear coat finish.

Why use a car wash vs just any detergent?

Car wash products contain lubricants to ensure dirt particles between sponge and paint finish do not leave hairline scratches.

Turtle Wax® car washes contain water softeners to improve detergent action and to ensure soils do not redeposit on your car's surface, especially in areas where hard water is a problem.

Turtle Wax® car washes are safe on clear coats.

Household detergents can "dull" your car's finish because the pH is usually high, and alkaline detergents will dissolve existing polish or wax protection over time.


HOW TO WASH A CAR

1. Start your hand washing process by soaking the entire vehicle with a low pressure stream of water.

2. Use a wash mitt, sponge or medium sized terry cloth to agitate your paint finish using the car wash product

3. Use only the recommended amount of car wash concentrate as directed by the label. Lots of "suds" are great to work with, but can increase the total time it will take to "rinse" and dry your vehicle

4. Dry the car with terry towels or chamois.


TIPS:

As discussed earlier, it's a good idea to start at the top and work down to the lower areas of your car. You don't want to risk picking up small rocks or tar pieces below and dragging them over your car's upper, high profile paint finish.

Wash and rinse your vehicle 1-3 panels or areas at a time. This will prevent "spotting".


PHASE THREE

HOW TO DRY YOUR CAR

Drying your car is pretty straightforward, but keep in mind to always start from the top and work down to the lower area.

Beetle Maina Tips:

Use a "damp" terry towel to begin absorbing water from your vehicle, starting from the top and working down to the lower sections (the ideal "wetness" of toweling should be similar to just after the "spin cycle" in a washing machine).
Dedicate your towel supplies just like you did in the cleaning phases (upper and lower supplies). Remember, there is still a chance to pick up loose tiny rocks or dirt from the lower areas of the vehicle.
Finish your "DRYING" process with a leather or synthetic chamois. A chamois is effective for the final wipe down of your vehicle.