Drivers issued car wash warning for 1 item during hosepipe ban

Motorists hoping to keep their car clean during the ongoing UK hosepipe ban have been issued a crucial warning to “steer clear” of one simple item. Nine water companies have hosepipe bans in place, including firms such as Thames Water, Anglian Water, Southern Water and Affinity Water.

The ban means road users are not allowed to use a hosepipe, pressure washer or sprinkler connected to a mains water supply to wash a vehicle. Those found breaking the rules can be penalised, with road users liable to receive a £1,000 fine.

However, motorists don’t have to go around with a mucky-looking car, with no rules around using buckets of water or visiting a car wash site. Experts have urged road users to consider using a self-service jet wash, a tool that can usually be found at petrol station forecourts.

But specialists have explained that road users should always dodge one part of the cleaning process to avoid causing serious damage to their bodywork.

AutoExpress explained: “Commercial car washes such as those typically found at fuel stations are generally exempt from hosepipe restrictions, because they recycle the water used, filtering it before reusing it again and again. While it may be tempting to use automatic machines, they can damage paintwork and will typically miss parts that are out of reach of the spinning brushes.

“Instead, our choice would be a jet wash. Steer clear of the attached brush, which can be laden with dirt and grit, and take your own wash mitt to wipe the bodywork after applying the foam. You will find this much easier and faster if there is someone to help spray while you wipe.”

Leftover dirt and grit inside a sponge can cause serious damage to a car’s bodywork in a major concern for motorists. There are fears that the sharp particles can act like sandpaper, carving scratches into the gloss and leaving a permanent mark.

Larger pieces of grit or stones can leave straight lines through the clear coat, which could become expensive to fix. Deep scratches may require a full panel respray at a bodyshop which could cost well over £500 to repair.