I saw people today at local car washes due to the ash on their cars. This is NOT the best way to care for your car. While it is logical to think a wash is what you need, it can be harmful to the clearcoat.

Ash is normally high in alkaline. When you mix water and heat, it creates etching. The ash can then etch and leave marks in your clearcoat. If your car is washed and some ash mixed with water is introduced to the sun (heat), you have created a problem with your paint system. Once deep enough, you are not going to get those marks out of the clearcoat.

Simply driving the car will remove most of the ash- even a leaf blower will help. Ash is very light and will most likely leave the surface of the paint naturally. In a few days, when the ash stops falling, then you may complete a full wash process, but with the ash still falling, you do NOT want to introduced water to the mix.

If you have any questions, email us at: info@autodetailingteacher.com

Due to our own evacuation, we are not available until this fire settles.

Thank you and good luck!

Robert Regan

Auto Detailing Teacher

Santa Barbara, CA