Motorists have been issued with a 'bizarre' warning about washing their cars as the UK heads into its summer months.
Washing your car is one of those chores we don't really think twice about. We're eager to get it done and reassured there's no 'wrong' way to do it. Unless you're using filthy water or jet-washing it at 5am on a Saturday morning then it should be fairly straightforward right?
Well... apparently not.
According to the experts over at Stoner Car Care, how well your car will end up looking is actually dependant on various factors.
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Now, hosing down your car under the summer sun might sound like a fun idea, but apparently the sunshine can have a detrimental impact on how your vehicle looks.
"Always avoid cleaning your car in direct sunlight. The sun dries water quickly and leads to soap drying on your car's surface before the cleansers break down dirt. Also, rapid drying creates streaking and leaves watermarks," the company said.
Instead 'morning hours' as well as afternoons 'between 5pm and sundown' and 'aerial shade' are optimal for making sure your car is gleaming.
But what about washing your car at night?
Stoner Car Care recommends that car owners avoid cleaning their vehicles after the sun has set - and not only because washing your car at night is pretty weird.
"Washing after sundown sounds ideal, but we recommend avoid cleaning after sunset for several reasons," the spokesperson explained.
"For one, the lack of light makes it difficult to clean thoroughly. Dirt is less visible at night. Also, it may be difficult to thoroughly dry your car's surface without the warmth of daytime. A damp vehicle may encourage corrosion," they continued.
"In addition, a damp car may also become a magnet of bugs, as insects often stick to wet surfaces."
Well, it would be pretty disheartening to wake up and find all of your hard work smothered in an array of insects.
So there you have it, should you want a gleaming and beautifully sparkly car to travel to all your day trips in? Just make sure you're washing with a good amount of light (but not direct sunlight remember). Outdoor shaded areas are ideal, but if your house is short on nearby trees you could always use a garage - or construct a gazebo or get your friends to hold up a bunch of umbrellas.
Unfortunately, the advice hinges on the assumption that we're going to enjoy some scorching summer sun - which is something that cannot be applied to the UK's miserable attempt at seasons.
Oh well, at least the rain will wash your car for you.
Brenna Cooper