When washing your car, start with the roof and work your way down to the rest of the car.

For some car enthusiasts, washing their cars is a passion and a great way to spend a beautiful afternoon.

• Find shade.
  If you like to hand wash, first park your car in the shade. This prevents soaps and waxes from "baking in the sun."

• Adjust hose.
  Next, gather all of the essential items to do the job – such as "car wash," soft sponges or cloths, tire cleaner, car wax, and a hose. Turn the hose to a lighter spray setting and begin by spraying the entire vehicle to loosen grime and dirt.

• Start at top.
  Once the car is wet, start on the roof and work your way down in sections. Pay attention to hard-to-clean areas like the wheels, the headlights or any trim details.

• Dry using circular motions.
  After rinsing the entire car, dry it off with a 100 percent cotton towel or chamois – and wax as needed. Aim to wash your car weekly and wax it at least quarterly to keep it in tip-top condition.

Find more information about hand washing your car at:
www.volvocars.com.