Clear Shine - The Car Connection

Q--How durable is the clear coat finish? In the past, I used a very soft window washing brush made of natural real bristles to wash my car. Should I switch to a sponge? Also, can a snowbrush, which has plastic bristles, harm the clear coat?

A--The clear coat, although pretty tough, can be damaged. I don’t know much about window washing brushes, but I would avoid them for the same reason I avoid sponges: They can trap dirt particles and scratch the finish.

Used improperly, a snowbrush could cause damage, but the likelihood is lessened by the fact that the snow itself acts as a lubricant. Be careful to drag the brush, don’t push it and, by all means, don’t whack the snow or ice with a chopping motion.