20 Auto Products That Could Do Your Car More Harm Than Good

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Keeping a car in good shape often means using the right products for maintenance and cleaning. However, some popular auto products can actually damage your vehicle over time. By choosing car-safe products and avoiding shortcuts, you can keep your vehicle in great condition, prevent damage, and possibly extend its lifespan. Here’s a list of 20 auto products that may do more harm than good, along with tips on how to better care for your car.

Dish Soap for Car Wash

Risk: Dish soap strips protective wax and can dull paint over time.

Tip: Use car-specific wash products designed to clean without damaging paint or protective coatings.

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Generic Glass Cleaner (with Ammonia)

Risk: Ammonia-based cleaners can damage tint film and leave streaks on glass.

Tip: Use ammonia-free, automotive-specific glass cleaners that are safe for tinted windows.

chemicalguys

Petroleum-Based Tire Shine

Risk: Petroleum products can degrade rubber, causing tires to dry out and crack over time.

Tip: Opt for water-based tire dressings to achieve a shine without harming the rubber.

chemicalguys

Cheap Engine Degreasers

Risk: Some contain harsh chemicals that can strip protective coatings and harm wiring.

Tip: Use a quality engine cleaner and carefully rinse, avoiding overspray on sensitive areas.

obsessedgarage

Household Multi-Purpose Cleaners

Risk: These can contain abrasive ingredients that scratch or damage interior plastics and leather.

Tip: Use products specifically designed for automotive interiors, especially on touchscreens and sensitive surfaces.

Michael Hession

Brake Dust Cleaners with Harsh Acids

Risk: Acidic cleaners can erode brake calipers, paint, and wheel finishes.

Tip: Use pH-balanced wheel cleaners that are formulated for use on brake dust without corroding metal.

suds-lab

Automatic Transmission Fluid as a Power Steering Fluid Substitute

Risk: Using ATF instead of power steering fluid can lead to seal damage and system leaks.

Tip: Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluid to avoid costly repairs.

e90post

Gasoline Additives (Cheap or Unverified Brands)

Risk: Low-quality additives can cause clogs and potentially damage fuel injectors and the fuel system.

Tip: Stick to reputable fuel additives if needed and avoid frequent use. High-quality gasoline can also help keep the engine clean.

thedrive

Hydrogen Peroxide as a Stain Remover for Upholstery

Risk: Hydrogen peroxide can bleach fabric and cause discoloration.

Tip: Use gentle, car-approved upholstery cleaners for safe and effective stain removal.

ZikG/Shutterstock

Cheap Oil Filters

Risk: Low-quality filters may lack proper filtration, leading to poor oil flow and possible engine damage.

Tip: Use OEM or high-quality oil filters recommended for your vehicle to ensure optimal performance.

gopurepower

Automatic Car Washes with Harsh Brushes

Risk: The brushes can scratch the paint and leave swirl marks, dulling the finish over time.

Tip: Use touchless or hand washes whenever possible to protect the paint. Consider waxing after washes for extra protection.

erieinsurance

Silicone-Based Interior Dressings

Risk: These can cause interior surfaces to become overly shiny, attracting dust and even drying out plastics over time.

Tip: Choose water-based interior cleaners and protectants for a more natural look and long-term preservation.

detailerschoice

WD-40 on Rubber Components

Risk: WD-40 can degrade rubber seals and gaskets, leading to cracking and leaks.

Tip: Use silicone spray for rubber parts to lubricate and protect without degradation.

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Household Bleach as a Cleaner

Risk: Bleach can be highly corrosive to car paint, rubber, and metals, causing permanent damage.

Tip: Use automotive cleaners specifically formulated to clean and disinfect without corrosion.

corecheminc

Waterless Wash Products with Abrasives

Risk: Abrasives in low-quality waterless washes can scratch the paint if dirt is not properly removed.

Tip: Invest in high-quality, non-abrasive waterless wash products and soft microfiber cloths for safe cleaning.

eastwood

Ammonia-Based Leather Cleaners

Risk: Ammonia dries out leather, causing cracks and damage over time.

Tip: Use pH-balanced leather conditioners that clean while nourishing the leather.

hgtv

Cheap Car Wax

Risk: Low-quality waxes may wear off quickly or contain harsh chemicals that damage paint.

Tip: Use high-quality, natural or synthetic waxes for long-lasting shine and paint protection.

amazon

Vinegar as a Window Cleaner

Risk: Though vinegar is effective, it can damage tinted windows and rubber seals.

Tip: Use automotive glass cleaner designed for tinted windows to clean without risking damage.

realizinghome

Baby Wipes for Interior Cleaning

Risk: Baby wipes contain alcohol and other ingredients that can dry out leather and plastics.

Tip: Use microfiber cloths and car-specific cleaning products for interior surfaces to avoid drying and cracking.

kleen-pak

Dry Brushing on a Dirty Car

Risk: Brushing without water or lubricant scratches the paint as dirt is dragged across the surface.

Tip: Always rinse your car first to remove loose dirt, and use a lubricated cloth or wash mitt to minimize scratches.

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