Which car shampoo should you choose? The complete guide

Snow foam, pH-neutral, degreasing, water-repellent, acidic: car shampoos are easy to mix up. In this 15-minute guide, the Shine team goes through them and explains when to use each one, depending on the vehicle and how dirty it is.

What the video covers

• Pre-washing with snow foam
• Wheel shampoo
• Shampoo for self-service car washes
• Shampoos suited to ceramic coatings
• Acidic shampoo
• Which shampoo to use for your vehicle
• Washing a matte vehicle, and one protected by a ceramic coating

Why the right shampoo matters

The wrong shampoo can cause swirl marks, strip a protection (wax, ceramic) and leave the paint dull. The right one protects the paint, boosts the shine, makes washing easier and helps your treatments last longer.

The basics

• Always start with a snow foam pre-wash.
• Match the shampoo to how dirty the car is and to its protection.
• Never skip drying.