This teaser photo is our first official look at the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-class. Photos of the luxury sedan’s exterior and interior had already leaked out previously. Mercedes says that the new S-class will make its debut in the second half of this year. This teaser photo from Mercedes-Benz doesn’t mark the first time we’ve […] More

For 2023 Audi will offer 333 special-edition RWD R8 GTs. The Audi R8 GT RWD gets a bump in power for its 5.2-liter V-10, from 562 to 602 hp. To better manage wheel slip from the rear axle, the electronic stability control now offers seven settings, from minimum to maximum slide. Until now, if you wanted the big power from an Audi R8, you had to step up to an all-wheel-drive model. For 2023, Audi will offer a special-edition R8 GT, a rear-wheel-drive coupe with the more powerful version of the 5.2-liter V-10 with 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque that was previously only available in the Quattro. Audi says the GT will get to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and have a top speed of 199 mph.The R8’s shifts will be faster too, with new gearing for the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to allow for the increased top speed, and quicker gear changes along the way. What’s Special about the Special EditionThere will only be 333 special-edition R8 GT RWD coupes available, distinguishable from other R8s through black badges including a new R8 GT emblem. For wind-tunnel-tested stability and increased car-show cred, the GT comes with a glossy carbon-fiber front splitter, side spats, rear scoops, a diffuser, and a high gooseneck rear wing. Not only are the badges and aero elements menacingly midnighted, but should you peer through the rear hatch at the V-10 engine, even the intake manifold on the GT is black. Basically, it looks like the ZL1 1LE of R8s.Inside, it reflects the first-generation R8 GT with a black and red interior, including red seatbelts. Floor mats and seats declare the GT’s special status, and owners can figure out their place in the order line with a sequential special edition build number embedded in the carbon-fiber center console. Rear Drive, Now with More Slip-N-SlideWe’ve liked the RWD R8 for its more playful driving characteristics, and Audi is leaning into that with the R8 GT. The rear axle now offers Torque Rear Mode which allows the traction- and stability-control system to be set in one of seven different programmed curves, from more to less slippage. This is controlled by a knob on the steering wheel, for those last-minute drift decisions. Jokes aside, the customizability of the stability controls means that the R8 can adjust for different drivers, or increasing track confidence. Lighter SideThe GT will weigh 44 pounds less than the R8 Coupe Performance RWD. This is partially due to lightweight forged 20-inch wheels, wrapped in Michelin Sport Cup 2 rubber. Ceramic brakes are standard in the GT, as are sports seats and the performance sport suspension with a carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic anti-roll bar. The lightweight bar and aluminum suspension components also help the GT achieve its weight loss. More on the R8The real loss here is what Audi only hints at with a header in its press release that reads, “Goodbye to the V-10 Engine.” It’s no real surprise that the V-10’s days are numbered, but if this is the start of Audi’s last year festivities, can we expect some additional special R8s for 2023? This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Everyone loves a clean car. Most people don’t love the time it takes to clean them, though. You drive through a local car wash, but the brushes are a serious risk to your paint, and brushless ones never do a good job. Also, they are expensive, especially if you like having your car clean for more than one month out of the year.
For those looking for a better option, there’s good news! There are a ton of great brushes that can speed up the car cleaning and detailing process, and most of them cost less than a run through a gas station carwash.

A Quick Guide to Brush Types
Believe it or not, there are many different types of brushes for washing your car. Choosing the right one usually depends on how big your vehicle is and how much you want to spend. We’ll go through the different types so you can find the one that fits your needs. We’ll also list our favorite brushes on the market to help make your shopping as easy as possible.
Why Use a Brush?
The obvious reason is that it makes reaching all parts of your ride easier. Tall truck? A long pole will get right up to the roofline. Deep crevices in the bodywork and wheels? A long brush will get into those tight spaces where a sponge or mitt wouldn’t fit.
The other reason is that it’s safer for paint than most other methods while still being inexpensive and convenient. Pressure washers are great, but they are costly (check out our favorite pressure washers here). Sponges are very cheap, but unless you buy a dedicated soft sponge, they carry a high risk of scratching the clear coat. Brushes are inexpensive and when used properly have very little chance of damaging your paint.
Kinds of Brushes
There are two parts to every brush, the handle and the brush itself. There’s a bit of variety in form and function concerning each component. There’s really no such thing as the best brush, there are only the best brushes for specific purposes. Let’s talk about the types of brushes first.
Bristle
A bristle brush is your standard everyday brush. They look like shop brooms and can either be fixed in place or swiveling. When you are washing cars, you want to make sure to get soft bristles. The softer, the better. It makes it slightly harder to scrub the dirt off, but it lowers the risk to your paint.
Bristle brushes are better for large areas and lots of grime. There’s really no substitute for a good brush if you need to clean grease or mud off.
Mop
Mop-style cleaning brushes look like the mops you use for cleaning hardwood floors. They hold water better but have a more difficult time with curves and complicated geometry. Many people like using cotton mops because you can use them dry as a duster.
Microfiber
Most bristle brushes are synthetic–the days of horsehair are gone, but there are two main styles when it comes to mops. Standard cotton mops retain more water and are less likely to collect debris that can scratch things. Microfiber is softer than cotton but can sometimes pick up debris that will cling to the fabric like Velcro.
Handles
Generally, you will choose a handle based on how far you need to reach. If you have a lifted 4×4, there’s no reason to get a short-handled brush that won’t reach the roof, but there are other attributes to a handle that are worth considering.
Material
The material that the handle is made from is usually a minor consideration. Aluminum handles are the most durable, but plastic is inexpensive. Wood is less durable than either and doesn’t play well with water. It does look good, though.
Length
Short Handle Brushes are perfect for getting into places that a larger brush won’t, getting in between wheel spokes and around mirrors, etc. Even if you already have a long brush, getting a dedicated short handle brush for wheels is a good idea.
Long Handle Brushes are good for general cleaning. They won’t increase your reach much, but you shouldn’t have any issue washing most cars’ entire surface.
Poles are long enough to reach across the roof and up to high places. Most poles are telescoping, so they can adjust to any length you need. A 4ft pole is usually enough to reach across the average vehicle. If you have an RV or big rig, you’ll need at least a 6ft pole.
Flow-Through
Flow-through handles hook up to a garden hose and allow water to pass through them. It can make washing your car faster since you can scrub and rinse away debris simultaneously. Some brushes even have soap reservoirs that automatically add the soap to the water as it passes through the brush.
Other Features
Innovation is the name of the game in the modern world. The companies that make brushes are no different; there are a ton of little features that get added to brushes to do all sorts of things that are supposed to make cleaning easier. Some are mostly a gimmick. For instance, the Fochutech brush on our review list spins when water flows through it. Some features are far more useful, though, like brushes that swivel in every direction, or brushes with novel.

Top 10 Best Car Wash Brushes 2020
1. Best Overall Brush: Carrand Deluxe Car Wash Dip Brush

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Why we like it: Carrand’s Deluxe Brush exemplifies simple done well. It’s a solid brush that works for a wide variety of situations.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Super soft bristles
Handle type: Aluminum pole
Handle length: 36” – 65”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
The 10” brush head and the long pole make it perfect for most situations. The Carrand Deluxe is really just a good general-purpose tool. It’s not quite long enough for RVs, and it’s not small enough for detailed work, but for giving your car a weekend scrub, you can’t go wrong with this product.
Standout Features
Like we said previously, there isn’t anything that really stands out other than this product being a fantastic, general-purpose option. The pole is a great length and made of aluminum, so it’s not likely to break, and the brush head can be unscrewed and replaced if need be. That’s not unique to this brush, but it’s a good feature to have.
Our Thoughts
Sometimes simplicity is a tool’s greatest asset. When you wash a car, a stout brush to clean the dirt off that can reach the entire surface is really all you need. The Carrand is exactly that. It’s inexpensive, it has soft bristles, and extends to 6ft. Take care of it by rinsing and drying the brush immediately after using it, and it will last years.
The only thing you might miss are some of the features found on more fully-featured brushes. A swiveling head, like the one found on DocaPole brushes can help a lot, making it really easy to keep the bristles on the car no matter where you stand. No swiveling isn’t a deal-breaker by any means, and most people will be very happy with the value they get from the Carrand brush.

Pros
Super soft bristles are very unlikely to scratch your car
Aluminum pole is long enough for most situations
Inexpensive

Cons
Low on features
Brush head does not swivel

2. Best Dry Brush: California Car Duster

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Why we like it: The California Duster is the perfect tool for keeping your car clean between washes.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Cotton mop
Handle type: Wood handle
Handle length: 26”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
Every car can benefit from dusting from time to time. Most cars and light trucks are small enough that you can reach all the way across them with the California Duster. If you have a big truck, though, you might find the reach lacking. You’d be better off with a long-range duster like the one Matcc offers.
Standout Features
The California Duster doesn’t need any water or cleaner to work. You just drag it over the surface of the car, and it picks up dust. The brush head is big enough, and the fibers are long enough that dusting only takes minutes, so keeping your car clean between washings is best taken care of by another tool.
Our Thoughts
If you already have a Carrand brush and a wheel brush like the Mother’s long-handled one, then the final piece of kit you need for general car care is the California Duster. Dirt and dust collect on your car constantly, and most of the time, you don’t have the time to give it a wash.
This duster only takes minutes to wipe down your entire car, so it’s perfect for maintaining cleanliness. You use it dry, so you don’t even need access to water. Just throw it in your car and keep it around for a touch up at any time.
The only thing that might give you pause is the price. It’s a bit expensive for a bit of wood and some cotton, and you can get other dusters like the Mattcc mop for less. The California Duster quality is unrivaled, though, which is why we rate it so highly.

Pros
High quality
Works dry, and works fast
Long fibers make it perfect for any surface

Cons
A tad on the expensive side
Short handle isn’t suited for large vehicles

3. Best Small Brush: Mother’s Long Handled Brush

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Why we like it: The Mother’s Long Handled Brush is perfect for cleaning the areas a bigger brush can’t reach.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Soft bristle
Handle type: Plastic handle
Handle length: 18”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
Every vehicle has nooks and crannies where a large brush can’t fit. For detailing, we have two small brushes in our recommendations list, this one and the Chemical Guy’s short-handled one. The Mother’s has a long handle, which makes it more suited for scrubbing hard to reach places that are up high or deep inside the car.
It also makes a great wheel brush if you have an RV or dually. The bigger wheels found on larger vehicles are easy to clean with the long handle and soft brush.
Standout Features
The long, no-slip handle is what sets this Mother’s product apart. You can use it as a giant toothbrush to clean details. The non-slip rubber is a nice feature for a handle, especially since soap and water tend to make things hard to hold on to.
Our Thoughts
If you already have a large brush, it’s good to have a second smaller brush for details. If you already have a detail brush, it’s good to have a separate brush for wheels and tires so you don’t risk contamination and scratching paint.
The Mother’s brush can easily fill either of those two roles. A smaller brush like the Chemical Guy’s short handle might be better for wheels and tires that are shallow, but you can’t beat the Mother’s brush for general cleaning. The long handle price is a bit steep though, the Mother’s is almost twice as much as its shorter counterpart.

Pros
The long handle makes it perfect for recessed areas
The non-slip handle is easy to hang on to
Soft bristles make it perfect for any surface

Cons
Expensive compared to other detail brushes
Long handle might get in the way

4. Best Premium Brush: DocaPole Car Cleaning Kit

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Why we like it: The DocaPole kit includes everything to clean anything, and the quality is top-notch.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Microfiber bristles, cotton mop, and cotton mitts
Handle type: Aluminum pole
Handle length: 5’ – 12’
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
It’s an entire car care system, but the ultra-long pole makes it perfect for large vehicles. The squeegee attachment can allow you to quickly clean the windows of even the biggest trucks, and the swiveling duster is perfect for general purpose cleaning inside and outside of large RVs. The kit even includes wash mitts for detail work, making this a single purchase and complete cleaning system.
Standout Features
There are many great features that the DocaPole offers, but the two that stand out are the variety of attachments and the high quality, ultra-long pole.
First in line are the attachments. In the kit, you get a soft bristle brush, a squeegee, and a mop that can be spun onto the pole. That gives you the hard scrubbing power of a brush, the dusting and polishing of a mop, and easy window cleaning of a squeegee all in one box.
Second, the high-quality pole. Unlike other telescoping poles, the aluminum DocaPole uses metal locks and has a swiveling head. That makes it durable and great for general cleaning, but what really makes it a standout is the length. The standard pole is 12ft long, and you can get ones up to 30ft. There’s nothing you can’t reach with that kind of height.
Our Thoughts
Let’s start with the bad. First off, it costs a lot. If you don’t need the length, it’s cheaper to source each part separately than buy the entire kit. The second thing that’s a bit of a con is the size. 12ft is actually too long to be useful for detail work and even collapsed, the pole is still 5’ long. That means scrubbing low areas of your vehicle will require you to either take the head off and use it by hand or awkwardly fight with a long pole.
If you are willing to pay the price, though, it’s a really great kit. The quality is top-notch, and the included parts can tackle any job. You get the best parts of the Carrand Brush and the long reach of the Matcc Mop.

Pros
High Quality
Can reach up to 12ft
Has attachments for any job

Cons
Pole is too long to be used on smaller vehicles
Very expensive

5. Best Budget Brush: House Day 2-in-1 Car Wash Mop

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Why we like it: The House Day brush converts from a pole brush to a hand brush, and it’s very reasonably priced.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Microfiber mop
Handle type: Aluminum pole or nylon strap
Handle length: 21” – 44”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
The microfiber mop is great for both dry dusting and cleaning with soap water, and the pole extends to 4ft. That’s great for most cars; you’d have no problem reaching every part of a Civic or small truck like a Ranger.
You will need more reach for taller vehicles, and the shape of the mop head makes it hard to get into detailing. It’s nothing simply adding a small brush like the Mother’s brush can’t fix, but it is hard to get the big mop head around mirrors and other protruding objects.
Standout Features
The microfiber mop head swivels on the pole and can be detached and handheld with the simple nylon strap. Since it can be used dry as a duster or as a wet brush, it’s a great buy if you just want an easy tool for cleaning your car and don’t care too much about getting a perfect shine.
Our Thoughts
The House Day Brush is the microfiber mop equivalent of the simple Carrand brush. It does have a few advantages over the Carrand. The mop head swivels, and it can be detached easily to scrub things down by hand. The soft microfiber mop can be used as a duster too, so if you think you will be doing a lot of dry dusting, this one is a better buy.
The plastic parts are not as durable as the more sturdy spin on heads, so they might wear out if you use it a lot. It’s so cheap that it’s easy to replace in case it does break, though. Just be sure to avoid rocks and twigs. They will stick to the microfiber strands and can scratch your clearcoat if you drag them across the paint.

Pros
Inexpensive
Mop head swivels for easy out of position scrubbing
Converts into a handheld pad

Cons
Mop head has trouble getting into details
Not as sturdy as other brushes

6. Best Inexpensive Flow-Through: Camco RV Flow-Through

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Why we like it: The Camco Flow-Through works great and is about half the price of competitors.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Soft bristle
Handle type: Flow-through aluminum pole
Handle length: 43”-78”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
As the name suggests, this is perfect for RVs and large trucks. The 6ft handle makes it easy to reach up high on the larger vehicles, and the flow-through design means you don’t have to awkwardly dance with the long pole to dip it into a bucket.
The flow-through design can be convenient for any application, but the 4ft minimum length can get in the way if you are washing smaller vehicles. Take a look at the Carrand flow-through instead if you have a small car.
Standout Features
Like other flow-through brushes, the biggest feature is the flow-through design of the brush and handle. You hook it up to a garden hose and turn the water on. You can adjust the pressure in the handle, and the water will flow through the brush head, making it easy to scrub and rinse at the same time.
Our Thoughts
The Camco’s length is convenient if you have a large vehicle, and the soft bristle is great for general purpose cleaning, even without the water flowing. It’s with the flowing water that the real benefits of this brush reveal themselves. You can easily scrub and rinse simultaneously, making the entire cleaning process fast and effortless.
Quality is the Achilles heel of the Camco. It’s inexpensive, which is good, but the lower cost compared to other flow-through designs comes from slightly weaker materials. The Carrand flow-through is more durable and extends nearly as long, but it’s more expensive.

Pros
Inexpensive for a flow-through
Good length for large vehicles
The flow-through design makes washing faster

Cons
Some plastic parts are weak compared to other brands
Handle does not collapse far enough to be convenient for small cars

7. Best Wet or Dry Brush: Matcc 62” Car Wash Mop

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Why we like it: The Matcc Car Mop can be used as a wet brush or as a duster, making it perfect for just throwing into your main travel rig and keeping clean on the open road.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Microfiber mop
Handle type: Aluminum pole
Handle length: 20” – 62”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
The Matcc has all the benefits of the House Day mop we mention but extends to a full 5-foot length, meaning you can reach to the top of larger vehicles. Since they are otherwise identical, it’s fair to say that the Matcc is for larger cars and trucks, and the House Day is for smaller ones. Simple.
Unfortunately, it suffers from the same drawbacks as its sibling product. It’s not good for detailed work, as the mop head covers a large area that cant contour to curves or tight spaces.
Standout Features
As a microfiber mop, so you can use it dry as a duster or as a wet mop, which is always handy. The mop head can be detached and used as a hand sponge, so it’s easy to get up close and personal with things. The thing that sets the Matcc apart is the long pole it’s attached to.
Our Thoughts
A microfiber mop is still the best thing to buy if you just want some general-purpose cleaning from time to time. The Matcc has everything else you could want too. The head swivels to conform to any angle, and the long handle can get the mop anywhere.
It is a bit on the expensive side. If you don’t need the extra length, there’s not much reason to buy the Matcc over others.

Pros
Length is good for large vehicles
Good for dry dusting or soap and water
The mop can be detached for easier work on small surfaces

Cons
A little expensive for a simple mop
Not good for detail work

8. Best Wheel Brush: Chemical Guy’s Body and Wheel Flagged Tip

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Why we like it: Having a dedicated wheel brush is a good way to avoid scratching your paint. The Chemical Guys Wheel brush is inexpensive and works great.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Soft bristle
Handle type: Plastic
Handle length: 6”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
Anything with wheels benefits from a good short handle brush. The size makes it perfect for touching up and scrubbing detailed areas. You won’t want to wash an entire car with it, just get the Carrand brush for that, but this is for everywhere that bigger brushes can’t reach.
Standout Features
The small size and brush head shape make it perfect for getting into small areas. There’s not much more to it. The plastic handle isn’t likely to break down, and the soft bristles won’t scratch even the shiniest metal.
Our Thoughts
Unlike the Mother’s brush, the Chemical Guys brush is small enough to really get anywhere with its short handle. That makes it a perfect second brush. It’s still soft enough for paint, and it’s durable enough to last a long time. Plus, it costs less than $10, so there’s practically no reason not to grab one.
The short reach can almost be too short for a lot of scenarios, though. You’ll have to really reach in to clean deep-set wheels, and there are other cheaper products that can serve ‘dirty job’ purposes.

Pros
Compact and perfect for cleaning wheels
Inexpensive
Soft bristles are perfect for any surface

Cons
Might be too short to stay dry during car wash day
Not good for large areas

9. Best High-Quality Flow-Through Brush: Carrand Flow-Thru

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Why we like it: The Carrand Flow-Thru is really well designed and easy to use.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: 3-sided soft bristle
Handle type: Flow-through aluminum
Handle length: 48” – 71”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
Like the other Carrand product on our list, the Carrand Flow-Thru is a great general-purpose tool that is good for a wide range of vehicles. The near 6ft reach can get just about anywhere, and the tri-head brush makes it easy to attack a problem from any angle.
Like with other long poled brushes, though, it does not collapse far enough to be good if you do a lot of detailed work. You can take the head off and awkwardly scrub at things by hand, but at that point, save yourself the embarrassment and just by the Mother’s brush we listed.
Standout Features
In addition to all the benefits a flow-through handle can bring, the Carrand Flow-Thru has one of the most versatile bristle brushes on our list. It has bristles on 4 sides, so even though it doesn’t swivel, you can still brush from any angle. You can also scrub multiple surfaces at once, like between the spoiler and the car’s body. Washing a car with this brush will allow you to be about as fast as is possible without going through a giant mechanical wash.
Our Thoughts
Carrand makes great cleaning products, which is why they have the honor of appearing twice on our list. Their Flow-Thru brush here is likely the fastest and most versatile car wash tool here. You can scrub in any direction, and the water flow will keep the surface clean as you go. The length is great too. It’s nearly as long as the other flow-through product on our list made by Camco.
It’s just a lot more expensive than the Camco, and even though it does collapse a little shorter, it’s still too long for detailed work. The quality is quite a bit higher, though, and that shows in the finishings. The plastic parts are made of higher quality material than similar products. If you are having trouble deciding between this Carrand flow-through and the Camco brush, choose the Camco if you plan on doing a lot of detail work. With the money saved, you can buy a small brush to go with it. Choose the Carrand if you need something that can withstand abuse.

Pros
High-quality
One of the most versatile brushes out there
Makes cleaning fast

Cons
Expensive
Still not great for detail work

10. Best High Tech Brush: Fochutech Car Wash Brush

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Why we like it: The Fochutech has its own soap reservoir, automatically dispenses water and spins. It’s a neat car wash gadget that feels futuristic.
Editor’s Rating:

At a Glance
Brush type: Spinning soft bristles
Handle type: Plastic flow-through
Handle length: 47”
What Vehicles Is This Brush Best For?
Even though it works really quickly, the small size makes it annoying for large vehicles. The brush head itself is only about six inches in diameter, making it smaller than even the tiny Chemical Guy’s detail brush, so it takes ages to clean large areas.
It can be faster than a larger brush just because of the power washing feature, but the truth is you are probably better off just buying a larger standard brush like the Carrand bristle brush if you need to wash large surfaces. Carrand even makes a flow-through brush if you want the hose hookup.
Standout Features
There are so many components to this thing that it is hard to know where to start. First, you can attach it to a hose to let water flow through the brush head, or you can take the brush head off and just spray soapy water at your car. It has a detergent bottle so you can automatically add soap to your wash, and it has a reach of nearly 4ft. But all of that pales in comparison to the coolest feature: the brush head will spin as water passes through it. It’s like a giant electric toothbrush for your car.
Our Thoughts
The Fochutech Car Wash Kit is gimmicky and those just looking for a single solution will have a hard time justifying the high price. At the end of the day, the spinning brush really doesn’t add anything to the washing experience. The bristles are too soft to really scrub hard, so anything that isn’t washed away with a simpler brush won’t be persuaded by more scrubbing. Which is good, don’t get us wrong. You don’t want to scrub off the clear coat.
It’s a really cool tech gadget, though. If you love crazy gadgets and funky tools and already have some workhorse products, you might really enjoy having a big automatic toothbrush for your car.

Pros
The detergent bottle makes adding soap to your car easy
The brush spins while water flows through it
4ft reach is adequate for most applications

Cons
Expensive
The high-tech features aren’t really worth it unless you like high-tech gadgets

Tips, Tricks, and Accessories
Now that you’ve chosen a great tool for keeping your car sparkling, check out some of our favorite tips and tricks for getting the most out of your brush.
Brush Tips
Like any tool in a garage, there are things you should do to make sure your brush stays in good working condition. If you’d like tips on actually cleaning your car, The Mighty Car Mods put out a great video on the topic here. Otherwise, follow these tips.
Keep an eye out for debris: Brushes that pick up sticks, leaves, and rocks become a hazard for your paint, getting stuck and scratching pristinely maintained clear coats.
Let brushes dry after use: Water will break down bristles over time. They are great for use in the short term, but if you let them sit in water for long periods, they will tangle and become useless.
Use a separate brush for tires and wheels: Tires and wheels pick up a lot of chunks and grease. That grease contaminates the brush and can be harmful to paint.
Rinse the brush before and after using: Rinsing it prior to use will make sure you aren’t adding dirt to your wash, and rinsing after will make sure the soap doesn’t dry and harm the bristles.
Store it upright out of the sun: Don’t let the bristles get smashed by storing with the weight on top of them. If you can, store it out of the sun to avoid damage caused by UV rays
When using a brush, be aware of the handle: It’s easy to get lost in the moment and accidentally hit an antenna with the handle. Don’t do that, they will bend.
Don’t overdo it: If you are having an issue getting a dirty spot clean, the answer isn’t more scrubbing. A gentle scrub across the entire vehicle is the best method to wash a car. If it needs deeper cleaning, it’s better to let it soak and wipe it down. Too much scrubbing can lead to micro-abrasions.
Brush Alternatives
Brushes aren’t the only way to clean a car, but they might be the most convenient. Still, it’s good to know the alternatives and why you might keep them around as well.
Wool Pad
A wool pad is great because it carries very little risk of scratching if it’s new. The problem with a wool pad is the very thing that makes it great at cleaning also makes it a hazard, it’s very good at picking up debris. Sharp debris can scratch paint, and that’s bad, although there are products that help fix scratches.
Cleaning Mitts
Cleaning mitts are usually either microfiber or wool and offer a great way to get very close and personal with your car. The DocaPole kit we recommend even comes with them, and many microfiber mops like the House Day Car Mop can be used as a sort of pseudo-mitt. You will get wet, though, and lots of people prefer to avoid that whenever possible.
Sponge
Sponges make a great cleaning tool, especially large ones like grout sponges. They do carry a slightly higher risk of contamination because they can absorb dirt and mud, but they are much easier to maintain than a brush. Just like with a cleaning mitt, you will get messy.
Dish Rag
It’s the tried and true tool of the average driveway car wash. There’s nothing wrong with using a rag to clean a car. It’s just that there are a ton of better options. A rag has all the downsides of a sponge and none of the upsides.
Great Brush Accessories
Great car care doesn’t just stop at a quick scrub. There are some great accessories to make your car wash experience great.
A good tray: Some brushes won’t fit into a standard 5-gallon paint bucket, so getting a washing tray like this one can speed up the process greatly.
Microfiber rags: A good lint-free rag is perfect for drying, detailing, and applying wax. Getting a pack of them like these are great to just have on hand.
A good car wash soap: If you’re in a pinch, dish soap works great at removing mud and grease. A dedicated car wash soap like this will work better and be safer for the plastics and paint.
A chamois or drying towel: You should always dry your car after washing to avoid spots. A chamois like this one can last the lifetime of your car.
A spray wax for that ultimate shine: We wrote all about them here, so take your pick. A good spray wax will complete the washing process and make your car’s shine the envy of your neighborhood.
A step stool: Even if you have the gigantic DocaPole brushes we talk about, there are times where having a ladder will come in handy.
Have Fun, Stay Clean
Cleaning your own car can be a zen experience, and it leads to a sense of accomplishment. No one likes a dirty car, so add fun convenience to the experience with a good brush. Unless you hate cleaning your car, then it’s probably not a zen experience. But even then, a good brush will still help; the extra speed will let you get it over with faster. It’s a win-win, so get scrubbing. More

Range Rovers are the second most often stolen vehicle in the U.K., with most thefts occurring in London.Insurance brokers have responded by refusing to insure London-based Range Rovers, or increasing rates by as much as double.There have reportedly been no thefts of new-shape Range Rovers—yet.The Range Rover is a common sight in the metropolises of the world, built to handle mud and gravel but more usually seen gliding up to the valet at a fancy restaurant. Even on London’s busy and sometimes narrow streets, a wafting Rover is a popular choice, whether for actual Royals or just the very well-heeled. But in the U.K.’s capital city, Range Rovers have become popular with a more nefarious set.Thieves. (Or, as a London bobby might call them, the criminal element.) According to recent reporting from the U.K. magazine Autocar, Range Rovers have become the second most popular vehicle to steal in the U.K., with 5200 of them nicked in 2022. The vast majority of these thefts happened in London, and insurance companies have taken notice. (We know you will ask: the U.K.’s number-one most frequently stolen car in 2022 was the Ford Fiesta.)This situation isn’t like that of the recent rash of thefts of Hyundais and Kias. Instead of pranksters on TikTok, many of these Range Rovers are said to be stolen by networks of professional thieves taking advantage of keyless entry technology. Apparently it’s all too easy to fence a hot Range Rover, either locally or by shipping it overseas, never to be seen again. According to one investigator interviewed by Autocar, the issue isn’t with some security flaw, but simply because a Range Rover is a fat and valuable target. Crime pays.Insurance companies, on the other hand, do not enjoy paying out. Premiums for Range Rovers have reportedly skyrocketed in the U.K., doubling in some cases. That’s assuming you can get coverage at all, as some insurers will flat out not cover a Range Rover. Autocar did its homework here, requesting quotes on a current full-size Range Rover vs. an equivalently priced Bentley Bentayga. Quotes on the Rover topped out at the equivalent of $7200, double to triple the prices quoted for the Bentayga.Thefts reported are of older Range Rover models, not the current one. JLR representatives noted to Autocar that they were working on solutions to the insurance issue and further pointed out the advanced security features available via the company’s Remote app. C/D has also reached out to the automaker for additional comment.Back in the Day, a Jaguar Was a Hot TargetAs a fun aside, this is not Jaguar Land Rover’s first experience as the choice of criminals. In the 1960s, Jaguar’s Mk II sedans were the pick of the likes of Roy “The Weasel” James, a getaway driver in a number of brazen heists. In those cases, the Jag was picked for its ability to outrun the coppers. Here, the Range Rover is itself the ill-gotten gain.In the U.S., the most commonly stolen vehicle is the Ford F-150, a consequence of its ubiquity. But there are periodic hot spots of Range Rover theft too—one brief spate just happened north of the border in Edmonton, Alberta, where thieves made off with six 2017–2021 model Land Rover products.So if you own a Range Rover, perhaps invest in the best immobilizer and vehicle tracking technology you can afford. And if you see a bunch of shifty-looking figures with Cockney accents hanging around, best to lock the garage up extra tight. Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoContributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

The ultra-compact Toyota C+pod EV is currently available for corporate and local government fleets.
Toyota plans to offer the 12-horsepower two-seater to consumers before 2022.
Totota recently announced plans to bring 60 new electrified vehicles to market by 2025 including a solid-state-battery–powered EV.
Toyota has long had the technology for battery electric vehicles. In addition to its highly successful hybrid vehicles, the automaker built and sold two generations of the very limited edition RAV4 EV back in 1997. Still, the company has been slow to adopt EVs for the masses. Even the automaker’s president, Akio Toyoda, believes that electric vehicles are overhyped and has warned against countries banning gas-powered automobiles.
But that hasn’t stopped Toyota from announcing the diminutive C+pod for Japan. This tiny EV will initially be available for corporate and local government fleets during its current limited launch. Those looking for an eensy-weensy EV to cruise around Tokyo don’t fret, as the automaker intends to offer the vehicle to consumers by 2022.
According to Toyota, the electric C+pod will have a WLTP range of 93 miles thanks to a 9.1-kWh battery pack. Its single 12-horsepower electric motor will push the tiny vehicle to a top speed of 37 mph, so don’t expect to see it on the freeway anytime soon. It’s smaller than a Smart Fortwo and lines up more with the weird but enjoyable Renault Twizy.

Toyota

The C+pod is part of Toyota’s desire to expand partnerships in the mobility and electrification world. In addition to making the C+pod a go-to vehicle for car-sharing programs in a dense urban environments, it’s also launching Toyota Green Charge with Chubu Electric Power Miraiz Co. to create a single point of contact for corporations to adding electric charging infrastructure.

Toyota Is Finally Making an Electric Vehicle

Lexus Previews Electric SUV, New EV Drivetrain

Toyota has stated recently that it intends to introduce 60 new electrified vehicles by 2025 that include EV, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. We’re also expecting the company to unveil an electric SUV for Europe in 2021. The Japanese automaker has also stated that it intends to introduce a vehicle equipped with a solid-state battery sometime in the first half of this decade.
So while its leadership isn’t keen on EV regulations, Toyota is making inroads to getting EVs on the road—even diminutive ones.
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