For situations like these, Cartec developed a powerful solution: Cartec Exterior Clean XL. This concentrated alkaline pre-cleaner is specially designed to effectively loosen heavy contamination and make the washing process more efficient.

In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions about cleaning heavily contaminated vehicles and explain when and why to choose a powerful pre-cleaner.

What exactly is traffic film?

Traffic film is a bonded layer of road contamination that builds up on vehicles during driving. It typically consists of oily road grime, soot from exhaust emissions, rubber particles, brake dust, dust and moisture. Over time, this layer forms a stubborn film on paintwork, plastics and metal surfaces.

The problem? A standard car shampoo mainly removes surface dirt but often leaves part of this contamination behind. As a result, the paint can still appear dull even after washing.

Why choose an alkaline pre-cleaner?

Heavy contamination largely consists of organic residues such as grease and insect remains. An alkaline cleaner is specifically designed to break down and loosen this type of contamination from the surface.

Exterior Clean XL is a concentrated alkaline pre-cleaner that:

• Effectively loosens traffic film
• Removes stubborn insect residues
• Breaks down grease and oil
• Helps loosen tar and tectyl residues

Thanks to its powerful action, dirt can be easily rinsed away during the pressure wash stage, in most cases without the need for brushing.

Does Exterior Clean XL really remove insects without brushing?

Insects can adhere firmly to paintwork, especially in warm weather. Thanks to its alkaline formulation, these residues are effectively loosened during the dwell time.

In many cases, brushing or using a sponge is not necessary to remove the contamination. This reduces the risk of scratches and speeds up the washing process. Especially when cleaning larger vehicles or when washing frequently, this results in noticeable time savings.

Is it safe for paintwork and plastics?

A strong cleaner quickly raises the question of whether it might be too aggressive. Exterior Clean XL is developed for use on:

• Vehicle paintwork
• Plastic parts
• Metal surfaces

Correct use is essential. Do not work in direct sunlight, do not allow the product to dry, and always rinse thoroughly after the dwell time. When used correctly, it is powerful against dirt while remaining safe for the surface.

How do you use Exterior Clean XL?

For the best results:

• Dilute the product between 1:10 and 1:30, depending on the level of contamination
• Apply using a foam lance or pressure sprayer
• Work from bottom to top for even coverage
• Allow approximately two minutes of dwell time
• Rinse off with a high-pressure washer

The stable foam layer ensures that the product adheres well during the dwell time, allowing the contamination to be effectively loosened.

Which vehicles is Exterior Clean XL suitable for?

This pre-cleaner is suitable for:

• Passenger cars
• Commercial vehicles
• Trucks
• Vans
• Machinery and agricultural vehicles

Vehicles that are exposed to demanding conditions on a daily basis particularly benefit from a powerful pre-cleaner.

When should you choose a powerful cleaner?

You will notice that a powerful pre-cleaner is needed when:

• The paint still appears dull after washing
• Insect residues remain visible
• Greasy deposits are present
• The vehicle is used intensively

In these situations, a powerful pre-cleaner ensures that the vehicle not only looks clean on the surface but is actually thoroughly cleaned.

An efficient first step in the washing process

A proper pre-wash determines the final result. By loosening heavy contamination beforehand, the subsequent washing process becomes more effective and safer. It reduces the risk of scratches and helps achieve a visibly cleaner result more quickly.

Curious what a powerful pre-cleaner can mean for your washing process? Discover Exterior Clean XL and experience how effortlessly even heavy contamination disappears. Contact a Cartec representative in your region for personal advice.