Pre-rinse and wheel wash

The arches and wheels were cleared before the bodywork was touched, so brake dust never dragged across the paint.

Two-stage foam

The first foam loosened road film; the second pass lifted the oily layer that makes black paint look grey.

Contact-safe hand dry

Fresh cloths were rotated panel by panel, with pressure kept light on the bonnet and boot lid where swirl marks show first.

Finish check

We walked the car in side light before packing up, catching the last water trails under the mirrors and around the badges.