Why is pre-soaking an effective method in washing cars?

Pre-soaking is an effective method in washing cars because it helps to loosen dirt and grime for a more thorough clean. When a vehicle is pre-soaked, the cleaning solution penetrates the surface contaminants, breaking down the bonds between the dirt and the vehicle's surface. This process makes it easier for the following wash stages, such as scrubbing or rinsing, to remove the dirt more effectively, leading to a cleaner finish.

While adding fragrance, speeding up drying time, and preventing scratches are beneficial features in car wash processes, they do not specifically relate to the primary function of pre-soaking. The core purpose of pre-soaking is fundamentally to enhance the ability to clean the car by ensuring that any tough stains or accumulated grime are adequately loosened before the more intensive cleaning methods are applied.