On the latest edition of Autoblog Details, professional detailer Larry Kosilla warned about what he sees as the number-one detailing mistake: over-touching.
Every time you touch your new Lincoln's paint, you rub in whatever dirt and grit was sitting on top of the clear coat, effectively sandpapering it. This happens when you run your hand along the side of the vehicle, and it happens whenever over-zealous owners spot-clean with a dry rag.
This is what makes swirled paint scratches so common—the driver thinks they are protecting their car's appearance by wiping it off with a clean towel.
To avoid unsightly paint swirls, never spot-clean your Lincoln vehicle on the go. Always wait until you have running water from a hose, and a clean microfiber towel. Microfiber towels are the only type of cloth that lifts particles away from the paint's surface, rather than rubbing it in.
According to Kosilla, waterless cleaning sprays can be used for the occasional spot-cleaning, but can still create fine scratches with frequent use. It's usually worth letting your car be dirty for a little while until you have the proper cleaning tools.