It’s that time again. You can’t put it off or go in slowly, you just have to March in headfirst and start spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is not only for your home but is also important for the upkeep of your vehicle. Just like continuing to ride on bad brakes or putting off an oil change after 5,000+ miles, neglecting the interior and exterior of your vehicle can cause more damage to it. Keeping your vehicle clean is not just about the sleek look but over time, a car's paint erodes due to the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, air pollution, acid rain, and salt. The longer foreign materials sit on your car's surface, the more difficult it is to remove and the more likely it will cause damage.
Most think (I know I did before doing some research!) that you don’t need to wash your car after it rains – the rain is cleaning it for me. Actually, that is one of the most critical times to wash your vehicle because of the ill effects of acid rain. The water evaporates but the acid lurks behind and eats into your vehicle's finish.
Cleaning a car is simple right? While it's the most basic procedure in car care, it does deserve a little thought. Follow the tips below for the proper washing techniques.
Clean the tires and wheels before washing the body of your vehicle, and use a separate mitt for each. You want to avoid contaminating the vehicle's paint with the debris from your wheels and tires. A tire cleaner with a firm brush is the best method.
Now it’s time to move on and wash the body of your car. Almost one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products for washing their vehicles. Using dish detergent and other household cleaners can strip the wax finish on your car. Look for a product sold specifically for automobiles. A formulated automotive wash will gently lift the grime while protecting the finish. Starting at the top, wash one section at a time, thoroughly rinsing away the soap. Work your way down toward the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. Save the back-end of the car for last since it usually has the largest buildup of dirt and grime. To avoid those nasty water spots afterwards, dry your vehicle down with a chamois or similar product.
Almost half of vehicle owner’s never wax their cars. Waxing is recommended at least twice a year for maximum protection. (More frequent waxing may be needed if your car is black, red or white since these colors are more vulnerable to UV rays and acid rain.) Waxing serves three primary purposes: cleans a car's finish, improves the shine, and most importantly, protects the surface against the aggressive effects of foreign materials. Waxing sets up a protective barrier against hostile attacks from the environment, keeping your vehicle's appearance protected for years to come. Before applying the wax check for foreign particles on the paint. Once the surface is clean, apply the wax. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. It is often recommend not using the product in direct sunlight.
Keeping the exterior of your vehicle clean is important but so is the interior. Frequent vacuuming of the upholstery and mats will remove much of the dirt that can contribute to wear and tear of the fabric and carpet. Clean interior surfaces like panels, with a suitable interior cleaner and apply a protectant to prevent damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. To further protect your interior, an application of a fabric guard will repel water and stains and make further clean-ups much easier. And lastly, spray some odor-eater to freshen the car's interior.
While spring-cleaning this season, don’t forget your vehicle. To keep it looking it’s best and lasting longer, frequent washing and waxing is important. Keeping a clean vehicle will you give you a sense of accomplishment and gratification. Also keep in mind that a clean, well-maintained car can be worth up to 50 percent more than one in 'fair' condition, according to the Kelley Blue Book. Now that should get everyone out there throwing away the burger wrappers in the backseat and gathering a bucket and rag!
Source: Jiffy Lube
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