With tulips blooming and birds chirping, spring is just around the corner. It will finally be nice enough to drive your car with the windows down and the radio turned up. However, it’s hard to fully enjoy the spring driving experience if your car is covered in dirt and sporting bird droppings down the back.
A shiny, clean car is ideal for every vehicle owner. While it can be a tedious task, keeping your car clean and spotless is beneficial. In order to keep your car in tip- top shape, follow the tips below.
1. Wash your car as soon as possible.
Some car owners wait for a layer of dirt and crud to accumulate before washing their car. This is one of the worst things you can do to a car. Dead bugs, bird droppings, tree sap mist, and other chemicals from the environment contain acid, and if left on your car for too long, they can erode your paint and damage your car’s appearance.
But these substances and the paint damage they cause aren’t just bad for looks. In fact, as your car’s protective coatings erode, rust and other types of damage may begin to form. Therefore, many experts recommend a weekly car wash to keep the exterior of your car in its best shape.
2. Use quality products.
Your car is one of the biggest investments you have, so be sure to treat it with care by using quality soaps and waxes. Dedicated car-wash products are milder than, say, dish soap. These products are specifically designed for automobile paint, and they can be found easily at a local department or automobile store. It is best to apply the suds with a large, soft, natural sponge or a lamb’s wool mitt. These will not scratch the car, whereas a typical rag may damage your exterior.
3. Use enough water.
Many people make the mistake of not using enough water when washing their car. For example, many individuals forget to rinse their car before they start to scrub. Before you begin washing your car, rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water. This will remove all loose dirt and debris. If you skip the first rinsing step, your car may not be as clean at the end of your labor, and you’ll also be pushing the larger pieces of debris around on the paint, putting you at risk for scratches.
While washing your car, concentrate on one area at a time. Soap that area and then wash it immediately to ensure you have time to rinse the soap off before it dries. After every layer of soap you use, be sure to rinse the car off another time with water. Repeat this process until the entire car is finished. The last thing you should do before drying your car is rinse it off with water again.
4. Dry your car.
Drying your car is the final and most often neglected step in washing your car. If you allow your car to air dry, you’ll often find watermarks dulling the car’s shiny exterior. Therefore, it’s helpful to hand dry your car in order to ensure that your hard work doesn’t go to waste.
Always use a chamois or soft terry towel to dry the exterior of your car, and when drying, be sure to use the towel to blot, not drag. Dragging the towel across the vehicle will leave streaks or even scratches. A soft, rubber squeegee can also be used to remove most of the water on the body of the car, but be sure it is gentle enough that it will not damage your paint.
5. Repeat often.
Be sure to wash your car frequently. A clean, well-cared-for vehicle will last years longer than a car that is not properly cared for. As soon as dirt or debris hits your car, consider getting out the soap and water to remove it. Again, as noted above, cars that are not washed regularly are not only less attractive; they’re also more susceptible to certain types of damage, such as rust.
Thornton Chevrolet: York, PA’s premier Chevy dealer
These car washing tips were provided by Thornton Chevrolet, Central Pennsylvania’s premier Chevy dealer and home to one of the state’s best service centers. If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area, consider choosing Thornton. If you do, they’ll even throw in a free car wash when they’re finished working on your vehicle. For more information, visit Thornton’s website today at www.tchevy.com.
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