It's
always important to remember to wash your vehicle regularly and with
that in mind we're offering up a few friendly reminders regarding the
proper way to wash your vehicle.
Wash
as often as your vehicle needs it - No one would suggest you wash your
vehicle every day, or even every week, but it's important to note that
regular washing will indeed keep your vehicle looking pristine. Among
other benefits, washing removes dirt, grit, dust, pollutants, and
hazardous material (aka bird droppings) that will in time and if left
alone adversely affect the finish of your vehicle.
- Only use products designed for cars & trucks - All soap is not created equal, or, rather, all soap is not created to do the same job. While dish detergent might be just the thing to cut through bacon grease, when used on a vehicle, it can have the unwanted consequence of stripping away wax. In this and in all jobs, be sure to use the right tools. The initial investment for the right kind of soap, wax, etc., will be worth it in the long run, both in terms of how your car looks (great!) and how long the finish stays good (years!).
- Dry thoroughly - Using a clean cotton towel or shammy to dry your vehicle after washing will help prevent against the formation of water spots. These blemishes occur when water evaporates and leaves behind a mineral residue. More than just looking bad, the excess minerals can, in time, do harm to the paint.
- Find a spot in the shade - Unless you drive only at night (or in an Alaskan winter), the sun will in time take a toll on your vehicle's finish. This is true despite all preventative measures, which drastically slow the rate of sun damage but cannot arrest it completely. To slow the rate even more, take steps to keep your vehicle out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Park in the shade, a garage, or carport. Think about covering your vehicle when, for whatever reason, it will be sitting unused in the driveway for extended periods of time.
- Wax poetic - Waxing your vehicle will keep it looking shiny and new. It will also help maintain a protective barrier between the finish and certain harmful elements of the environment, including dirt, dust, and the sun. In fact, you can think of wax as a kind of sun screen for your vehicle.
To
keep your vehicle looking like it did they day you brought it home
follow these tips and it will help prolong your "New Vehicle Look" for
years to come!
