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10 Protection Tips To Keep Your Car in Mint Condition
1 Household detergents, including
dishwashing detergent and laundry soap, should never be used to
wash cars. Their high pH content-designed to cut grease-will remove
your car's wax coating and harm its clear-coat finish. Use specially
formulated car wash treatments instead.
2 Rinse your car before washing
it to soften and remove dirt. Caught under your sponge or towel,
dirt and grit can scratch the paint.
3 To clean leather, wipe with a
damp cloth and buff dry. Follow up with a good leather conditioner.
Never apply silicone dressings to leather. If a more thorough
cleaning is needed, see a professional for service to avoid damaging
the leather.
4 Beware of acid rain from industrial
fallout. Its harmful effects can be activated by dew or fog, as
well as rain. Rinse and dry your vehicle often to prevent acid
rain damage.
5 Be kind to your car. Avoid car
washes using nylon brushes or recycled water. Brushes can scratch
your paint and recycled water may contain salt and other contaminants
from previous vehicles that can accelerate deterioration.
6 It's gross, we know, but clean
off bird droppings, bug stains and tree sap as soon as possible
to avoid paint discoloration and damage. For best results, use
a mild car wash soap, then rinse and chamois dry to avoid staining
and discoloration.
7 Touch up chips and scratches promptly.
Chipped or scratched paint can cause blisters and surface rust.
8 Moisturize your vinyl. Interior
and exterior vinyl should be cleaned and dressed at least twice
a year to prevent drying and cracking. Use a cleaner specifically
recommended for vinyl, then buff dry and apply a vinyl dressing.
9 Don't use Brillo-style pads on
those wheel covers or aluminum wheels. Abrasive pads are made
for cleaning pots and pans, not the delicate finish of your wheels.
Aluminum or magnesium sports wheels have a clear-coat finish,
which can strip away if not treated properly. Use a non-caustic
cleaner and soft brush or sponge.
10 Remove bumper stickers and window
decals gently. Use a hair dryer to soften the adhesive. Then scrape
clean with an old credit card. If your bumper is painted, keep
the heat low to prevent paint damage.
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