Have you ever wondered how some cars manage to retain a showroom fresh paintjob even after years and years of constant service? Withstanding rain, storms, sun damage and even small chips from stones? Well the answer is proper exterior maintenance. There are lots of preventative steps you can take to ensure you car?s paint remains protected at all times. We?ve gathered the best of them in this informative yet interesting article. Without further to do, we give you the best ways to protect and take care of your car?s exterior.
Using the right tools
Washing your car is more than just getting the hose out and spraying it with water. Like most things, it too requires a special treatment and proper care if it?s to last for a long time to come. Starting with a soft cotton microfiber washing mitt, cleaning products specifically made for automotive use and of course, clean water. When choosing the cleaning products, go for pH Balanced compounds which are non-detergent, as they won?t strip the car?s wax and/or damage the paint underneath.
Drying
Drying is as is, if not more important than the actual wash itself. Drying the car right after a wash will prevent any flakey water spots. True 100-precent cotton cloths are your best friend when it comes to this sort of stuff, but if you?re willing to spend more you can even get ?paint safe? drying towels which are very absorbent, leaving no scratches behind.
Detailing Clay
To remove any road grime, tree sap or bug residue, try using detailing clay instead of just rubbing the area with a cloth. Detailing clay can be found in a kit, along with lubricating spray acting as paint protector. Just spray the protector on the desired area and apply the clay on top. It will grab everything it comes into contact with without damaging the paint below. Just remember that it doesn?t work on scratches or dents, but rather only on sticky or extremely filthy areas which are not embedded in the paint or body itself.
Make that paint shine
There are a couple of ways you can restore the paint?s former glory, but all of them have a different purpose, based on the level of their aggressiveness. First off, there?s car polish. It removes the least amount of paint, but may not be as effective as rubbing compounds which along with more paint, strip off more unwanted residue. Cleaners are somewhere in the middle, with varying degrees of effectiveness. It?s best to start with a polish and then moving on to a cleaner. Rubbing compounds are extremely abrasive, so you either have to know what you?re doing or you?re better off taking it to a professional.
Looking for a new car? Be sure to check out the inventory of new and used cars at East Hills Chevorolet. Don?t hesitate to give them a call or send? an email about any further inquiries.
