Proper Washing Adds Value To Your Vehicle
More than one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products when washing their cars-products that could contain harmful detergents, abrasives and additives. And more than half of motorists don't ever polish or wax their vehicles.
"Specialist Polishing or Waxing at least twice a year is recommended for maximum protection, yet surveys show that 48 percent of motorists don't wax or protect their vehicles at all" says Philip Linthwaite, a speciality car cleaner. "That's leaving money on the table at trade-in time, as a clean, well-maintained car can be worth up to 50 percent more than one in 'fair' condition, according to certain dealers."
Motorists should avoid dish detergent, which contains harsh chemicals that, intended to cut through grease, will strip away the finish on your car. Some are hard to rinse off and leave streaks. For best results, a formulated specialist wash is recommended, one that gently lifts the dirt and grime while protecting the finish.
Washing an automobile on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that harm the finish. The following recommendations are the basic dos and don'ts when it comes to a do-it-yourself car wash:
- Don't wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Don't use dish detergent. Do use a formulated specialist car wash.
- Do use a soft cotton or terry towel or micro fibre cloth.
- Don't scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time.
- Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric to dry the vehicle.
- Don't neglect waxing or specialist polishing the vehicle.
"The myth of not having to wax or polish/protect your car because you have a clear-coat finish is just that, a myth," Philip said. "Clear-coat finish is only as thick as a piece of paper and can become damaged from the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution."
