Car Cleaning Tips

A car can be seen as an extension of one`s home and people who take pride in the tidiness and cleanliness of their homes ought to care equally about their cars. To be able to truly be proud of one`s vehicle and avoid embarrassment for both driver and car, it needs to be presentable. Regular servicing and maintenance is hugely important for various reasons, but keeping it looking good can be just as essential for its wellbeing.

Interior Cleaning
There are several different fabrics, materials and areas of the interior that require cleaning and many of which need different cleaning products. Most cleaners come in wipe and spray form and there are specific cleaners for the dashboard, windows and upholstery. Dashboard dressings should never be applied to the steering wheel which could become slippery as a result. Similar caution is necessay when cleaning rubber pedals and footmats. Be sure to only use non-slip products. With fabric upholstery it is particularly important not to use household cleaners or strong alkaline products. They may appear to give a good result but will "dry out" the fabric leaving it hard and stiff and could give your upholstery a faded appearance. When using glass cleaners of the "cream" variety do not apply to the windscreen. All may appear to be ok until you are driving in the rain when smearing could occur and present a serious  drivinghazard. 

Exterior Cleaning
There are various ways of keeping your car`s exterior squeaky clean and shiny. One of the most important things to do before giving the car a wash is to ensure you have a good quality sponge and cloth as poor quality products can leave small scratches. Never wipe a dry car and never wash in direct sunlight as the quickly drying water will leave ugly watermarks. Use a high-powered hose or jet to loosen the dirt before using a sponge and shampoo. It is always best to start from the top of the car and move downwards to the dirtiest parts. Finally, rinse off all the soap.

Giving your car a body wax not only gives the car an impressive gleam, but protects against rust and protects the car`s paintwork. Bumpers and exterior trims can also be cleaned with specialised products to bring back their original appearance and missing these details can be immediately noticeable. For wheels, it is best to avoid acid-based products which can cause damage. If you are using a wheel cleaner apply it first and leave to dwell for a few minutes whilst you work on a different area. This will make stubborn soiling such as brake dust easier to wash away.

Car Paint Repair
Regular washes and a good waxing usually protect the car paint job well, but if scratches and chips become a problem there are some solutions and car paint tips that can help. Polishing compounds and scratch removers can be effective at retaining a car`s beautiful finish. Alternatively, it is usually possible to order the correct colour spray paint for your car from the car manufacturers. With this and the help of a toothpick, more prominent chips and scratches can be filled in.

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