Cars: Wash your Vehicle like the Pros for Less

Having a sparkling clean vehicle does more than boost your pride in driving it. Removing the many substances that collect on your vehicle with normal use tree sap, salt, grease, dirt, dead bugs and the like can be a simple step toward preserving the quality of its exterior paint and thus its value. While having a professional wash can be a convenient luxury, the price tag leads many vehicle owners to take car washing into their own hands. These do-it-yourself car washing tips can help you achieve the same shine as the professionals at a fraction of the price:

-Begin with the right supplies. Though the convenience may be tempting, using household dishwashing detergent or other cleaners is not recommended for washing vehicles, as they may contain detergents that could harm paint or wax coatings. Before you begin, prepare a solution of warm water and car wash product in the recommended proportions. You will also need a soft, clean cloth for washing and another for drying. It may be helpful to also have another cloth or brush for cleaning wheels and tires. Tire protectant and wheel (or wheel cover) cleaner appropriate for your vehicle are also good to have on hand for final touches.

-Take a top-down approach. Cleaning the top of your vehicle first will allow you to clean the roof, windshield and windows while your cloth is cleanest, which can prevent streaks and the need to re-rinse clean areas later. Clean the glass and roof first, rinsing often to prevent soap from drying before it is removed. The bottom perimeter of a vehicle is typically the most heavily soiled, so cleaning it last prevents transferring dirt particles to parts of the vehicle that have already been cleaned.

-Dont stop at washing. Drying the exterior of your vehicle with a clean, absorptive cloth after washing will prevent water spots and pick up any dirt you may have missed.

-Details, details. Opening the doors of your vehicle will reveal an area often overlooked by people cleaning their own vehicles. The insides of door panels usually include an extension of the finish on the exterior of the vehicle, and collect debris that can be easily removed by wiping with a wet cloth.

-Accentuate with glossy wheels and tires. Clean wheels and tires are an attractive final touch that will make your vehicle look truly clean. Depending on the finish of your wheels or wheel covers, the car wash product used on the rest of the vehicle may remove brake dust and other debris, or a cleaner designed for such may be needed. Before purchasing a wheel cleaner, ensure that it is designed for the type of wheels or wheel covers on your vehicle to prevent damage.

Waiting long periods of time between washes can make the process more difficult as layers of debris collect on the vehicle. Though not necessary each time you wash your vehicle, regularly applying a coat of vehicle wax to protect the paint will help maintain its luster and make cleaning the vehicle easier the next time around.

About the author:
About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading provider of used cars in Austin. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

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Cars: Wash your Vehicle like the Pros for Less

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