Tips on how to keep the outside of your car nice and clean
You probably feel happy when the exterior of your car is shining and clean, but do you know how to keep it that way? Maybe you don't always have time to give it a monthly professional detail, but there are a few steps you can take to keep the exterior of your car looking pristine.
The exterior of your car is like an extension of yourself; it's one more way to show who you are and what kind of life you lead. It also means that a dirty or poorly maintained vehicle is not only unattractive but will cost much more in repairs and fuel efficiency.
What are some tips and tricks to keeping your car nice and clean?
Keep it Garaged (If Possible)
Don't park your car outside - garages are more convenient, cheaper, and easier to keep clean than regular parking lots. If you can't park in a garage, at least try to find a spot in the shade or under some trees. Alternatively, invest in a car cover, which will protect your car from UV rays, rain, snow, and other precipitation that can fade the paint and cause rust, in addition to wildlife mess.
Wash Regularly
Use cleaning agents made for automobiles. These products should be able to remove dirt or grime without damaging the paint job or leaving streaks. Do not use household cleaners or harsh chemicals; you don't want to damage your car's finish, which is a major investment. Also, do not water down the product with a hose; doing so can affect the polished look.
Buy a good quality car wash soap and a bucket that you can use for washing. Use some good quality microfiber towels and give your car a good rinse after every time you drive through heavy rain or when you simply want to get rid of contaminants. You may also wash your car by hand (if possible) and use a sponge or soft-bristle brush, or use automatic car washing processes if possible.
Waxing
Even though a wax job will cost you some money, it's well worth the investment. It doesn't take a professional to do it right, and the results are often worth it. Your vehicle will look new for months on end, and you'll get a cleaner paint finish with fewer small scratches and swirl marks. After washing your car thoroughly, use a quality carnauba wax to create a sealant that keeps the paint from oxidising.
Use Protective Coating
Another way to protect your finish without having to wax is to apply a clear coat spray or two coats of paint sealer. Most paints will require one coat of sealant, but some cars and models like Porsches require two. The clear coat coats the base coat, protecting it from UV rays and oxidation. The clear coat allows for more water-repellent characteristics than the base layer does, and it adds a "glossy" finish to the paint.
Use Good Car Polish
The car polish that you use will depend on the type of finish you're trying to achieve. For any wax job, synthetic formulas with micro-abrasives should be used. And for any sealant or polish job, less abrasive polishes like Meguiars will work better than the standard stuff most people have around the house.
Summary
In summary, when you clean your car, pay attention to detail. Whether it's a wax job, washing, or a good polish, take the time to make sure that you're not damaging your vehicle by causing unnecessary scratches. I hope that this information will help you in your quest to keep your car looking freshly detailed all year long.