The first noticeable detail on a car is the exterior. Keeping a car’s exterior looking new and protected takes a few simple steps.
Keep it clean
In mild weather, wash your car once a week to keep dirt and debris off of it. If the weather becomes wet, or you are driving through dirt, or it is winter, and there is salt on the road, then you may want to wash it more often. You also have to consider where you live. People who live closer to the ocean get sea spray on their vehicles and need to have that washed off more often. Those in the desert have more dirt and debris. Also, bugs are a big debris maker in the summer, especially if you travel on the highways.
Exterior car care should become a regular part of your car care routine. Washing your car often can remove harmful debris and reduce the chance of your car rusting.
How to Wash Your Car:
- Fill a clean bucket with car soap and water.
- Hose your car off
- Spray any bug remover liquids on the car before washing with a sponge
- Use a clean sponge and start at the top of the car. Wash the car in a cool shady spot, so it doesn’t dry too quickly.
- Wash the windows with that same sponge
- Use hose water that doesn’t have too many minerals; otherwise, you will see hard water spots.
- The last thing you want to wash are the wheels. Grab a wheel brush and scrub the wheels. Do not use the sponge that is used for the paint of your car.
- Dry the car with a soft towel or chamois.
After washing your car, you will want to protect it and wax it. You can apply rubber and plastic protection to your car. After you do this, you should wax your car. Waxing protects the paint from UV rays, salt, splatter, and bird droppings. It keeps it looking shiny and new.
How to Wax Your Car:
- Purchase a wax and applicator pad
- Dampen the applicator pad before waxing and apply the wax to the pad.
- Wax the car in a shady spot.
- Apply the wax in a circular motion.
- Let the wax sit and then wipe with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Wax your car twice a year
After washing and waxing, make sure to check your tire pressure and treads. You can also apply a tire shine to the car. In addition, you should wash your windows with window cleaner both inside and out.
