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Exterior Cleaning
 A good rule of thumb is to never apply anything to a vehicle that isn’t specifically designed for cars. An example would be to use only car wash soap instead of dishwashing liquid. Dishwashing liquid strips all protection from the paint surface.Wash your vehicle regularly. Environmental contaminants, bird droppings, bug residue, etc. can etch or even penetrate the protective finish (clearcoat) of your paint if not removed promptly. Always rinse the vehicle before washing to remove loose dirt and debris and to soften dried on film. Invest in a car wash mit instead of using old rags, which can scratch paint. NEVER use an abrasive pad to remove stuck on debris. Wash the vehicle (out of direct sunlight) from top to bottom in sections, rinsing as you go to avoid letting soap dry on the paint finish. Clean wheels and tires last with a separate cloth. When done, re-rinse the entire vehicle. Gently dry the vehicle with a chamois or clean, soft towel. Try to stay away from automated carwashes, especially those with rotating brushes. These can scratch the vehicle’s finish. Avoid parking under trees (sap, bird droppings) or near sprinkler heads. Many sprinklers use reclaimed water which has a high mineral content which can stain, etch, or discolor vehicle finishes. Many wheels have a protective coating applied to repel debris. Do not use any harsh cleaners on wheels as you may damage the finish. Use a brush and cleaner specifically designed for wheel cleaning which can be found at your local auto parts store. Your vehicle should be waxed at least one a year. Preferably every 6 months. Waxing helps remove contaminants and oxidized paint from the surface as well as providing a layer of protection against future contaminants. If you do this yourself, make sure to apply the product in a shaded location after the vehicle surface has cooled. Follow the product’s directions for the best results. If your vehicle has been freshly refinished, do not wax for 30 days. Do not install a front end cover or “bra”; or adhere anything to the surface (bumper stickers, etc) for 90 days. This gives the finish time to fully cure and all solvents and byproducts to evaporate completely. |