“It looks like new! I can’t believe that car’s seven years old!”
Would you like to hear that from your friends? I’m sure all of
us do, but keeping our car looking like the latest models is
tough, even with today’s longer-lasting finishes.
However, if we adopt simple techniques such as cleaning out cars
regularly and attending minor repairs immediately, the results
can be remarkable.
Some car owners think rainwater is the only enemy to their car,
but bird droppings, highway bugs, atmospheric pollution and road
salt can also ruin the beauty of your car.
Many owners think fighting these ever-diligent adversaries is a
daunting task, so they don’t usually bother, but truthfully,
it’s easier than they think.
Step 1: Washing
First, spray water gently to thoroughly wet the surface of the
vehicle. This light rinse helps to loosen the dirt on the
vehicle. Then divide your car into five sections: the top, the
hood, the trunk, the right side and the left side. Start from
the top, move on to the hood and the trunk, and then concentrate
on the right side and the left side. Washing should always be
done very gentle such that the dirt will not scratch the body of
your car. Re-wet and then rinse each section, finishing in the
same order- top, hood, trunk and sides.
Step 2: Polishing
Polishing should only be done a small section at a time. Add an
even coating of polish onto a towel, and then apply to the
vehicle surface gently in small, even and circular motions.
Start at the top and working your way down to the trunk and
hood, finally ending with the sides. The polish should be
allowed to sit on the paint surfaces for at least five to ten
minutes. After this time, remove the residue with a different
cotton towel by pressing firmly on the surfaces. The same
procedure may be applied to all other four sections.
Step 3: Waxing
Use a soft and clean terry cloth towel to apply wax to a small
section of the car. The application of wax to the car can be
done similar to how polishing has been carried out. The only
difference is you should wait until the wax has dried to a
slight haze. If you’re really striving, repeat the whole process
again, adding a second coat of wax to the vehicle.
And there you have it! You’ve removed the dirt and grime;
polished away the small spots and scratches; and added another
layer of protection to your vehicle’s finish. By now your car
should glitter like it did the first day you got it. Don’t
forget the last step – show off your car
Pete Lance
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/a-simple-car-cleaning-guide-458.html