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Spring Cleaning: Best Ways To Make Your Car Look Like New
As the first day of spring approaches, many car owners are no doubt eager to give their vehicles a fresh makeover. With the harsh winter weather finally behind us, it’s an ideal time to restore your ride’s showroom shine and maintain its resale value.
Starting from the inside out, begin by vacuuming and spot-shampooing the carpeting, floor mats, and vinyl coverings using a home rug-cleaning spray. This crucial step ensures a pristine interior before moving on to the exterior. Don’t forget to remove vinyl floor protectors and give them a good wash and rinse.
For cloth seats, carefully vacuum the upholstery and shampoo as needed using a spray-foam upholstery-cleaning product. It’s essential to prevent dirt from getting stuck in the crevices by thoroughly cleaning every nook and cranny. For leather seats, apply a leather-restoring cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the interior is spotless, it’s time to tackle the exterior. Begin by washing the vehicle using an acid-free non-abrasive cleaner diluted with water, working from the top down. Be cautious when selecting cleaning products, as household cleansers or detergents can strip away a car’s protective polymer coating. Instead, opt for a specialized product designed specifically for automotive use.
Next, scrub wheels and tires thoroughly using a stiff bristle brush and a proprietary wheel-cleaning product to remove dirt, grease, and disc-brake powder. Rinse the soap off the vehicle, taking care to spray from top to bottom and ensure all areas are thoroughly rinsed, including under the car and in the wheel wells.
To eliminate any remaining water beads, use an absorbent chamois and allow the surface to dry completely. Before wiping down the bodywork, pay attention to the size of the water beads that form on the surface. If they’re smaller than a quarter, it’s likely that your vehicle’s wax barrier is still active. However, if elongated beads or a thin sheet forms on the horizontal panels, it’s time for re-waxing.
To achieve an exceptional shine and protect the paint job, apply a coat of wax to the car and buff it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, you can use liquid or spray wax for a quicker and easier application. For more severe cases of oxidation or dullness, consider investing in costly treatments like ceramic coatings or clear protective films.
In addition to a thorough wash and wax, don’t neglect other critical areas such as exterior rubber and plastic trim. Treat these with a specialized protector to prevent fading, cracking, and discoloration. If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, choose a tire foam/shine product to give the tires a wet-look gloss.
Lastly, consider upgrading your car’s appearance by restoring yellowed headlight lenses back to their original transparency using a headlight lens restorer kit. For those living in harsh climates, utilizing a waterproof cover when parked can be an invaluable investment. These covers provide top-notch protection and can cost as little as $100 or up to $500 depending on size, materials, and quality.
By following these essential steps, you’ll not only breathe new life into your vehicle’s appearance but also protect it from the elements.
