The Sunday Mail
WHILE automobiles with oxidised, scratched or stained finishes may perform just like those in immaculate condition, their monetary values are significantly less — thousands of dollars in many cases. Bringing a car back to its original condition is laborious and expensive (if it does not require another visit to a paint shop). To cut a long story short, it pays to take care of your vehicle’s paint.
The good news is that basic upkeep should not take more than 15 minutes per week and it does not take an expert to deliver showroom-quality results.
What are basic items that every vehicle owner needs to have in their garage?
Routine maintenance of your car’s finish is simple if you possess the right products. A quality car wash shampoo will ensure not only effective and gentle cleaning, but will also preserve the wax you previously applied to keep your car protected and looking great.
However, the shampoo alone is not quite enough, as a good quality microfibre wash mitt and waffle weave microfibre drying towel further improve the wash process.
Remember, it is the washing and drying process that has the most potential to create fine swirl marks in the paint, so using quality materials for the job is critical and do not forget a good spray nozzle to help conserve water when washing.
Having a quick detail spray or a waterless wash on hand will give you a safe and effective way of removing from the paint something as simple as fingerprints to something as potentially damaging as bird droppings.
A waterless wash and wax is also great for an all-around cleanup of your car at a moment’s notice, or when you just do not have access to a hose and bucket (for example, on the road, at a car show or at school).For routine protection, you will want a proper liquid or paste wax.
However, a spray wax will let you boost both gloss and protection in just a few minutes, and can be done every time you wash your car.
Whether you prefer a high gloss or a more natural appearance on interior surfaces, having an interior cleaner/dressing available will make it easy to keep your car’s interior looking its best all the time.
A good quality scratch remover is also great to have on hand for those little “uh-oh” moments as well. It is always a good idea to have several quality microfibre towels on hand, too.
You will use these to wipe off a hazed wax, but also when using a quick detail spray, a spray wax, scratch removers, and even for applying interior cleaners and dressings. Last but not least, a quality glass cleaner and tyre shine are must-haves for a finishing touch.
How often do I need to wash my vehicle?
We recommend washing your daily driver car once a week under normal conditions. However, if you live in an area with a very dry climate, where your car simply does not get that dirty, you may be able to stretch that out to a couple of weeks or more. In those climates, a regular light cleaning with a quick detail spray or waterless wash is a fast and easy way of ensuring a “just washed” look all the time.
What about those who do not have a garage or access to a hose? Is there a spray wash, or detail spray?
When you do not have access to a hose and bucket, you can still keep your car looking great with waterless wash and wax. Though it may seem similar to a quick detail spray, it truly is a car wash in a bottle. You will want a few more microfibre towels on hand to clean your car with a waterless wash than you normally use with a simple quick detailer.
When done correctly, however, a waterless wash is a great alternative to a full bucket wash — it is safe to use on all external surfaces from paint to plastic and vinyl trim, wheels and even glass. Plus, it is environmentally friendly and perfect for drought-stricken areas where water use may be restricted.
What is a good all-around wax for someone who only has time to detail their vehicle once a year?
We understand that not everyone is interested in spending hours detailing their car, so we have some options that will help you get a great result with minimal effort. Once a year at the very least, you will want to clay your car’s paint in order to remove above surface, bonded contaminants.
There are kits that give you everything you need to make this task quick and easy. Doing this removes material that sticks to the paint over time, and it will make your paint feel smooth to the touch and actually make the process of waxing your car easier.
After claying, use of a one-step cleaner wax will remove very fine defects from the paint, as well as deep-clean the surface to help maintain the brightness of lighter coloured paints, or the richness of darker colours.
Follow up with a synthetic spray wax, and your car should look noticeably refreshed.
What is the safest way to remove bird droppings and sap from my paint?
Quick detail sprays and waterless washes are the fastest and safest ways of removing fresh bird droppings from your paint. Spray liberally onto the offending spot, wait for several seconds and then gently wipe with a clean microfibre towel.
Remember, bird droppings have the very real potential to etch into your paint, so the sooner you remove the mess the better off you and your paint will be. — Forbes
