 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Car Washing Zen Tom T  |
| |
 In the immortal words of Pat Morita, (or Mr. Miagi as he was known) and the movie, The Karate Kid, "wax on? wax off?" Yes, we need to keep our cars clean if we want the paint to last. Your car's paint is subjected to a very harsh environment; contaminants such as bird droppings, tree sap, salt, and acid rain eat into the finish on your vehicle, exposing the paint to harmful UV rays that fade the finish. There is a right way and a wrong way to wash a car, and the wrong way can do damage to the finish. Let's talk about it.
Choose a work area out of the sun, because high surface temperatures combined with any chemical residue remaining on the finish can fade it. Before washing, rinse the car thoroughly with fresh water. This removes harmful abrasives in the form of dirt, grit, salt, or gravel. Make sure you use a washcloth or washing mitt that is clean of dirt. Use a car wash solution that is pH neutral. Contrary to popular belief, dishwashing detergent is not safe to use on your car! These products are designed to cut grease and consequently, will strip the protective wax coat, harm the clear-coat and cause the car's finish to dry out and age prematurely.
If you go to the car wash, go to one that is brushless and uses fresh water (not recycled). Harsh nylon brushes can scratch your paint, and recycled water may contain salt and other contaminates from previous vehicles that can accelerate deterioration. Clean off bird droppings, bug stains, tree sap and other such agents immediately to avoid discoloration and staining of the finish. For best results, use a mild car wash soap, then rinse and chamois dry.
Touch up chips promptly. Chipped or scratched paint can cause blisters and surface rust. Remove bumper stickers and decals gently. Use a hair dryer to soften the adhesive, then scrape the finish clean with an old credit card. (they come in handy for something!) KEEP THE HEAT SOURCE LOW TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE PAINT!
In areas that experience winter weather. it's a good idea to wash the car on a weekly basis; and more importantly, have the chassis washed. Keeping the exterior clean of salt will cut down on corrosion and paint deterioration. Keeping the chassis clean will not allow salt to lay dormant, waiting for the next time moisture mixes with it, creating a catalysis and accelerating rust.
Don't use Brillo-style pads on those wheels or hubcaps! These are made for cleaning pots and pans, not the delicate finish on your wheels and hubcaps. Some aluminum or magnesium custom wheels have a clear-coat finish, which can strip away if treated harshly during cleaning. Use a non-caustic cleaner with a soft brush or sponge. Use floor mats to keep carpet wear down; these also help to keep salt out of the carpets, which breaks down carpet pile. Moisturize all vinyls. Interior and exterior vinyls should be dressed once a year to prevent drying and cracking. The best way to treat your vinyls is to use a cleaner specifically recommended for vinyl, buff dry, then apply a vinyl dressing such as Armor-All.
Regarding the care of leather seats, check your owner's manual for recommended cleaning products and procedure. For any major cleaning I suggest taking it to a professional detail person; they have up-to-date cleaning products and procedures. Careful about what you carry in your pockets! Sharp objects like keys and such can do a number on your vehicle's upholstery!
Here's a statistic for you to consider regarding the value of keeping your vehicle clean. According to a national study done by the Car Care Council ? Auto auctions across the country reported that among typical 4 to 7 year old cars in all categories (which include sub-compact, compact, full size, and luxury), an "extra clean" vehicle may be worth half again as much as an identical vehicle in "average" condition. Here are the average prices these vehicles sold for:
Extra clean- $6677
Clean- $5477
Average- $4327
Poor- $3100
See?! Cleanliness is not only next to Godliness, it pays!
'Til next time?keep rollin' |
|
 With over 27 years in the automotive industry and nearly a decade in automotive talk radio, Tom Torbjornsen makes learning about cars easy with his personal manner, his expert advice, and his high energy and entertaining style. Tom has the unique gift of simplifying the complex and tearing down the technical, meeting you at your level of understanding. You will be encouraged as you gain the confidence to deal with problems related to the second most expensive purchase you will make in a lifetime your automobile.
Email Tom
Click here to visit the America's Car Show website
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|