When you do your spring clean up, start with the outside. First, go to a quarter car wash and blast off all of the sand and salt. If you don’t do that, you are going to grind the sand right down into the paint finish. And don’t forget to get under the car and in the door jambs. This is where rust usually gets started.

When you wash the exterior, always use a car wash concentrate. Dishwashing soap can do more harm than good, so never use that. Start at the top and work your way down, making sure that you clean your wash mitt or sponge as often as possible to keep it clean.

Wash the wheels and tires as well. Aluminum wheels can be damaged by road salt, so it is important to get all of that off. But use a separate wash mitt or sponge for wheels and tires, because they get REALLY dirty.

After a good rinse and dry, apply some wax to the exterior to protect the paint finish. There are many different types of waxes on the market, and most are very easy to apply.

Next, clean up the interior. Sand and dirt have probably worked into the carpet. Use a dry brush and a vacuum to work the sand up out of the carpet. Avoid soaking the carpet with water or cleaners, because that can lead to a musty smell if the carpets don’t completely dry out.

Finish up with a wipe of the dash and interior panels, using a product that is designed for plastic and you’re as good as new…as long as it doesn’t snow again!

The Auto Guy – Jim Champion
Charlie Graham Body and Service
Click on my email below to send any story ideas
or questions on cars.
jim@charliegraham.com
 

Helpful Car Links:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/

http://www.nadaguides.com/

http://www.trustmymechanic.com/index.html

http://www.autosafety.org/index.html

http://www.doityourself.com/auto/

http://www.carcarecouncil.org/index.shtml

http://www.kidsandcars.org/frameset.html

http://www.uautono.com/recalls.html

http://www.hwysafety.org/

http://www.edmunds.com/

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/