Detailing Basics: Protecting Your New Car Purchase
So, You Just Got a New Car Congratulations! There’s nothing better than getting a new car, is there? Now that you’ve made your big purchase, it’s important to make sure that you keep your car looking and feeling new. By doing so, you’ll be able to retain its value and enjoy it for years to come.
So, how exactly do you properly care for your new car? Read ahead and we’ll show you step by step what you need to do.
Proper Car Care
Here are the things to think about when properly caring for your new car: • • •
As soon as you’re handed the keys, the car is yours. Don’t wait until something happens or goes wrong to start caring for your car. Neglecting your car will only depreciate its value and your enthusiasm for it.
Five Easy Steps
There are five easy steps that you can take in order to practice proper car care: • •
Wash Clay
• •
Polish Protect
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Maintain
Wash
Of course you’re going to want to wash your car, but be aware that: •
Car washing is the top cause for swirl marks forming in the paint.
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Avoid swirl marks by using quality car wash shampoos, wash mitts, and microfiber drying towels.
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Use one bucket for car wash solution and another bucket for rinsing off your mitt.
Claying
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By using detailing clay to clean off your car after a normal washing you can remove bonded surface contamination.
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Bonded surface contaminants will make your paint rough, which will in turn attract more dust and grime than your car would attract otherwise. This only leads to more problems.
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Claying should be done prior to polishing.
Polishing A great polish can help to remove defects as well as staining in your paint. It will also help to enhance the overall shine, making your car look as good as new.
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It’s a great idea to polish your car whether or not it has any defects.
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Defect free or not, it’s best to use a pre-wax cleaner in order to enhance the shine.
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A pre-wax cleaner will help get your paint ready for the protectants, sealant, and wax that are to follow.
Protection •
Fend off the premature aging of your paint by applying car wax and paint protectant or sealant.
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The clear coat on your car is just like your paint job, it needs to be protected in order to maintain its shine.
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Car wax is less protective than newer more advanced paint sealants.
Maintenance
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In between big washes give your car a normal wash and quick detailing on a regular basis.
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Quick detail products are like waterless washes. They remove water spots, streaks, and dust with ease.
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Quick detail sprays evaporate quickly so that they do not leave streaks or spotting.
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They also provide lubrication so that scratching is avoided. Many also incorporate gloss enhancers.
Repeat and Enjoy
By taking the time to practice these proper car care basics, you will be able to keep your car as spotless as it was the day you were handed the keys.
Contact Us Automotive International, Inc. (AI) is a worldwide provider of a broad range of automotive chemicals marketed directly to vehicle manufacturers and through a network of highly successful distributors, independent automotive professionals, and a wide variety of Trade and Retail markets. VALUGARD products from AI are designed to meet or exceed the standards of major car makers worldwide as well as meeting all Laboratory Test standards. www.valugard.net Automotive International Inc. 8855 Blue Ash Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (513)489-7883 or 800-543-7156
Summary It’s always exciting to get a new car, after all, it runs perfectly, smells good, and looks great. The biggest challenge, however, will be keeping your new car looking and feeling new. With a little proper car care, you can have your vehicle looking brand new for longer than you think. Find out how to best maintain the look and value of your new car for years to come.