Are Automatic Car Washes Safe For Your Car?
We’ve all been there: You bring your car to the wash and it comes out looking as good as new. You have a clean slate and feel confident driving around town, only to find yourself with the same dirty and dusty car a few weeks later. How do you make that “new car” look last? Very few of us can do a deep clean as well as the pros, but a few quick pointers can keep your car looking fresh and presentable in between trips to the carwash.
Park Indoors
Parking your car inside is one of the most effective ways to shield it from dust, weather, bugs, and birds. If you have a garage you’re using for storage, clear it out and store your car in there instead. If you don’t have access to a covered garage but want to keep your car protected from the elements, consider buying a car cover to put over your vehicle at night.
Invest In a Quality Car Wax
Waxing your car gives it that polished, shiny coating that makes it appear new. It also works as a paint preserver, protecting against scratches, chips, or discoloration caused by the sun’s rays. We would recommend M21 Synthetic Sealant 2.0, which is Meguair’s longest lasting wax for maximum protection and the deepest shine. Another good wax is M26 Hi-Tech Yellow Wax, Meguiar’s premium yellow Carnauba wax (available in paste or liquid). Regularly waxing your car means it takes longer for it to get dirty again, allowing you to make good use of the time between carwashes.
Wipe Off Your Shoes Before Getting In Your Car
Our shoes bring mud, snow, leaves, and even bacteria into our cars. Knocking your shoes together or wiping them off before sliding into your car can minimize the damage done to your floormats. It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid staining your mats, but this step can save you some trouble next time your mats are vacuumed or shampooed. To help minimize re-soiling, have your carpets and mats cleaned using D106 Fiber Rinse and Tannin Stain Remover!
Have the Tires Cleaned and Dressed
Tire dressing shines up old, weathered, or worn down rubber tires. Most car washing services include tire dressing in their washes or provide it as an additional service. It’s well worth investing a few extra dollars in; you would be surprised how drastically different your car looks with rejuvenated, healthy looking tires. Muddy tires can make even the cleanest car look unkempt. Another positive: many dressings also provide protection from UV rays, preserving the life and color of your tires. For the highest and longest lasting shine, we recommend Dress All Tire and Vinyl Shine, a solvent based dressing made in house. If you prefer water based dressing, then D170 Hyper Dressing from Meguiar’s is the tire shine for you. With multiple dilution possibilities allowing you to choose from high gloss to natural finish, you can pick the shine that is right for you!
Detail the Exterior and Interior
Exterior and interior detailing helps your vehicle remain in top condition. Spray detailers can help prevent buildup on the outside of your car and preserve its shine. Last Touch Spray Detailer from Meguiar’s is perfect for keeping that just waxed look. In addition, there are countless interior detailing products from foams to air guns designed to clean your floormats, console, and seats. A good carpet touch up product is D102 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner from Meguiar’s. As an aerosol that foams up on contact, it is perfect for spot cleaning. Don’t forget to include your air vents in your detailing process. Cleaning your vents will rid your car of dust and debris, which lessens your workload when it comes to shampooing the carpets and wiping down the dashboard. You can have your car thoroughly detailed by a professional and purchase your own products for touch ups in between appointments. To keep that dash shining, D45 Plastic and Vinyl Coating is ideal. It is fast drying and provides an instant shine with UV protection.
Summary
While the above tips are sure to make a difference, the best way to keep your car consistently clean is to have it professionally washed on a regular basis. A trip to your local carwash once a week or even twice a month is worth your time. It will keep the paint looking fresh and your car in first-rate condition.
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