Now more than ever, car owners have become meticulous in their care for what is on the outside of their vehicles.
With technological advancements weaving their way through the engine compartment and beyond, few fully understand that the act of driving has become less about the physical control of a motor vehicle and more about giving a computerized engine a set of commands for it to drive itself.
With that being said, the days of working on your engine are in the rearview mirror, and what it is replaced with is the act of accessorizing; obsession over the new car smell in the interior and the showroom shine on the exterior. The hardest of these two is definitely the finish, as it is the feature most exposed to whatever elements are found in whatever state you live.
So how do you keep your car exterior looking like it just rolled off the lot? Here are two simple care tips that help in the process of finish preservation.
Steer Clear of the automatic Car Wash
Believe it or not, the car wash can do more damage than good.
Regardless of where you live, washing your car once a week can really stack up financially, especially if you take into account the urgency of cleaning sap or bird droppings to prevent acidic elements in them from dissolving your finish. Yet aside from that, many car washes use specialized detergents that are formulated to relentlessly eradicate dirt.
The problem, coupled with the soft touch features in most car washes, is that the intensity of those detergents coupled with rough brushes can take off dirt and your paint, dulling the gleam of your finish. Believe it or not, minimal touching of the finish also aids in the avoidance of damage.
Hand-washing ensures that a non-corrosive soap and an
Exquisite Auto Spa Wash Mitt is used, whereas entering a car wash does not permit that peace of mind. It is also wise to use separate mitts for your rims, preventing accidental reapplication of grime lifted from the brakes or the tire rubber itself.
Drip Drying is dangerous
It might be tempting to let your car air dry once you have rinsed it down; however, this is the forbidden apple in the parking lot of Eden.
The water may evaporate, but any minerals found in the water are what remain. Think of these like microscopic razor blades on your finish, menacingly waiting for the opportunity to scratch your surface the next time you take a rag to it.
Given the fact that spot cleaning until your next wash is also a strategic imperative for the do-it-yourself finisher, you are bound to rub those harsh little beads all over your car. After those minerals are left behind, it is as if you had never washed your car to begin with. A dusty film will remain, and you will be taken one step backward in your preservation process.
Consider using a Super Plush Microfiber Towel or an Exquisite Auto Spa Drying Towel to dab and draw water away, soaking up those aforementioned minerals without the compulsion to rub and wipe. Thoroughly wring out what you collect and continue on.
And while we cannot prevent the weather, we can be mindful of where we park. Avoid parking beneath a tree during rainfall, as while your car will likely air dry after the storm, staining from sap can occur during the storm.
Finish Preservation Preserves Value
It is okay to be OCD about your finish; dealerships are just as OCD when you look to trade in and trade up. A quality finish aids in the preservation of the trade-in value when you decide to upgrade to a new ride, so it can ultimately save you money in the long run.
While a car is often viewed as a liability, simple care can permit it to be an investment in both your future vehicle and your confidence and joy in driving it.
For quality products that keep your car looking great, check out our shop for the latest and greatest in automotive cleaning advancements.
