Guide to basic automotive paint care
Motoring
WHILE automobiles with oxidised, scratched or stained finishes may perform just like those in immaculate condition, their monetary values are significantly less — thousands of dollars in many cases. Bringing a car back to its original condition is laborious and expensive (if it does not require another visit to a paint shop). To cut a long story short, it pays to take care of your vehicle’s paint.
The good news is that basic upkeep should not take more than 15 minutes per week and it does not take an expert to deliver showroom-quality results.
What are basic items that every vehicle owner needs to have in their garage?
Routine maintenance of your car’s finish is simple if you possess the right products. A quality car wash shampoo will ensure not only effective and gentle cleaning, but will also preserve the wax you previously applied to keep your car protected and looking great.
However, the shampoo alone is not quite enough, as a good quality microfibre wash mitt and waffle weave microfibre drying towel further improve the wash process.
Remember, it is the washing and drying process that has the most potential to create fine swirl marks in the paint, so using quality materials for the job is critical and do not forget a good spray nozzle to help conserve water when washing.
Having a quick detail spray or a waterless wash on hand will give you a safe and effective way of removing from the paint something as simple as fingerprints to something as potentially damaging as bird droppings.
A waterless wash and wax is also great
A quality car wash shampoo will ensure not only effective and gentle cleaning, but will also preserve the wax you previously applied to keep your car protected and looking great
for an all-around cleanup of your car at a moment’s notice, or when you just do not have access to a hose and bucket (for example, on the road, at a car show or at school).For routine protection, you will want a proper liquid or paste wax.
However, a spray wax will let you boost both gloss and protection in just a few minutes, and can be done every time you wash your car.
Whether you prefer a high gloss or a more natural appearance on interior surfaces, having an interior cleaner/dressing available will make it easy to keep your car’s interior looking its best all the time.
A good quality scratch remover is also great to have on hand for those little “uhoh” moments as well. It is always a good idea to have several quality microfibre towels on hand, too.
You will use these to wipe off a hazed wax, but also when using a quick detail spray, a spray wax, scratch removers, and even for applying interior cleaners and dressings. Last but not least, a quality glass cleaner and tyre shine are must-haves for a finishing touch.
How often do I need to wash my vehicle?
We recommend washing your daily driver car once a week under normal conditions. However, if you live in an area with a very dry climate, where your car simply does not get that dirty, you may be able to stretch that out to a couple of weeks or more. In those climates, a regular light cleaning with a quick detail spray or waterless wash is a fast and easy way of ensuring a “just washed” look all the time.
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