Savvy business owners know that good maintenance on a fleet of vehicles includes not only mechanical and electrical systems, but also proper care of the exterior. While keeping vehicles looking good on the street presents a positive brand image for your business, proper care can help preserve the life of the vehicle, as well as its value. 
   Regular washing and waxing can enhance the vehicle’s resale value by protecting it from the combined degradation caused by salt, sun, water, temperature and oxygen. The sun alone can fade the pigments and degrade the polymer structure of most paints. If the vehicle’s finish is not protected, rock chips, scratches and minor dings can penetrate the paint, leading to rusting catastrophes. The problem can be compounded by salt, which is highly corrosive and can speed up rusting, as well as bird droppings and acid rain that can harm the finish in just a couple of days.

   Exterior car care begins with a good washing using any one of a wide assortment of excellent products, tools and mitts. But, first check the vehicle’s owner’s manual for any specific recommendations and carefully read the product label information. A good checklist for cleaning vehicles is available on the Armor All Web site.

 

Do-It-Yourself Tips

For do-it-yourselfers, one of the most important tips is to use products specifically designed for automotive use, including wash soap, sponge or mitt. Using a good car wash soap product containing surfactants will emulsify the oil and grease that collects on the surface of the car, making it easier to rinse them away, while protecting the wax or sealants applied to the finish.

   Other recommendations include washing the vehicle in a cool, shady area to avoid streaking and reduce water spotting, using a low-pressure stream of water to avoid damaging the paint and using plenty of water in a large bucket so clean water stays at the top while dirty water settles to the bottom.

   For the best results, vehicles should be washed from the top down and rinsed often. Stubborn stains such as insects, road tar, tree sap and bird droppings can be removed using an undiluted car wash soap applied with a sponge directly onto the spots and left to penetrate for three to five minutes before washed off with a stream of water. After washing, dry the vehicle immediately with a chamois or soft cotton terry cloth towel to avoid water spots. A micro fiber cloth works nicely for finishing touches.

   Detailing clay bars can also be used to clean paint below the surface to safely remove contaminants like bugs or tar that “grip” or even penetrate the clear coat. Formerly reserved for professional detailers and car dealers, a clay bar is safe and effective for cleaning car paint but buffing or polishing are recommended after it is used to bring back a smooth shine. Power polishers for this use are available from many retail stores.

 

Self-Service Car Wash Tips

At a self-service car wash, The International Car Wash Association urges drivers to follow the step-by-step instructions posted in the bay. These usually recommend starting with a pre-soak to loosen any road grim. After using the high-pressure soap wash, follow with the foaming brush for gentle scrubbing and a fresh water rinse. Also, be sure to take advantage of any special tire and wheel cleaners that may be available. And to ensure maximum protection and a brilliant shine, finish by applying wax. According to the ICA, many self-serve car washes offer a spot-free rinse option featuring a car cleaning solution that is specially formulated to remove tough road dirt and protect and enhance the vehicle’s shine.

   Last, but not least, ICA recommends that properly washing your vehicle should also include an undercarriage rinse, especially in the winter, to remove salt from those hard to reach places most likely to rust, such as the bumpers and wheel wells.