Your Car Needs A Spring Cleaning, Too

A TV commercial shows Dad and kids, all smiles, having fun washing the family car. An employer offers free car washes as an added recruitment benefit and car washes are among the most popular student fund raising events.

Car washing, in the driveway or in a drive-through, conjures positive thoughts.

"Its what spring is all about," says Donna Wagner, President of the Car Care Council. "Before buckling down to the less enchanting chores of window cleaning and lawn work, the first warm weekend invites us to run to the car wash or get out the bucket and hose."

Simple as the process may seem, there are good, better and best ways to wash ones car at home. "Be a little fussy about the car wash soap you use," says Wagner. "Dont even think about using household detergent. Its likely to take off the wax or polish. Some of these products can damage the paint."

Among suggestions from the Council, work in the shade. Washing a hot surface can result in hard-to-remove streaks. Flush off as much of the road dirt as possible before applying the suds. The sponge, towel or washing mitt should be absolutely free of abrasive grit..

Pay attention to those crevices underneath the vehicle that accumulate mud and road dirt, especially important in climates that use salt to melt snow. The high pressure hose in a do-it-yourself car wash is great for this, as is a home style pressure washer.

"But be careful where you aim the nozzle," she warns. "Excessive pressure can loosen trim or moldings."

Automotive chemical manufacturers have developed new products that make the finished job more impressive. Tires and black plastic trim, for example, can be made to look like new with protective dressings. There are cleaners for chrome, aluminum and stainless steel; even products designed for hard-to-remove brake pad dust from wheels.

The interior deserves "wall-to-wall" attention in spring cleaning. After vacuuming the carpeting, upholstery and door panels, a good fabric cleaner, shampoo or spot remover followed by a protective spray can bring drab fabrics back to life. The padded dash and other vinyl areas can be cleaned and protected with wipe-on or spray products created specifically for these surfaces.

"We cant seem to escape harmful ultraviolet rays and acid rain," says Wagner. "However, regular washing and waxing can keep ones vehicle looking new for years longer."

Brought to you as a public service by Valvoline and the Car Care Council. Visit our web site: www.carcarecouncil.org.