Pep Boys Offers Summer Car Care Advice

    PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--June 6, 2001--First impressions are everything and whether you're cruising the local hot spots or taking a leisurely Sunday drive, more often than not, your vehicle is the first thing people notice about you.
    How you take care of your vehicle determines how it looks, and that's why Pep Boys is offering drivers a few simple summer car care tips to help vehicles look their best.
    Joe Risch, assistant vice president of merchandising for Pep Boys, the nation's leading full-service automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, says drivers should consider three areas when looking to increase their vehicles' luster: proper cleaning and waxing, interior appearance, and accessories.
    "There is a wide array of products that can help your vehicle look its best," Risch said. "From accessories that add a bit of personal flair, to wash and wax materials made to bring out that showroom shine, these products help vehicles look better longer and help drivers get the most out of their investment."

    Proper Cleaning and Waxing

    Keeping a vehicle's exterior clean and shiny is important, not only to the look of the vehicle, but also to the long-term condition of the paint. For the best results, Pep Boys offers the following car washing and waxing tips:

--	Only use a quality car wash and a washing mitt or sponge. Never use dishwashing soap, as it strips the wax off of vehicles, and old rags can leave hairline scratches on your vehicle's finish.
--	Dry your vehicle with a chamois or chamois type cloth. This helps prevent spotting and avoids tiny scratches left by old rags.
--	Never wax a vehicle in direct sunlight. Let the vehicle cool off and wax each panel separately. Let the wax haze then remove and buff with a polishing cloth to a bright shine. A good coat of wax protects your vehicles finish.

    Interior Appearance

    Keeping a vehicle's interior clean and properly maintained is just as important as maintaining the exterior. Floor mats, upholstery, leather seats -- they all need special care in order to look and feel like new. Here are some tips for keeping the interior in top shape:

    -- Use only specially designed leather cleaners and conditioners
    on leather seats. These products are made specifically for the
    upkeep of this delicate yet durable fabric.

    -- A good interior protectant is especially useful for vinyl and
    plastic areas of the interior. Not only will it protect from
    dirt and grime, as well as the sun's harmful rays, but also it
    provides an attractive shine.

    -- Use quality glass cleaner on car windows. Clean windows are a
    must to make sure the driver of the vehicle maintains optimum
    road visibility at all times.

    Accessories

    Accessories can practically give a vehicle its own personality. Whether it's interior or exterior products, Pep Boys carries a huge selection of products from great brands like American Parts Company (APC). Favorites include:

    -- Car and Truck Euro Tails -- 100 percent street legal, clear
    lenses with red reflectors incorporate an edgy look to both
    trucks and cars.

    -- Fog and Off Road Lights -- APC's new Glo-Light is a fog light
    that actually glows in the dark when the lights are turned
    off. HID (high intensity discharge) lights are a must when
    going off road.

    -- Grilles -- Easy to install grille shells and mesh screens
    upgrade vehicles from an average look to super sporty in a few
    simple steps.

    -- Emblems, intakes, billets, coil covers and more come in a
    various colors and add a distinctive look to any vehicle!

    With care, proper cleaning and a little personalization through accessories, every car on the road can look like it just came off the showroom floor.