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'Spring' Into Good Car Care Habits

6 April 2000

'Spring' Into Good Car Care Habits

      Ziebart Shows Drivers How to Keep Their Cars Looking Nicer, Longer


    TROY, Mich., April 6 With the weather warming, people are
paying attention to their vehicles again.  The slush and salt are gone, but
they often leave behind damage to both the interior and exterior of vehicles,
including mildew, odor and corrosion.  Over time, these factors can cause
premature aging and will lower the investment value of cars and trucks.
    Ziebart International, the world leader in car care solutions to maintain
and enhance vehicle appearance and investment value, recommends the following
steps to help preserve and protect vehicles:

    *  Thoroughly clean the interior.  Vacuum to remove all accumulated dirt
and grime.  This will help to extend the life of the upholstery and enhance
vehicle appearance.
    *  Professionally deodorize the interior.  Dampness collects causing
mildew and corrosion over time.  Having the vehicle professionally deodorized
will neutralize odors and revitalize the fabric.
    *  Apply fabric and carpet protector to repel dirt and help the fabric
last longer.
    *  Polish out scratches on the vehicle's exterior.  Throughout the rainy
season, vehicles are taken through countless professional car washes.  Dirt
and grime collect on the brushes and may become abrasive to your car.  It is
important to polish out the resulting scratches, and reapply wax that has been
stripped off.  The sealant will protect the vehicle through the spring and
summer.
    *  Using mild detergent mixed with water, remove corrosive materials from
the door and trunk jams with a sponge, wash mitt or soft cloth.  Car washes
are unable to reach the door and trunk jams, which collect moisture, dirt and
grime.  As a result the seals loosen, allowing water to seep into the interior
and trunk.  Special attention should be given to the bottom of the door, which
is especially prone to rust.
    *  Use extreme caution when cleaning dirt and dust off the instrument
panel cluster.  It is made of plastic and scratches easily.  A soft cotton
cloth with multi-use glass cleaner without ammonia should be used to gently
wipe off the instruments.

    Ziebart has 40 years of experience protecting, enhancing and maintaining
the interior and exterior of cars and trucks.  Its services include:
professional detailing services; paint and fabric protection; rust protection;
accessories, particularly for trucks and vans; and electronics including
remote car starts and mobile video.
    Ziebart International Corp. is headquartered in Troy, Mich.  It has
franchised approximately 600 stores in 44 countries.  For more information on
Ziebart, access its web site at ziebart.com , or contact the Ziebart Forum on
Car Care Solutions at 888-CAR-RENEW.