Protection Tips to Keep Your Car in Mint Condition
18 May 2000
Protection Tips to Keep Your Car in Mint Condition International Car Care Experts Show Drivers Damage Control TROY, Mich., May 17 It's hard to keep a car looking new
with everything that happens to it every day. Sun, rain, snow and dirt can
spell trouble for vehicles, but there are some things consumers can do to
extend the life of their vehicles.
Ziebart International Corporation, the world leader in automotive
aftermarket products and accessories designed to protect, enhance and maintain
cars and trucks, knows how difficult it is to keep vehicles looking good.
Ziebart offers these helpful hints to make it easier:
1. Use specially formulated car wash treatments to wash your vehicle.
Household detergents, including dishwashing detergent and laundry soap, should
never be used. Their high pH content -- designed to cut grease -- will remove
your car's wax coating and harm its clear-coat finish.
2. To clean leather, wipe with a damp cloth and buff dry. Follow up with
a good leather conditioner. Never apply silicone dressings to leather. If a
more thorough cleaning is needed, see a professional for service to avoid
damaging the leather.
3. Avoid car washes using nylon brushes or recycled water. Brushes can
scratch your paint, and recycled water may contain salt and other contaminants
from previous vehicles that can accelerate deterioration.
4. Clean off bird droppings, bug stains and tree sap as soon as possible
to avoid staining and discoloration.
5. Touch up chips and scratches promptly. Chipped or scratched paint can
cause blisters and surface rust.
6. Moisturize your vinyls. Interior and exterior vinyls should be
cleaned and dressed at least twice a year to prevent drying and cracking.
7. Use a non-caustic cleaner and soft brush or sponge on wheel covers or
aluminum wheels. Don't use Brillo-style pads; aluminum or magnesium sports
wheels have a clear-coat finish, which can strip away if not treated properly.
