When autumn leaves start to fall, make sure to keep them off the car. They release an acid as they dry that could leave a permanent imprint on a car's finish.
Auto-body expert Larry Boser offers tips on maintaining your car's finish.
Use a hard wax to maintain a nice paint job and prevent rust, especially in cold-weather areas where road salt is frequently used. A hard wax refers to the ease of application and is hard to the touch, whereas a softer wax is soft.
Bird droppings will damage the paint if not removed promptly. The best way to clean them off is by pouring seltzer water over spots as soon as they are noticed, then allowing it to bubble off. Wipe off with a soft cotton cloth.
When handwashing a car, make sure to rinse well before scrubbing, or dirt can get caught under the sponge and scratch the paint.
Avoid connecting a high-pressure handle to a hose when washing the car, as they can damage the surface by driving dirt and grime into the finish rather than off it.
Try to use cool water when washing a car because hot water will soften the wax on the finish. Also avoid using more than the recommend dose of detergent in the water mixture, as this will remove wax.
To maintain the paint and the car's finish, never use household detergents like dishwashing soap or laundry detergent to wash the car. These products will remove the wax coating and harm the clear-coat finish. Use a good liquid detergent that is specifically designed for cars instead.
To avoid damaging the finish and clear coat when drying the car, use an all-cotton towel such as a bath towel or a synthetic chamois. Any other type of towel may act as sandpaper on the finish, creating scratches and swirls, and a natural chamois may contain acids that could strip the wax.
Blot the car dry--do not wipe--and rinse out the towel as you go.
Paint deteriorates most rapidly on surfaces that receive a lot of sun due to paint oxidization. To help protect the finish from sun damage, use an all-in-one wax/polish that will slow down this process.
Products that cause water to bead up on the windshield work great and do not damage the glass.
Guests Larry Boser
Auto-Body Expert / Instructor, Dakota County Technical College
1300 E. 145th St., County Road 42
Rosemount, MN 55068
Phone: 651-423-8324
E-mail: larry.boser@dctc.mnscu.edu
Website: www.dctc.mnscu.edu Also in this Episode
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