Winter conditions can be hard on your car, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice. Corrosive salt and road debris can build up on the bodywork and in the nooks and crannies. Take advantage of the warmer spring weather to get your car back into pristine condition with these five cleaning tips. more Hand Wash Your Car You might be tempted by the convenience of an automated car wash, but the brushes can be harsh on your paintwork and leave marks over time. Even jet washers use chemicals and gray water that can damage the paint's surface. Washing your car by hand will produce much better results. To start, use clean water to rinse off any loose dirt. Alternatively, coat the bodywork with a pH balance pre-wash foam to break down stubborn grime before rinsing. For washing the car, start at the top and work down so that you're not dragging dirt upwards. Apply the car shampoo to one area at a time, then rinse it so the shampoo doesn't dry out on the body. Ideally, you want to use a microfiber washing mitt and make lateral rather than circular motions so you don't leave swirl marks. Careful Drying You need to dry the car thoroughly to avoid water staining. It's recommended to use an absorbent, paint-safe drying towel. Where water pools in awkward-to-get-to places, such as mirror housings, you could use an electric blower to dry them. Waxing For your car to shine like new, you'll have to wax it. To get a deep, healthy luster on your bodywork, use carnauba wax. Apply it to one area at a time and leave it for a few minutes. Then use a microfiber cloth to buff it until the paint is gleaming. Cleaning the Glass For cleaning the windows, use an auto glass cleaner that doesn't leave a reflective glare, and use a cloth that's kept only for the glass. Use horizontal motions on the inside of the windows and vertical motions on the outside so if you leave smears, you can easily identify which side of the windows they're on. Declutter and Clean the Interior During the winter, junk can build up inside your car, especially if you've got kids. Clear out the trash from the seat and door pockets, bottle holders, and cargo area. For cleaning, first use a fine-bristled brush to remove dirt from the vents, buttons, and seat cushion crevices. Use an ammonia-free cleaner on plastics, and for the dash, use a non-silicone vinyl cleaner with a matte finish to avoid bright reflections on the windshield. Then thoroughly vacuum the carpets, seats, and storage areas. Your carpets will have attracted winter grime, so clean them using good-quality carpet shampoo. Finally, organize the things you keep in your car into their rightful places so the car doesn't look cluttered and you know exactly where to find everything. Keeping your car in pristine condition with regular cleaning makes you feel good and helps to retain its value. Kriegers Ford Lincoln can give you more advice on keeping your Ford in tip-top condition. Photo courtesy of Ford
