Tips for Exterior Car Care

One of the best car care tips we can give you is to keep the exterior of your vehicle clean and polished. Washing your car regularly will remove any harmful dirt and debris and reduce the risk of rusting. Be sure to choose a nice, shady spot which you can work. It's best to wash your vehicle in the morning or evening when the sun is less intense, but if you are working in the shade it doesn't matter what time of the day you wash it. Make sure you let the car exterior cool down if it has been left in the sun for a long period of time. Start by filling a bucket with a few cupfuls of concentrated car solution and some water. Then wet down the entire surface of the car with a hose with a spray nozzle. Dip your sponge into the bucket and start by scrubbing down the roof of your car.

After washing your vehicle, you're going to want to dry it! Dry your vehicle using a soft and clean towel that you will use specifically for drying your car. Better yet, you might want to invest in microfiber drying towels or chamois. Chamois are leather cloths that are designed to soak up water much better than a normal towel while also preventing water spots.

Once your vehicle has dried be sure to pour, or dab, some vinyl and rubber protectant onto a clean rag and wipe down any vinyl, plastic, or rubber parts on the exterior of the vehicle. You should be sure to include door and window moldings, trim, rearview mirrors, and tires. You're going to want to wipe in a circular motion to get complete and even coverage. Wait for all the protectant to be absorbed so the surface will look and feel dry. Then with a brand new rag wipe down all the parts that were mentioned. 

Applying wax to your vehicle helps to protect the paint and the finish. It also helps to seal the exterior from UV rays, salt, splattered insects, and bird droppings, while also helping it look shiny and new. You can get wax in either paste, liquid, or cream. While there seems to be an endless debate about which brand of wax is best, but most experts prefer a carnauba-based wax. One application of this wax typically lasts from up to six to eight weeks. Before you apply, either dip an applicator pad into the wax container for pastes and creams or pour a small amount onto the pad if it's a liquid. Most waxes are sold with applicator pads, but you can also purchase them separately. When it comes to applying the wax, be sure to apply it to one section of the vehicle at a time and avoid the tires or anything plastic or rubber. 

No matter what you are using to clean your car, you can find supplies here at Gillman CDR! We have all the latest waxes and car cleaning solutions at our dealership so you can make your vehicle looking shiny and new. If you need service, we can help you with that too! At our dealership, you can make an appointment to get your oil changed, tires rotated, or fluids topped off! Make your appointment today either at our dealership or on our website. We can't wait to work on your vehicle here at Gillman CDR!