Keeping your car looking shiny is sort of an obsession for many. To car people, it is something that matters a lot. Whether the car is new or old, here are 10 ways how you can keep your car shining like new, forever.
Microfiber for cleaning, always
The first thing you must do is to make sure you get a microfiber cloth, in order to clean the car. A microfiber is a softer cloth which helps to remove the water faster. Since it is softer, it will prevent your car from getting swirl marks. Also make sure the cloth is clean before you attempt to clean the car.
Never clean with a dry cloth
The worst thing you can do to the paint of your car is to clean it with a dry cloth. If your car is dusty, wiping it with a dry cloth is a very bad idea.
The dust particles on the body of the car get dragged around with the cloth causing scratches & swirl marks that make the paint look bad. If you want to give your car a quick clean, use a clean wet cloth or a Jopasu duster.
Never cover a dirty car
The same as above applies here. If you cover a dirty car, the cover drags the dust particles on the paint of the car thus producing minor scratches and swirl marks on the surface. Make sure your car is clean while you are covering it.
Apply PPF to protect
A PPF is paint protection film. If you have a brand new car and you frequent the highways, it is advisable to get a paint protection film for your bonnet and bumper. Yes, it is slightly on the expensive side, however, it is very tough to match the factory finish of paint, especially on the bonnet which is a very important part of the car. To make sure your car stays factory fresh, opt for a PPF for the bonnet. It will also protect the car from scratches.
Shampoo to retain the shine
You should be shampooing your car once a week or at least, once a month to keep it shining all the time. Make sure to use a car shampoo only and not one you use on your body. Make sure you rinse the car well before and after shampooing the vehicle to make sure it gets cleaned properly.
Detailing is important
While you may enjoy polishing your car, it is ideal to get a professional detailer do the job for you. Based on how much you use the car, you can get your car detailed every 6 months to a year. That will help keep your clear coat protected, which will inturn protect your paint and keep it shining.
Cover car when parked for long
There are many people who do not have covered parking. For them, it is necessary to have your car covered, especially if you are leaving the car for a few days.
Sunlight makes the paint dull over a period of time and a cover will help protect the paint and prevent it from getting dull.
Top-down approach
Make sure your car is cleaned in a top-down manner. The reason being, the bumpers and the bottom part is where the maximum dirt is accumulated. If you clean that first, then the cloth will get dirty and you will carry the dirt from the bottom to the top of the vehicle. Also, make sure to keep cleaning the cloth, or use multiple clothes.
Take car of bird droppings and tree sap