Auto Care Guide
Why it ’ s important to wash your car
Courtesy Metro Creative Connection
The first things to come to mind when many people ponder vehicle maintenance are oil changes and routine tune-ups . Though each of those things are vital components of automotive maintenance , it ’ s important that drivers recognize the value of a thorough car wash as well .
Drivers may see a car wash as a way to make their car look good , and that ’ s not untrue . An effective car wash can give a car a look that mirrors how the vehicle appeared the moment it was driven off the lot . But an effective wash is more than just cosmetic . According to Consumer Reports , a thorough car wash removes grit and residue , thus protecting the car ’ s paint job and reducing the likelihood of corrosion . Though late model vehicles aren ’ t as susceptible to rust , fading and
peeling as cars made decades ago , they still need a thorough and routine wash to remove dirt , grime and bird droppings that , over time , can adversely affect the paint job and , if left unchecked , eat away at the metal .
Another benefit to routine car washes is they can prevent damage related to seasonal issues . For example , individuals who live in regions where winter snowfall is common may routinely drive on roads that have been salted . Deicing the roads makes driving safer , but salt can accumulate on the undercarriage of the vehicle and contribute to corrosion . Winter may not be a time many drivers visit the car wash , but it ’ s important to do so after snow has melted and salt on the roadways has been washed away by rain . Most car washes now offer high-pressure undercarriage treatments that can wash off salt and prevent
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NCS Auto & Detail has offered professional automotive service for all you automotive needs throughout Central Minnesota since 2008 . From our wide selection of gently used cars , trucks and RVs , to our superior detailing and cleaning services for cars , trucks boats , campers and semis .
228 Fairy Lake Rd • Sauk Centre 320-351-0096 • Cell 320-248-0096 Email : abboecker @ yahoo . com
640 W State Hwy 28 Glenwood , MN 56334
320-634-3303 • 888-886-7856 browniestireofglenwood . com
Our Services : We do more than just clean-up your vehicle . We offer specialized steam cleaning and professional buffing services . We also offer :
➧ Touch-up Painting Services ➧ Interior Scotch Guard ➧ Interior Plastic Sealers ➧ Alum Wheel Polishing ( Semis )
➧ Professional Paintless Dent Repair
BUSINESS HOURS : MON-FRI 8 AM -4PM
A thorough car wash removes grit and residue , thus protecting the car ’ s paint job and reducing the likelihood of corrosion . corrosion and the formation of rust .
But it ’ s not just the exterior of the car that can benefit from routine washing . When taking their cars to get washed , many motorists pay a little extra to have their vehicle interiors cleaned . Sometimes referred to as “ interior detailing ,” cleaning the cabin of the car helps to maintain the interior so it looks new longer . Routine interior cleaning also can remove dust and other particles that can serve as irritants if allowed to build up over time .
Resale and trade-in value is another factor to consider . The automotive experts at Edmunds note that the average transaction price for a used vehicle in the second quarter of 2021 was $ 25,410 , which marks a 21 % increase over the year prior . Much has been made of the microchip issues that have compromised auto manufacturers ’ ability to produce new automobiles , and that led many motorists to the preowned vehicle market . Dealerships also offered incentives to drivers willing to trade in their late model cars . By taking care of a vehicle ’ s interior , drivers are putting themselves in position to capitalize on the increased reliance on the preowned market . Prospective buyers , whether they ’ re private citizens or dealerships , will see more value in a vehicle with a well-maintained interior than one with a cabin that ’ s seen much better days .
Car washes may be seen as a purely cosmetic form of vehicle maintenance . But the benefits of routine and thorough car washes extend far beyond aesthetic appeal .
How to keep car interiors clean
Courtesy Metro Creative Connection
Oil changes , tire rotations and even car washes may garner the bulk of drivers ’ attention in regard to vehicle maintenance . But various smaller undertakings , including keeping vehicle interiors clean , are worthy of drivers ’ attention as well .
Dust and dirt can accumulate in a vehicle over time , making for a less comfortable ride . Keeping vehicle interiors clean can make car and truck cabins more welcoming for drivers and their passengers , and such maintenance is simple and inexpensive .
Focus on the floors
The floors in a car face all that weather has to offer . In winter , boots may track snow and deicing solutions like salt into a vehicle ’ s cabin . In summer , sand from the beach or dirt from hiking trails may find its way in . Some drivers use the same floor mats yearround , but there ’ s an advantage to switching based on the seasons . According to the automotive experts at Napa , fabric floor mats in summer will hold on to dirt and keep it from spreading . Beachgoers will appreciate that after tracking sand into their cars . In the winter , swap fabric floor mats with rubber or plastic alternatives , as these mats will hold melting snow , rain or salt , preventing them from staining the floors .
Be mindful of seating materials
When cleaning seats , drivers should be mindful of the materials those seats are made of . Cloth seats should be cleaned differently than leather and vinyl , and all seats should be vacuumed prior to cleaning . Consumer Reports notes that leather and vinyl seats are treated with a protective coating that requires gentle cleaning . Begin with a small cloth with a dab of dish or saddle soap , and then apply a leather conditioner to prevent the leather from drying out . When cleaning cloth seats , an upholstery cleaner can be applied to stains , just be sure to follow instructions carefully . Cleaning products are not all the same , and application techniques may vary . A scrub brush can be used to work cleaning solutions into the seats and any lingering moisture can then be wiped away with a microfiber cloth .
Clean the inside of your car windshield
Use an interior glass cleaner to clean the interior windshields and windows . These surfaces can accumulate a significant amount of dirt due to interior vapors and air pollution . Consumer Reports recommends using a glass cleaner that contains alcohol . Interior glass cleaners are designed to prevent streaking and film buildup , which can compromise drivers ’ vision .
Take on touchscreens
Modern vehicles have touchscreens that can quickly accumulate dust and fingerprints . Toyota recommends soaking a clean cloth in lukewarm water and lightly wiping the surface of touch screens . Avoid substances like solvents , alkaline or acidic solutions , which can contribute to staining or discoloration on the screen .
Clean car interiors can make driving that much more enjoyable and even more healthy .