Dashboards
Apply protectant with a rag and
avoid spraying directly on the dash.
Use a vinyl protectant regularly to prevent fading
and cracking.
Once vinyl protectant is applied, it will need to
be re-applied regularly to prevent drying and cracking.
Vinyl dashes can also be cleaned using Lemon Pledge,
which leaves a nice smell, too.
Upholstery
Vacuum regularly to remove dirt,
salt, leaves and other items that can damage carpets and
mats.
Leather interiors should be cleaned with leather products
- that are designed to penetrate the pores.
For leather, avoid high-alkaline content which can
bleach the color.
Use only upholstery cleaners designed for cars, not
household cleaners.
OUTSIDE CARE
Remove leaves from your car as
soon as possible to prevent the release of acid that can
permanently stain your finish.
Avoid parking under trees that release sap. Or, to
remove sap, use finger nail polish remover on a cotton ball.
Use a paste of water and baking soda to wash off the remover,
then apply wax.
Car Washes
Avoid brush-style car washes as
they cause dirt to scratch the car's finish.
Use the lowest setting in do-it-yourself car washes to
avoid "blasting" grit into the car's finish.
Handwashing
Avoid washing your car in the sun.
Avoid household detergents and soaps as they strip
your car's protective surface causing the finish to dry out
and age prematurely.
Wash in straight lines with overlapping strokes to
reduce the standing water you need to dry off.
Clean tires first, then the wheels to prevent irreversible
corrosion caused by brake dust and road salt.
Be sure to wash the inside bottom edge of doors, lift
gate, hood and trunk to eliminate the trapped dirt and moisture
that can cause premature rusting.
Never wax your car in direct sunlight to prevent the
surface temperature of your car from causing the chemicals
in the wax to damage your finish.
Look for car wax which contains imported vegetable wax,
which is safe for your car's finish.
Avoid waxes that promise to remove dirt, oxidized
paint or scratches as they are not pure wax and can actually
remove paint from your vehicle.
Do not "polish" light scratches as new car finishes
have a clear coat finish that can be damaged.
Moldings & Bumpers
Mask off all textured moldings and
bumper parts before rubbing on wax to avoid discoloring
or other damage
Rinsing
Rinse off dirt prior to washing to
prevent scratching from rubbing it into the surface.
Rinse dirt from moving parts, such as suspension components.
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