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(ARA) – Now that summer is here, you wouldn’t dream of sending your kids out the door for a day of fun in the sun without sunscreen; yet millions of people send their other “baby” out into the elements without protection every day. It seems they’ve forgotten that summer is one of the toughest times of year on a car’s finish.
Not only does your car have to endure the harsh rays of the sun beating down on it, but there’s also acid rain to contend with, not to mention the dirt and grime you pick up on the road, the tree sap that drips down on your roof and the acidic bugs that splatter on your hood. So what can you do about it?
“The most critical step you can take to maintain your finish is frequent washing,” says Glenn Canady, president of 5 Star Technologies, a company that makes vehicle maintenance products. “Keeping your exterior consistently clean will lessen the impact of damaging dirt and chemicals that build up on your car’s surface.”
A lot of people think the next step would be to wax their car as often as possible, but Canady says that’s not the case. “You can actually be doing more harm than good by putting on a coat of inexpensive Carnauba wax once every week or two. When it melts, it gets sticky, and instead of keeping your car clean will actually attract dirt and pollutants. Look for a polish that is designed to protect the paint instead.”
Canady recommends 5 Star Shine, a polish that uses PTFE (the same substance that makes nonstick cookware so slippery) and durable acrylic elements to create a chemical fusion that seals paint from the elements. The bond is strong enough to hold up to hundreds of washings and only needs to be applied once every three years for a used car, and once every five years for a new one.
Protecting your car’s finish isn’t the only thing you need to worry about in the summertime. Here are some other car care tips to keep in mind, especially before heading on a long road trip:
* Cooling System. If you haven't had the cooling system of your car flushed recently, do it now. This will help prevent your car from overheating.
* Check your belts and hoses for cracking and have them replaced if necessary.
* Check your filters and replace them if necessary.
* Check that your radiator pressure cap is in good condition.
* Change your oil frequently.
* Make sure your car's air conditioning system is in tip top shape. You don't want to find out in mid July, when it's 90 degrees in the shade that the air conditioning isn't working.
* Inspect your tires. Make sure that your tires are wearing evenly and that they do not need to be replaced.
For more information about 5 Star Shine, call toll free (866) 395-7827 or visit www.5starshine.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content