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(NAPSI)-It's probably your second most valuable possession, yet it's exposed to some of the most adverse conditions. It's vulnerable to acid rain, dirt, dust, road grime and brake dust build-up. And if you're like millions of others, you plan on keeping your vehicle for a while. Industry renowned Car Coach™, Lauren Fix, says the average vehicle is at least 10 years old. "Engines are lasting longer than they used to," comments Fix. "To keep up, vehicle exteriors now need to be maintained more often." Fix suggests you can help preserve the resale value of your vehicle by regularly cleaning and protecting its exterior.
"First, wash your vehicle," says Fix. "But never with dish soap. It'll strip the paint of its natural luster." Use a clear-coat safe formula that gently floats away dirt, debris, residue and everyday road grime. Apply the soapy solution to a pre-rinsed car using a clean, soft sponge or wash mitt, circular motions and light pressure. Work in sections and thoroughly rinse each area before moving on to keep the carwash product from drying. After a good soak, dry the vehicle right away with a soft, clean cloth and use an automotive glass cleaner on the inside and outside of the windows.
Your car needs waxing every couple of months for added protection. Prestone® Wax is a full synthetic carnauba formula that's easier to use than traditional polishes and compatible with all types of paint finishes. Unlike many, this polish can be applied in direct sunlight. "Only use a small amount of wax on a soft cloth or applicator sponge, and spread a thin layer on the car using small circular motions," says Fix. Once the wax has hazed over, buff it off using a dry, clean cloth.
For an even higher gloss, Fix suggests lightly buffing the whole car with a damp cloth after all of the wax has been removed. Polish painted bumpers and chrome trim with wax, but keep it away from black rubber borders and textured black plastic bumpers. Treat them with a rubber and vinyl dressing.
Your final 15 minutes should be spent on tires and wheels. Brake dust and grime build up quickly and can sometimes make it difficult for cleaning. Use a product like Prestone® Wheel Cleaner, a deep-cleaning, non-caustic, non-corrosive formula that is safe enough for all wheel types, even polished aluminum.
Apply a product like Prestone® Tire Shine evenly across the face of each tire. It has up to twice the active ingredients of leading competitors and offers three-rainstorm protection.
• With over 16 years experience, Fix is a nationally recognized automotive expert and authority on consumer automotive and safety issues as well as car care and repair.
Washing and waxing a mid-size car will take about one hour. An additional 15 minutes should be spent on the wheels and tires.