(NAPSI)-A little TLC and the right tools can maintain your car's youthful appearance for years. Here are some easy, do-it-yourself tips to help steer you in the right direction:

Exterior Care

Road tar. Tree sap. Acid rain. All these and more conspire to wear away your car's finish. Regular car washing (every week or every other week) and waxing twice a year will help protect your car's exterior. The most important thing to remember is to use a product specifically formulated for automotive paint. Never use dishwashing or laundry detergents, which are much too harsh for a car's finish.

Before washing your car, park it in the shade and allow it to cool off. This will increase evaporation time and decrease the likelihood of water spots. Next, wash off loose debris with a hose. Then mix the cleanser according to directions. Start with the top of the vehicle and work your way down. Make sure to clean headlights, as dust and road grime can reduce headlight beam brightness and impact visibility at night. When drying headlights and window glass, make sure to use a disposable towel without adhesives or binders, such as SCOTT® Contractor Rags In a Box.

Interior Care

Keeping the inside of a car looking good is no easy feat. Here, too, regular maintenance is key. Make sure to vacuum the floor mats, carpeting and upholstery on a regular basis and dust the dashboard and console. Clean well between crevices and seat cushions. Use carpet cleaning products to remove stains and spills. Take care when using carpet shampooers that can leave carpet wet, since car carpet is usually backed by sheet metal, which can rust. For small stains, try using spray-on products.

For upholstery stains on fabric, use a soft-bristled brush to loosen dirt and then clean with upholstery cleaner. Leather must also be kept clean by vacuuming and applying leather cleansers regularly. Make sure to select products specifically designed for the surfaces that you're cleaning. Using the wrong products for leather, vinyl or rubber can lead to cracking and drying and other types of damage.

Internal Engine Cleaning

If keeping the inside of your car clean is important to you, then it makes sense to keep the engine clean too. Leaks and other problems are easier to find if the engine compartment is clean, too. A clean engine will also run cooler, according to automotive experts. There are engine cleaners and degreasers designed specifically for this task. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's directions. Afterwards, use disposable SCOTT® Shop Towels to wipe up any grease or oil residue.

These tips will help put you and your car on the road to good looks and high performance.


Whatever you paid for your car, it pays to keep it running and looking like new for as long as possible.