While it may seem like a straightforward task - a chore for some, a joy for others - there is indeed a right way and a wrong way to clean your vehicle.
According to Lacey Elliott, car expert and spokesperson for autoTRADER.ca, some common mistakes people make when cleaning their vehicles may end up impacting all-important things such as resale value.
"A car is, for most people, their second biggest investment after their homes, and it's worth taking the steps to ensure that it's looking its best."
. Wax sublime Most don't bother waxing, but even just one coat will last a while and make a world of difference toward repelling dirt and grime, Elliott says.
"Being able to claim that a car is in immaculate condition on your free autoTRADER.ca listing will only help sell it faster," she says.
. Clean the cleaners One guaranteed way to scratch your paint job while cleaning the exterior is to not pay attention to the sponge or chamois, Elliott says. Ensure cleaning tools are themselves cleaned thoroughly after every wash and inspect them as you go along for small stones, grime or dirt that can harm the vehicle's paint.
. Made in the shade Avoid washing when the sun is directly overhead, or at least park it in the shade so as not to expose it to harsh sunlight.
"Soapy water won't dry as fast in the shade," she says. "So it gives you a bit more time to work towards getting it clean."
. Soap strategic Elliott says not to skimp on specially formulated automotive soap and other cleaners that are designed to bring out the best in different surfaces.
"If it's not carspecific soap, it may actually be stripping off wax," she says, adding that vinyl, leather and plastic cleaners all have custom formulas for their specific tasks.
"There's no such thing as a 10-in-one miracle cleaner - get the right tools for each job."
For more information, visit www.autoTRADER.ca www.newscanada.com