You'll find plenty of information on the regular maintenance you need to perform to keep your car in excellent condition and performing at its best. Everyone knows how important it is to regularly change the oil and perform servicing, replace your tires, check fluid levels, and clean the air filter…
But what about the exterior of your car? Information about the importance of exterior car maintenance is often overlooked, yet it's equally crucial. Keep in mind that a car with rust holes will fail its roadworthiness test.
Not only does a beautiful car give you a better impression of the vehicle you're driving, but it also allows the bodywork to fulfill its primary purpose: protecting you and the parts under the hood from the elements. Consult this exterior car care guide to discover why it's so important and learn how to protect your vehicle from sun, heat, wind, rain, and snow.
General car maintenance tips to protect your vehicle
There are a number of preventative maintenance tasks you can perform on your car throughout the year to keep the bodywork in good condition. From washing your car with recommended products to covering it, we'll detail these important car care tips.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Regularly washing your car is the most essential maintenance measure you can take to protect your vehicle from the elements. However, few people wash their cars properly. Car washes using rollers can be very damaging to your vehicle; indeed, small stones can get stuck in them and create micro-scratches on your paintwork.
So, when you wash your car, take the time to do it by hand. Choose a high-quality car wash product recommended by the manufacturer (such as car shampoo or foaming cleaner) and a soft cloth, preferably made of non-abrasive microfiber. A wash mitt and a plush sponge are essential accessories for washing your car. When you begin the process, do it out of direct sunlight and make sure the car feels cool to the touch.
Make sure your vehicle is in the shade so that the bodywork does not dry out too quickly.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly, preferably with a pressure washer like a Kärcher, before applying your car wash product. This will remove any debris and dirt stuck to the bodywork. Start at the top and work your way down.
Next, using a sponge or a glove, start by cleaning your vehicle again from top to bottom.
Don't neglect your tires and wheels!
Next, rinse your vehicle, always from top to bottom, preferably with a high-pressure cleaner.
Consider an insect repellent product if you have persistent problems such as insects or sap, but be careful: These products can be abrasive.
When you have finished, thoroughly dry the car using a cloth or chamois leather.
FINISHING: SANDING AND WAXING
Your work isn't finished when you dry the car. Consider claying it to remove stubborn contaminants and further protect your paint. Get a claying kit and follow the instructions carefully. You'll need a fine clay bar and the corresponding lubricant spray. The lubricant spray is essential: don't clay your car without it!
Squeeze the clay in your hand until it is pliable and easy to shape. Flatten it into a disc about 2 cm thick. Spray the lubricant onto a 5 x 5 cm area, making sure to use a generous amount. Then lightly spray the clay disc. Start with a clean area and work your way towards the most contaminated areas, gently sliding the clay back and forth, holding it with your palm and fingers. You will hear it pick up the contaminants. Do not use a circular motion, as this could scratch the vehicle.
Check the clay periodically as you go. If it appears full of contaminants, fold it over, then flatten it again to bring the contaminants inside and clean the surface once more. Re-lubricate and continue. Do this section by section, each section overlapping the last one you completed.
Once this step is complete, it's essential to wax your car. Waxing not only restores shine and style to your car, but it also protects it for the future. Apply the wax evenly in circular motions using a good, non-abrasive wax sponge. Many wax brands come with such a sponge. After applying the wax, buff it with a second clean sponge. This will polish your paintwork and give it a shine that will also protect it from damage caused by rain and sun.
The best way to perform polishing is still with a rotary orbital polisher.
REPAIR PAINT SCRATCHES AND CHIPS
Scratches and chipped paint are an open invitation to rust and rot. As soon as you notice such a problem, repair it immediately. You should be able to find touch-up paint that matches your car's make, model, and year, so the repairs can be done discreetly.
Minor scratches can sometimes be removed with polishing compound, but be sure to follow the instructions on the box to the letter, as polishing compound can dull and damage your paintwork if used excessively.
Using polishing compound requires a bit of courage, as it essentially involves sanding the scratch and then polishing it. Adding a little soap and water to the scratch makes it somewhat easier to sand. Use ultra-fine sandpaper, such as 2000-3000 grit wet/dry, and position the scratch you want to sand on a block, using a 60-degree angle. You're trying to sand around the scratch, not over it. Keep the sandpaper lubricated with soapy water. Then wipe away any soap residue, dust, and grit with a damp cloth.
Research this method thoroughly before using it!
Apply the polishing compound either with a professional orbital polisher or by hand with a soft, clean microfiber cloth. Apply a thin layer to the scratches, covering them completely. Be careful not to expose yourself to direct sunlight during this process. Rub the compound with moderate pressure until it is invisible. Finally, rinse off any product residue. Your scratch should disappear, and your car should look fantastic!
EXTERIOR CAR MAINTENANCE IN SUMMER
Besides the basic precaution of washing your car regularly, there are some specific concerns to consider during the summer months when the sun is shining and the heat is high. The key takeaway is that, in many ways, just like you, your car can get "sunburned." Ultraviolet rays have a significant impact on your car's finish. They can dull, discolor, and crack the paint, which can lead to damage to the bodywork.
Ultraviolet rays cause your car's paintwork to oxidize. The polymers and plastics in your car can become brittle or warp. Here are the most important steps to take to protect your car in the summer:
Keep it in the shade: Avoid parking your car in direct sunlight as much as possible. A physical barrier is the best protection. Keep it in the garage or park it in the shade whenever you can.
Keep it waxed: Again, waxing your car after washing it adds a physical barrier that protects your car from UV rays.
Use a product: Plastic polishing products and rubber protection products can greatly help to defend your vehicle against the sun's rays.
Check your tires: Heat can cause your tires to crack or burst if they are overinflated. Check your tire pressure once a month.
PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE IN WINTER
Winter brings with it additional and unique problems. Not only are the cold, ice, and snow harsh on your car, but road treatments like salt are really bad for your bodywork and can cause rust. There are a number of things you can do in winter to protect your vehicle from the unique dangers of the cold season:
Keep your car in a garage: Just like in summer, the best way to protect your car in winter is to keep it in a garage. This will protect you from trucks spraying corrosive salt on your car and from damage caused by other cars speeding on icy roads. It's also good protection against the cold, keeping out moisture and ice.
Beware of ice scrapers: It's not always possible to avoid scraping ice off your windshield, but it's best to brush the snow off with a soft-bristled or foam-headed snow brush, then use your de-icer to clear the ice. Ice scrapers can scratch and damage your windshield's finish.
Wash your car often: By washing your car frequently, you'll prevent salt from damaging the finish and keep it looking great. As mentioned above, the car should be waxed and washed. Remember, there are also UV rays in winter! Pay particular attention to the rocker panels and undercarriage with a pressure washer to remove any salt residue that could cause rust.
Consider coatings and sealants: Paint coatings and sealants can provide an extra layer of protection against ice, snow, and cold. There are also coatings and sealants available to protect your tires. They can last a long time and provide excellent additional protection.
PROTECT YOUR PAINT
Whether it's summer, winter, fall, or spring, basic car washing techniques, paint touch-ups, and scratch removal are all considerations you should keep in mind year-round. The best way to keep your car ready to face the elements and perform like a champion for a long time is to protect your paint. Your paint and the clear coat are your car's primary line of defense against rust, corrosion, and other damage.
If you'd like more tips on exterior car care, including how to protect your vehicle and keep it in good working order, take some time to explore our blog, and don't forget to search our website for the parts and accessories you need. You can search by make, model, year, part name, or keyword to find the perfect part for your car at an unbeatable price. Visit Euro Racing Parts today and discover our products!
