The car washing season is coming to a close, and as the leaves start to change colors, it’s time for car owners to switch gears from car washes to car detailing. There are many ways that car detailers can spruce up your car during this transitional period. Today’s blog post will discuss five great tips for detailing your car before winter sets in!
- Seal your car’s exterior with a paint sealant
To protect your vehicle from harsh winter weather, it is vital to add a protective layer of sealant to the vehicle’s surface. The best way to accomplish this is by using a high-quality wax or paint sealant that will help rain and snow slide right off your car’s exterior.
In addition to sealing the paint, a wax or paint sealant will add an extra layer of shine and reflection to your vehicle. The added protection from winter elements will allow you to spend less time worrying about maintaining your car in cold weather conditions. Applying a high-quality wax or paint sealant will save you time in the long run because you won’t have to wash your car as frequently. Car detailing York PA experts recommend sealants over waxes because they last longer and provide a deeper, more intense shine.
- Polish your wheels
Even if your rims are brand new, it’s still essential to clean them with a polishing compound before winter sets in. If left unattended, brake dust can become caked onto the wheel’s surface. This results in a cloudy appearance that will diminish your rims’ appearance. In addition, brake dust can damage the surface of your rims over time, so the best thing to do is clean them before this becomes an issue.
You should care when polishing alloy wheels because you do not want to cause any discoloration or damage to your wheels. You should always read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly before applying any polishing compound. You should also test the polish on an inconspicuous location first to ensure that it does not cause any harm.
Below are some great tips for polishing alloy wheels:
- Use a soft sponge applicator to apply the polishing compound to the surface of your wheels.
- You should let the polishing compound set for a few minutes before wiping it off with a microfiber towel.
- You should then use a separate microfiber towel to buff away any leftover residue from the surface of your rims.
- Repeat this process for each wheel, and remember to check for any missed spots.
- After you are finished, make sure to rinse off the applicator sponges thoroughly to avoid spreading brake dust onto your car’s surface.
- Condition your leather interior
Most cars come equipped with at least one piece of leather seating; typically, this includes the steering wheel and the seats. To protect your leather against the elements, it’s always a good idea to use a leather conditioner before winter sets in. Leather conditioners will hydrate and nourish your leather while leaving behind an invisible protective layer that will prevent water damage. As a bonus, regular conditioning will also help retain the rich color of your car’s leather interior.
In addition to conditioning your leather, you should also consider cleaning your car’s carpet and headliner. In between deep cleanings, you can spot clean these surfaces with a standard upholstery cleaner, but this kind of cleaning will not be very effective for the long haul. If there are any spills – no matter how small – you should have them professionally cleaned as soon as possible.
- Seal and insulate your windows
Auto detailing York PA experts recommend treating your windows to a water repellent coating that will help prevent moisture from creeping into the interior of your vehicle. This is especially important for those who live in areas where snowfall is expected, as even light dusting of snow can cause the glass to fog up more quickly than usual.
To apply a water repellent coating, you should clean your windows thoroughly and then mist them lightly with the spray-on sealant. Avoid applying too much of the product to ensure it doesn’t cause any streaking. Once you have applied the spray, use a separate microfiber cloth to buff away any excess liquid.
- Keep your battery clean
To get the most life out of your battery, you should always try to keep it clean and dry. This includes regularly washing any dirt or salt buildup off of the terminals using a mix of water and baking soda. In addition, you should also check on your battery’s charge throughout the year.
If your battery is no longer holding a charge, you should have it serviced by a professional. While you can purchase new batteries at most auto parts retailers, these products are not created equal, and some may do more harm than good. Your best bet is always to let a professional car detailing York PA handle the replacement process; this will ensure that you get the right product and that your battery is installed correctly.
As you can see, there are several steps you can take to protect your car from the elements while also increasing its value for resale purposes. If you follow these helpful tips, then you should be able to get many more miles out of your current ride while protecting all of the hard-earned equity you have put into it.
