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September presents an opportune time to deep clean your vehicle, inside and out, and prepare it for the changing weather conditions.
So says Jim Dvorak of Mothers Car Care products. He suggests removing summer grime and protecting your vehicle from harsher weather as the seasons change.
During the hot summer months, your car's exterior has likely accumulated a variety of contaminants–from oil and dirt to sap and bird droppings. The interior has also likely seen increased use and buildup from summer activities.
Removing the grime, debris, and residue accumulated over the summer not only makes your vehicle look its best, but it also helps protect all surfaces–paint, components, and upholstery.
For Dvorak, the first step is removing all surface contaminants on the exterior paint.
Depending on how severe the build-up is, the job might require using a synthetic “clay bar.” The product is a putty-like substance about the size of a soap bar and intended for vehicle painted surfaces.
Afterward, Dvorak always adds a layer of wax or ceramic protection. This helps keep his vehicles sparkling during inclement weather and makes it easier to remove contaminants next time he washes the vehicle.
For interior surfaces, Dvorak has one important recommendation often neglected by vehicle owners.
“Condition, condition, condition,” he says of vinyl and leather surfaces. “This helps prevent permanent damage often caused by harsh sunlight.”
Dvorak also suggests the following tips for optimal cleaning of your car’s exteriors and interiors:
- Choose the right tools. Before beginning the cleaning and detailing process, make sure you have all the necessary tools and products on hand. This may include specialized items: hose nozzles, grit guards for your buckets, microfiber washing mitts, wheel brushes, tire cleaners, microfiber drying towels, dashboard conditioners, and a quality car vacuum.
- Create a clear view. Thoroughly clean all windows on the interior as well as exterior surfaces. Ensuring optimal visibility is critical, especially as the days grow shorter and the sun starts setting earlier. Interior surfaces build up a hazy film caused by off-gassing throughout summer and cause glare in autumn.
- Get rain-ready. For added protection against the elements, consider applying a water-repellent coating to the windshield. For SUVs and trucks, apply it to the rear window as well. The water-repellent treatment causes water to bead and easily disperse from the glass, minimizing obstructed views.
- Brighten the road ahead. Clean and wax headlights, taillights, and brake lights. Reduced brightness from your car’s exterior lights makes it more challenging for other drivers to recognize when you are slowing down or braking.
- Eliminate yellowing. Use a headlight restoration product to help remove hazy yellow which reduces brightness and visibility.
- Improve wiper effectiveness. Use a wet lint-free cloth with rubbing alcohol to clean the wipers and prevent streaking or smears on your windshield. Do your wipers shave cuts and cracks? Replace them before the first autumn rains.
- Look for multi-surface products. The latest interior cleaning solutions may be used on multiple surfaces including vinyl, leather, plastic and rubber. This simplifies the job of keeping your vehicle looking great inside.
- Avoid household cleaners. Dish soap can remove wax and damage painted surfaces. Household cleaners can cause permanent damage to rubber, paint, and wheels.
- Spot treat your vehicle. Carry a “quick detailing” tool in your vehicle to remove bird droppings, sap and other splotches encountered while driving. Promptly removing environmental contaminants reduces the risk of damage to your vehicle's surface.
- Remove baked-on contaminants. Glide your hand across the vehicle surface. Does it feel rough, like light sandpaper? Time to use a clay bar. Clay bars are synthetic, sticky materials designed to smooth out rough areas on your vehicle. Leaving embedded unattended can permanently damage painted surfaces and reduce that “like new” look of your vehicle.
- Apply a coat of wax every season. Does water bead up and roll off the vehicle surface? If not, it’s time to apply a coat of wax. Dry the vehicle with a microfiber towel to prevent streaking and spots. Dvorak prefers using carnauba wax or synthetic wax such as ceramic-based solutions to protect his vehicles.
- Vacuum carpeted areas. Poke around under and in between the seats. Crumbs, dirt, and pollen find their way between fibers and can cause odor or mold during wet weather.
- Protect carpeted areas. Apply a protective spray to the carpet and invest in rubber floor mats. You want to try and prevent wet and dirty shoes from creating mold underneath carpeted surfaces.
- Make trim glisten. Dirt and grime can affect trim around windows, grill, bumper and interior areas. Bring back the shine with cleaners intended for vehicle trim.
- Clean the underbody. Wash away the dirt and grime on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and wheels. Take your vehicle to a coin-operated car wash and use a power washer or wand to make sure these areas are clear of dirt and other contaminants.
“A clean, glistening car is not only healthy but imbues a sense of pride,” Dvorak says. “It looks great whenever you go for a drive and also is a good investment for future resale value.”
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