Body maintenance
The condition of the car body has a great impact on its value. Maintenance is not complicated, but it should be done regularly. Neglecting to eliminate minor damage will quickly lead to its aggravation, which will require expensive repairs in the future. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of not only those parts of the car that are visible from above, but also the bottom, wheel arches and the bottom of the engine compartment. If your car is not equipped with mudguards at the front, it is highly recommended to install them. This will protect the door sills from dirt and moisture in inclement weather.
The most common body maintenance job is washing, which is best done with a hose. This removes particles stuck to the car. It is preferable to wash them off with a stream of water, which prevents scratches that can occur when washing with a rag. The wheel arches and underbody should be washed in the same way to prevent corrosion from accumulated dirt. Oddly enough, the best time to wash the underbody and wheel arches is inclement weather, when the dirt is still damp and soft. In very damp weather, the underbody usually cleans itself from very large accumulations of dirt, so this is a good time to check its condition.
It is advisable to periodically steam clean the entire underbody of the car, including the engine compartment, to thoroughly check and eliminate minor defects. Steam cleaning removes traces of oil that may occur in some places near the engine, gearbox and rear axle. If steam cleaning is not available, it is advisable to use high-quality dirt removers applied with a brush. The dirt is then easily washed off.
After washing, wipe down the body to avoid stains. Layers of protectant will protect your car from harmful substances in the air. If the paintwork looks dull or oxidized, use a cleaner/polish combination to restore the original shine. Always check the drain holes and pipes to ensure that water can drain freely. Keep the glass clean and apply a water-ammonia solution to it from time to time. Never use chrome-based products to polish the glass.
Car interior care
The carpets should be brushed or vacuumed regularly to keep them clean. If they are very dirty, remove them from the car for cleaning and dry them thoroughly before putting them back. The seats and upholstery should be kept clean by wiping them with a damp cloth. If they are stained, use detergents and a soft brush to remove them. Do not use too much water when washing the interior, as this may cause increased humidity inside the car. If there is high humidity in the interior, dry the interior by removing the carpets. Do not use oil or electric heaters for this purpose.
Caring for Vinyl Headlining
Never attempt to clean your vinyl headliner with detergents, alkali, or alcohol-based products. Use soap, water, and a soft brush to clean it.