Body maintenance
The condition of the car body has a big impact on its value. Maintenance is simple but should be done regularly. Neglecting to eliminate minor damage will quickly lead to their aggravation, which in the future will require costly repairs. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of not only those parts of the car that are visible from above, but also behind the bottom, wheel arches and the bottom of the engine compartment. If your vehicle is not equipped with front mudguards, it is highly recommended to install them. This will protect the door sills from dirt and dampness in inclement weather.
The most common bodywork maintenance job is washing, which is best done with a hose. This removes particles adhering to the vehicle. It is preferable to wash them off with a stream of water, which prevents scratches that can occur when washing with a cloth. The wheel arches and underbody must be washed in the same way to prevent corrosion from accumulated dirt. Oddly enough, but the best time to wash the underbody and wheel arches is inclement weather, when the dirt is still damp and soft. In very wet weather, the bottom will usually clear itself of very large buildups of dirt, so this is a good time to check its condition.
From time to time, it is advisable to completely clean the bottom of the car, including the engine compartment, with the help of steam, for a thorough check and elimination of minor defects. Steam cleaning removes traces of oil that can occur in some places near the engine, gearbox and rear axle. If steam cleaning is not available, it is advisable to use quality dirt removers that are applied with a brush. After that, the dirt is easily washed off.
After washing, wipe the body to avoid stains. Layers of protective agent will protect your car from exposure to harmful substances contained in the air. If the paintwork looks dull or oxidized, use a cleaner/polish combination to restore the original shine. Always make sure drains and pipes are clean so that water can drain freely. Glasses should be kept clean and an aqueous solution of ammonia should be applied to them from time to time. Never use chromium-based glass polishes.
Car interior care
Rugs need to be brushed or vacuumed regularly to keep them clean. If they are heavily soiled, remove them from the vehicle for cleaning and dry well before putting them back. Seats and upholstery should be kept clean by wiping with a damp cloth. If they are stained, use detergent and a soft brush to remove them. Do not use too much water to wash the interior, as this can lead to increased humidity inside the car. If there is high humidity in the cabin, the interior should be dried by pulling out the floor mats. Do not use oil or electric heaters for this purpose.
Caring for your vinyl ceiling
Never attempt to clean the vinyl headlining with detergents, alkali, or alcohol-based products. To clean it, use soap and water and a soft brush.