Top tips for a sparkling finish
Far from just being a vanity exercise, keeping the interior and exterior of your vehicle clean makes for a safer journey and helps to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
As Winter turns to Spring, months of wet weather, muddy roads and cold conditions can take their toll on your car. So its time to give it the TLC it deserves.
There are a wealth of bespoke products available to get your car looking it's best and your local Murray Group dealership can advise you on the best solutions for your vehicle.
However, if you follow these simple steps, you can't go far wrong...
1. Air Vents
Extensive use of those vents over the colder months can lead to a surprising amount of dust building up in those little crevices. It can be a fiddly job trying to clear them completely but don't give up. An old paintbrush or toothbrush is small enough to get into the narrowest parts of your vents. Failing that, start wielding your vacuum cleaner nozzle in their general direction - the smaller the head the better fo the ultimate dust free vents.
2. Cup holders
Sick of finding endless crumbs in your cup holders? Try lining them with cupcake cases. Not only will you catch most of the detritus that finds it's way into the spaces, you'll also be making them look pretty too.
If spotted paper cases are your idea of pretty, obviously.
3. Wheels
Easily one of the most satisfying elements of cleaning your car. Start by loosening up any dirt with a thorough pre-rinse. To keep your alloys looking amazing, use a dedicated wheel cleaner. Leave it to soak, then rinse. Add a car shampoo to a bucket of water and use a brush to clean from the inners, working your way out.
4. Make sure you pre-wash
If you can, use a specialist grime remover and apply it to the bodywork. If not, simply use a hose to banish any loose dirt. Apply a pre-wash solution and use a large, soft sponge to remove surface dirt. Work from the top of your car downwards.
5. Wash and Dry
Ever spent ages lovingly bathing your car only to be thwarted by smear marks on the bodywork? Never fear! The trick to avoiding smears is to have two buckets of water to hand. One containing a quality car soap or shampoo, the other plain water.
Start by washing the traditionally cleaner areas first - the windscreen, roof and bonnet for example. As with the pre-wash, work from the top down and don't forget to rinse your cloth in the plain water before reloading it with soap. Always thoroughly rinse before moving onto the next step.
Taking your time is the key to drying. Use a specialist cloth and make sure you absorb all of the excess water. Mains water, especially in hard water areas can leave marks.
6. Buff it up!
Use a glass cleaner on windows, windscreen and mirror for a smear-free finish. A dedicated tyre cream will help guard your tyres from UV rays in the summer months and will nourish the rubber, preserving their life.
Use a finishing spray to catch the last of the water droplets and add shine. Spray in a fine mist and use a dry, clean cloth to buff away the excess moisture.