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Washing and Waxing Can Add Value to Your Austin Vehicle!

More than one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products when washing their cars-products that could contain harmful detergents, abrasives and additives. And almost half of motorists don't ever wax their vehicles.

This video talks about the difference between car washing and car detailing, along with all kinds of tips to keep your car in the best condition possible! Then, read on for more Austin car washing information.

Austin Price Check! When buying car wax, it is definately worth the extra couple of dollars to buy a higher quality wax. You'll see better results and have to wax less often. A good indicator of a wax's quality is how easy it is to rub off. Typically very soft and easy to remove waxes are not leaving a solid coat on your vehicle. Stay away from waxes that cost around $5. Plan on spending closer to $10.

"Waxing at least twice a year is recommended for maximum protection, yet surveys show that 48 percent of motorists don't wax their vehicles at all," said Jeffrey Webb, director of retail marketing at Turtle Wax, Inc. "That's leaving money on the table at trade-in time, as a clean, well-maintained car can be worth up to 50 percent more than one in 'fair' condition, according to the Kelley Blue Book."

Keep in Mind Do not keep wax on your vehicle for more than 2 hours. Also, make sure not to wax your car in the Austin heat; it is bad for your car's finish and will be very difficult to remove.

Motorists should avoid dish detergent, which contains harsh chemicals that, intended to cut through grease, will strip away the wax finish on your car. Some are hard to rinse off and leave streaks. For best results, a formulated automotive wash is recommended, one that gently lifts the dirt and grime while protecting the finish.

Washing an automobile on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that harm the finish. The Car Care Council recommends the following dos and don'ts when it comes to a do-it-yourself car wash:

• Don't wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Don't use dish detergent. Do use a formulated car wash.
• Do fill your bucket with warm water.
• Do use a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt.
• Do spray the car often with water.
• Don't scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
• Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric to dry the vehicle.
• Don't neglect waxing the vehicle. Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.

Did you know? With darker colored vehicles, it is better to NOT wax in a circular motion but instead wax back and forth. This way, you will reduce the appearance of rub marks after you wipe away the wax.

"The myth of not having to wax your car because you have a clear-coat finish is just that, a myth," Webb said. "Clear-coat finish is only as thick as a piece of paper and can become damaged from the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution."

Content provided by the Car Care Council

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