Proper Car Care
Washing Paint
Oxidation (starvation) occurs when paint loses its natural oils. Even mild soap accelerates this condition and detergent based commercial car wash products can dull the paint work.
For years, manufacturers of fine automobiles have recommended using only plain, cold water to wash their cars. To avoid paint damage use an extremely mild, low PH, essential oil based car wash that totally disperses in cold or warm (not hot!) water. Surfactants lower the surface tension and increase the natural solvency of the water. The essential oils will dissolve into micron diameter drops. These ‘drops’ will capsule surface grit and allow the grit to be washed away without scratching the surface wax. Wash top down in small sections rinsing frequently. Dry gently with two (2) clean soft terry towels.
Washing Wheels
Brake dust can permanently damage the finish of wheels. The adhesive used to mold brake pads will etch and pit if the dust is allowed to remain in contact with the heated wheel surface. Use a non corrosive, non-phosphoric, low PH wheel wash designed to break the cohesive bond between brake pad dust and chrome, painted, coated alloy, aluminum or steel wheels. Do not wash or rinse any wheel directly after vehicle operation. Wheels and rotors can be damaged by the sudden temperature change. Let wheels cool before washing. Wheel cleaner concentrates can be diluted to the strength you need for your particular wheel condition and cleaning regimen. Apply the wheel cleaner to dry wheels for best results and brush the wheel with very soft, heavily populated brush before rinsing thoroughly with cool water.
Be sure to turn the spray tip of the spray bottle of your wheel cleaner to a full close position to prevent leaks. Dry gently with a clean soft terry towel.
Cleaning Paint
Paint, like any surfaced exposed to the elements, gets soiled, stained, and in many cases, burned by the exposure. Sunlight and acid rain perpetrate more crimes against auto finishes than any other offender. The object of cleaning is to remove the foreign material and repair the exposure damage. Use a neutral cleansing astringent that has the properties to penetrate and release trapped dirt, impurities and dead paint adhering to the primary painted surface during the initial application. Natural oil based products will adhere to the released deposits to be easily removed. Work in small sections applying the cleaner with a medium pressure. Use a simple terry towel to buff the cleaned surface. Do not scrub the painted surface with the abrasive or caustic materials. Abrasive cleaners should be used only by professionals especially in view of the application of special acrylics for the new car surfaces.
Waxing Paint
Use a true natural wax without any cleaning properties. With pure wax the natural oils and wax will adhere to the paint and harden quickly without the traditional white staining or deposits. Excess wax can be removed using a terry towel without strenuous buffing and re-cleaning. Apply wax on dry days to a dry car as most natural wax is hygroscopic (naturally absorbs water) to prevent streaking. Wax small areas at a time using minimal amounts of wax. Most waxes do not need strenuous buffing. Buff lightly with a clean, chemically free microwipe, terry towel or soft cotton cloth.
