Changing wiper blades at least once a year, combined with using a hydrophobic windshield repellent such as Rain-X Original Treatment, can dramatically clear a driver's vision.

For most Americans, their car is the second biggest investment they will make in their lifetimes. The average price of a light vehicle is $28,715, according to the Comerica Index. It makes sense to have an annual cleaning ritual to help preserve and maintain your car, just as you undertake regular cleaning to care for your home.

“Aesthetic maintenance is important to preserving a vehicle’s integrity and value,” says Ron Fausnight, Shell Car Care technical expert. “Routine maintenance, including washing and waxing your vehicle, can be viewed as preventative maintenance that helps to preserve a vehicle’s paint from the elements while restoring a polished, new look.”

Tires and wheels are often overlooked when washing a car, but they are two areas that take the most abuse throughout the year. Road grime, salt and brake dust can quickly collect on wheels, and without proper removal, can lead to discoloration of aluminum alloys and corrosion and pitting of steel alloys used. When removing the debris, use a cleaner that is pH-balanced to avoid any potential damage to the composition and finish of wheels. A pH-balanced product such as the Black Magic Titanium Wheel Cleaner is as gentle as soap and water, but contains stronger cleansing and shine agents that are safe to use on all wheel types.

“While all preventative maintenance is important, maintaining a vehicle’s safety features should be an even higher priority,” Fausnight says. “Roadway safety needs a multifaceted car care approach, and taking steps to ensure visibility is important.”

Changing wiper blades at least once a year, combined with using a hydrophobic windshield repellent such as Rain-X Original Treatment, can dramatically clear a driver’s vision. The treatment seals the microscopic pores of glass, causing any precipitation to bead up and roll off the windshield. In fact, in tests conducted by a major university, the increased visibility provided by Rain-X improved driving response time up to a full second or more.

“Regular maintenance for your vehicle does not necessarily only relate to the exterior. With gas prices climbing higher than ever, many people are looking for ways to clean the inside of an engine to maintain a vehicle’s performance and fuel economy,” Fausnight says.

In some cases, cheaper gasoline can be a low-quality fuel that meets the minimum requirement of detergency by the EPA, but may allow deposits of gunk to form in a fuel system. One way to help remove this gunk is by using a fuel additive to clear deposits from fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers.

One such product is the new Shell V-Power Complete Fuel System Cleaner that contains more than three times the required cleansing agents by government standards for premium gasoline. The fuel treatment actively cleans all components of the fuel system restoring optimum performance and fuel economy while also protecting from future deposit build-up. When used regularly, a product like Shell V-Power Complete Fuel System Cleaner can actually reduce carbon monoxide emissions and help the engine run cleaner.

Incorporating these tips into an annual cleaning routine, and performing regular maintenance, are important steps to preventing the deterioration of a vehicle and may help to save money in the long run.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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When it comes to car care, one of the most expensive things you can do is get your car professionally detailed. It is a big job to carefully wash, wax, vacuum and condition a car, so professional shops charge hundreds of dollars to get the job done. With the right tools and a little elbow grease, detailing a car is something you can do at home for a fraction of the cost, and a lot less time than you think.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow:

1) Wash the Exterior

The first step when detailing your car’s outside is to give it a thorough cleaning. A clean, smooth surface makes waxing easier and also provides a longer lasting shine.

Always wash exterior surfaces with clean, cool water and wash from the top down, rinsing frequently. Once you’ve eliminated contaminants from your vehicle’s surface, the next step in at-home detailing is the wax application.

2) Apply Wax

You may think of waxing your car as a long, tough process, but you can save time without sacrificing shine by using Turtle Wax ICE Liquid Polish or Paste Polish. The liquid polish is for those who want a fast wax job; the paste for those who want one that will last longer. Unlike traditional waxes, both can be applied in direct sunlight to practically any surface, including bumpers, plastic molding and trim, to shine up your car’s entire exterior without leaving any white powdery residue.

When applying wax or polish, it’s important to spread only a thin, even coat; then buff to a high gloss shine.

3) Maintain Vehicle’s Shine

In between regular wax applications, dust and other particles can build on your car’s surface. Using a spray detailer like ICE is a great way to remove light dust from the exterior surfaces and for easily maintaining your vehicle’s mirror-like shine. Because spray detailers are water based, they enhance your vehicle’s shine without harming the wax’s protective barrier.

4) Clean the Interior

Begin by cleaning the interior so the dust and dirt you brush out won’t settle on your soon to be pristine exterior. Start by removing the floor mats, vacuuming them, then treating stains and repairing any holes. Carpeting and upholstery and the seats should also be given a good vacuuming. If you have leather upholstery, dress the surfaces with a leather conditioner.

Next clean the dash. First wipe it down with a damp rag and then use blasts of compressed air to work dirt loose from the nooks and crannies. Cotton swabs can be used to clean out air vents and other tight corners.

For more information about Turtle Wax ICE car care products, or to find a store locator, log on to www.turtlewax.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Ice Liquid Polish and Ice Paste Wax are registered trademarks of Turtle Wax.

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