Summer Car Care 2008

Noted 20th-century American writer E.B. White said, “Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car.” So, with that in mind, why not make that a clean-running, clean-looking car?

Perhaps your ride had to endure acid rain, windstorms, rainstorms, snow, road salt or other hazards during the winter. Or maybe your pride and joy was hibernating in the garage for the mean season. Either way, it’s time to get her cleaned up and ready
for sunny summer days.

For removing paint oxidation, acid rain, tree sap, bird droppings or paint overspray, several companies make a product called “clay bar” that is excellent. The pliable clay bar comes with a spray clay lube to help make it even faster and easier. To remove road salt residue (which is notorious for causing rust), be sure to clean the underside of the car, including suspension components and inside the engine compartment. Pay special attention to chrome and plated parts and use good engine additive to clean the inside of your engine.

Winter driving may have been a little hard on your interior, carpet and floor mats, so now would be a good time for a thorough good cleaning, or you may need to replace floor coverings that are beyond repair. While you’ve got the car care products handy, you’ll want to prepare leather seats, as well as any vinyl, rubber and plastic parts for the hot days ahead.

And speaking of hot days…how’s your cooling system? Is it time to flush the system and install new coolant? Check your air conditioning, too. You may need to recharge the system, or have a shop clean up your evaporator to get rid of mold and the accompanying nasty smell. Use a deionizer to help remove airborne particulate matter from the interior. And don’t forget to change your motor oil. Winter moisture breaks down oil with a vengeance, so out with the old and in with the new, with a viscosity appropriate for the extreme heat conditions of summer.

If you pay attention to the directions that come with your car care products, you will have a summer filled with care-free cruising and fun.

Black Magic
www.blackmagicshine.com
Titanium Tire Wet and Matte Tire Finish provide long-lasting shine or rich, low-gloss finish on tire surfaces with long-lasting weather and rinse resistance. Titanium Wheel Cleaner and Wheel Polish gently and effectively clean wheels, removing brake dust, grease, grime, oil and road film in one easy step.