“It looks like new! I can’t believe that car’s seven years

old!” Would you like to hear that from your friends? I’m sure

all of us do, but keeping our car looking like the latest

models is tough, even with today’s longer-lasting finishes.

However, if we adopt simple techniques such as cleaning out

cars regularly and attending minor repairs immediately, the

results can be remarkable.

Some car owners think rainwater is the only enemy to their car,

but bird droppings, highway bugs, atmospheric pollution and road

salt can also ruin the beauty of your car.

Many owners think fighting these ever-diligent adversaries is a

daunting task, so they don’t usually bother, but truthfully,

it’s easier than they think.

Step 1: Washing

First, spray water gently to thoroughly wet the surface of the

vehicle. This light rinse helps to loosen the dirt on the

vehicle. Then divide your car into five sections: the top, the

hood, the trunk, the right side and the left side. Start from

the top, move on to the hood and the trunk, and then

concentrate on the right side and the left side. Washing should

always be done very gentle such that the dirt will not scratch

the body of your car. Re-wet and then rinse each section,

finishing in the same order- top, hood, trunk and sides.

Step 2: Polishing

Polishing should only be done a small section at a time. Add an

even coating of polish onto a towel, and then apply to the

vehicle surface gently in small, even and circular motions.

Start at the top and working your way down to the trunk and

hood, finally ending with the sides. The polish should be

allowed to sit on the paint surfaces for at least five to ten

minutes. After this time, remove the residue with a different

cotton towel by pressing firmly on the surfaces. The same

procedure may be applied to all other four sections.

Step 3: Waxing

Use a soft and clean terry cloth towel to apply wax to a small

section of the car. The application of wax to the car can be

done similar to how polishing has been carried out. The only

difference is you should wait until the wax has dried to a

slight haze. If you’re really striving, repeat the whole

process again, adding a second coat of wax to the vehicle.

And there you have it! You’ve removed the dirt and grime;

polished away the small spots and scratches; and added another

layer of protection to your vehicle’s finish. By now your car

should glitter like it did the first day you got it. Don’t

forget the last step – show off your car!