In our previous article, we discussed the importance of washing and waxing your used vehicle. In yesterdays article, we taught you the proper and recommended way to wash your vehicle effectively. Today, we are going to discuss waxing and detailing.

Waxing your car is very important. Not only does it leave you used car with a shiny new look, it provides a protective layer that shields from harsh conditions. You should wax your car every three to four months. There are products out there that claim to provide a “lifetime” of protection, but to be safe it is wise to ignore these statements. Wax simple wears down after a while, much like your paint. Thus in order to keep your paint protected, wax regularly.

To wax your car, all you need is a soft sponge, some quality wax, and a soft towel. After a wash, park your vehicle out of direct sunlight, as wax applies better if the surface of your used car is cool. Work one section at a time, applying thin, even layers across your surface. Avoid any black trim or plastic, as the wax will leave stains on them. After one section is complete, allow the wax to “haze” for two to three minutes, then buff it out with your towel in smooth, circular motions. Repeat for the rest of the vehicle. If for any reason you happen to get wax where it is not suppose to go, when you are finished use window cleaner to get it off.

And that is all there is to waxing, congratulations, your car is protected for another three months! It is worth noting that if your used car has not been waxed in a very long time, it may be worth it to take it to a proffesional detailing shop. They have tools, such as an electric buffer, that remove scratches and stains from the surface of the paint, giving you a great foundation for starting to take car of your vehicle again.

Topics Car Wash, used car, Wash and Wax

Many people underestimate the importance of a good car wash for your used car. Even more people do not understand why it is important to get your car washed, or how often you should get it done. In New Jersey especially, the mixed seasons can take quite a toll on your vehicles paint, as well as frame and body. If your car is not washed regularly, the collected debris will begin to eat away at the pain, weakening your coat and eventually dulling it. Not only that, rust damage can begin to eat away at your frame, doing sometimes unrepairable damage.

So how often should you wash your used car? Well it depends on where you live, and what season it is. Consider the north where there is a lot of snow, ice and salts on the road, or the dessert in the west where your car is constantly blasted with dust, sand, and debris. Both of these extremes warrant a weekly washing. Likewise, pretty much anywhere in the spring, when there is an excess of pollen and seeds in the air. Or near the ocean, where again the salt air can eat away at your paint.

Despite these more “extreme” conditions however, for most consumers, a bi-monthly washing is all that is needed to keep your used cars protective paint in top shape. If you are going to the automated car wash, we recommend you use the “touch-free” car washes. They work well, often providing vital services such as under-carriage washes, and risk less damage to your car than a traditional automated car wash. We also recommend however, that you wash your used car by hand every two or three wash cycles. Despite all the complicated machinery in the world, nothing can beat the human eye and hand when it comes to getting in all those little nooks and crannies.

Topics Car Maintenance, Car Wash, New Jersey, used car