Body
The condition of your car's body is very important because it largely determines its resale value. It is much more difficult to repair a neglected or damaged body than the mechanical parts. Hidden body cavities such as wheel wells, frame and engine bay are also no less important, despite the fact that they do not require as much attention as other parts of the body.
Once a year, or every 20,000 km, it is very useful to clean the underbody with steam. All traces of dirt and oil will be removed, and then the area can be checked for rust, damaged brake lines, worn electrical wires, damaged cables, etc. At the end of this work, the front suspension components should be lubricated.
At the same time, the engine and engine compartment should be cleaned using a steam cleaner or grease remover.
Particular attention should be paid to the wheel wells, as the underlay may peel off, and stones and dirt thrown up by the wheels may damage the paint and allow rust to appear. If you find rust, clean the damaged surface down to the metal and apply anti-corrosion paint to it.
The bodywork should be washed at least once a week. Wet the car thoroughly to soften the dirt, then rinse it off with a soft sponge and plenty of soapy water. If dirt is not rinsed off thoroughly, it can rub off the paint.
Tar or bitumen stains should be cleaned with a cloth soaked in solvent.
At least every six months, polish the body and chrome parts. If you use chrome cleaner to remove rust from plated parts, remember that the cleaner also removes the chrome, so use it with caution.
Vinyl finish
Never clean vinyl trim with detergents, caustic soaps, or kerosene-based cleaners. Simple soap and water work just fine, and a soft brush can easily remove stubborn dirt. Wash vinyl trim as often as you would the rest of your car.
After cleaning, applying a high-quality protective agent for rubber and vinyl surfaces will help prevent oxidation and cracking. The protective agent can also be applied to glass seals, vacuum lines and rubber hoses, which often fail due to chemical degradation, as well as to tires.
Upholstery and carpets
Every three months, you should remove the mats and clean the inside of the car (if necessary, do this more often). Vacuum the upholstery and carpets to remove any remaining dirt and dust.
Leather upholstery requires special attention. Stains should be removed with warm water and a very mild soap solution. Use a clean cloth to remove the soap, then wipe the upholstery again with a dry cloth. Never use alcohol, gasoline, nail polish remover, or thinner to clean leather upholstery.
After cleaning, regularly treat the leather upholstery with a special wax. Never use car wax to polish leather upholstery.
Where the vehicle interior is exposed to sunlight, cover leather seats with sheets if the vehicle will be left in the sun for any length of time.
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