Vehicle Body Care

How to care for your vehicle’s body

Whenever the average human being feels unwell, the normal course of action is to take medication and/or visit a reputable medical practitioner. With your vehicle it is supposed to be precisely the same, you should care about your vehicle in the same manner that you care for your own body. In fact, and think for a moment about this, your vehicle is not much different (in essence) from your body. It too has a skeleton (chassis), a brain (Engine Control Unit), a heart (engine), organs and systems (pumps, injection, brakes, gears, etc.), and a skin (body). Today we will give special attention to one part from this assortment: the body.

You do take care of your skin, do you not? If you neglect taking care of your vehicle’s “skin”, then you should consider changing that tendency. Vehicles are expensive and their value depreciate over time. This happens because they take a year-round beating from general wear and from the elements. This wear and tear will show if you do not regularly care for and maintain the exterior of your vehicle. Some effort in the field of cleaning and properly treating your vehicle’s exterior, can keep its value higher than normal. Exterior care should therefore be a regular part of your vehicle’s maintenance routine, and if you do not have a routine, then it is never too late to start one.

In this article, we at Steves Auto Clinic, leader in the field of automotive repairs and servicing, aim at showing you how to keep that asset in the best shape you can. Let us therefore not procrastinate and have a look at how to do exactly this.

Wash your vehicle regularly

How regular you will wash your vehicle, will depend largely on the terrain on which you drive and how frequently you drive your vehicle. Nonetheless, you should at least wash (or have it washed) once a month. Doing this will get rid of any dirt and other debris that may cause decay, corrosion, or staining. It is advisable to wash your vehicle in a shady spot and preferably in the morning, when the sun is not too hot. Do your best not to use any dishwashing detergent during the washing process because it can strip away wax from your vehicle. Do not use old rags for this purpose because these can cause hairline scratches on the body surface; always use a cloth that is in a good condition. Do not forget to apply a reputable vinyl and rubber protectant onto all vinyl, plastic or rubber parts of the vehicle’s exterior. These are as important as the body itself. Use a clean rag for this purpose.

Use water to remove bird droppings

Bird droppings contain abrasive and acidic properties that may permanently damage your vehicle’s body paint if left unattended. You may have experience of this, but you can avoid this by cleaning it with water once spotted. Simply rinse the dropping with water, allow it to soak and wipe it off.

Wax your vehicle

This is a mostly neglected exercise, but when done, most people do it to have their vehicles look good, but looking good is actually supposed to be a secondary effect. The primary motivational force for waxing your vehicle should be the protection it gives by way of its protective layer it provides against corrosion. Wax your vehicle with a non-abrasive wax at least once every three months. Whenever you have to apply wax, use a large soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the body paint. Buff the vehicle afterwards with a clean, soft cloth. Take into consideration that it is always safe to check your vehicle’s user manual for the brand or type of wax recommended by the manufacturer before buying just any wax.

Repair chips, dents and scratches before it start to rust

Dents and scratches, such as stone chips and dents, can create corrosion if left unattended. There are many products on the market to address these, and if you want to prevent any further body damage, then acquire some of these and address the issue, but do not ignore these small damages. Polishing/waxing your vehicle may also help to cover and hide small scratches.

Use rustproofing agent

If you live close to a humid area, then you may be well aware of the damage sea-air can do to your vehicle’s exterior. Consider rustproofing your vehicle to prevent rust build-up and corrosion on your vehicle’s body and chassis.

Let us not neglect our vehicles in any sense. If you are not a homeowner, then your vehicle is most likely your most costly possession. If you are, then it is most likely your second most costly possession. One thing you will not hide from is the twin-brothers called “Wear” and “Tear”… They nibble away on your house’s exterior, on the roof and the gutters (which you have to maintain and paint occasionally). They also constantly nibble away on every part of your vehicle. Practice upright vehicle ownership by maintaining your vehicle, and for the purpose of this article, the exterior of your vehicle. If you follow the advice given, then you may extend the lifespan of your valued possession.

Feel free to contact your nearest Steves Auto Clinic for any advice on service related issues. We are the leader in the field of automotive servicing.