CAR CLEANING HACKS TO HELP YOUR VEHICLE LOOKING ITS BEST

There’s no doubt that there’s an exhilarating feeling when you drive off our lot at Community Buick GMC with a new or pre-owned vehicle. Even with a high-quality detail job, your car eventually loses its luster and gets dirt and grime inside and out. With these car cleaning hacks, you’ll find it easier than ever to keep your car looking great!

WASHING YOUR CAR’S EXTERIOR
It makes sense to start with knowing how to clean your car’s exterior the right way. Gather your car wash solution, a bucket, and a quality hand towel or mitt. Work your way from the top to the bottom, being careful only to wash one area at a time to avoid soap suds drying and making spots. Rinse each section thoroughly before you move to the next one. A long squeegee will work to reach windows and the top of the hood. Use a microfiber cloth to dry your car and apply a coat of wax once it’s dry.

CLEANING YOUR WHEELS AND TIRES
Your tires are in constant contact with the ground, so they are usually the dirtiest part of the car. As you’re washing the car, the wheels and tires should be cleaned alongside the body because dirt can get up on your car if you wait until later. Soft brushes and sponges will work best to clean tires and then apply tire shines for an impressive look.

You can have the best looking car, but that yellowish tint to your headlights can ruin an otherwise flawless job. Over time, the plastic in the headlights reacts with the sun’s UV rays and moisture, resulting in that unappealing look. Not only does it look bad, but it can compromise visibility for night driving. Here are a few cool tips you can do at home to make them look new again.
Use a baking soda solution to clean after you’ve wiped the exterior with soap and water.
Apply WD40 on your headlights and wipe clean with a rag after you’ve cleaned the area.
Use a whitening toothpaste to apply a thin layer and wipe clean after sitting for a few minutes. Repeat as necessary

REMOVING BIRD DROPPINGS AND BUGS
Nothing can be worse than those unsightly bird droppings and dead bugs on a newly cleaned car. Both of these unfortunate things can ruin your paint if you let it sit long enough. You may be surprised to know that dryer sheets soaked in warm water will do the trick to remove dead bugs. For bird poop, you can use a vehicle-friendly cleaner that you’ve soaked and let it sit on the dropping for at least 10 to 15 minutes. WD-40 also works well.

GETTING READY TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR
When it comes to your car’s inside, the first thing you’ll want to do is wipe down all surfaces. These areas will include the steering wheel, dashboard, center console, inside the door, and cup holders. Take out your floor mats so you’ll be ready to vacuum every without leaving anything behind. Throw away old items and also check your trunk (you’ll get better gas mileage too!) For the inside of your windows, remember to avoid any products that contain ammonia.

HOW TO CLEAN THE CARPETS AND SEATS
Vacuum your car using larger attachments for your seats, and don’t forget to get under them as well. Change attachments to get in hard to reach areas in between seats and along the sides of the door. Once you’re sure that all dirt and debris has been picked up with your vacuum, it’s now time to get your seats cleaned. If you have deep stains, you may have to pre-treat with a solution of baking soda and vinegar. Using a quality upholstery cleaner is an excellent way to go, but select a medium-bristled brush so you can work effectively. It’s essential not to soak your car seats as you run the risk of mold and mildew, and unpleasant odors. Remember to leave your windows open for good air circulation. =

LET COMMUNITY BUICK GMC HANDLE ALL YOUR MAINTENANCE NEEDS
While keeping your car pristine inside and out is a vital component of vehicle maintenance, there are other aspects you’ll need as well. Here at Community Buick GMC in Waterloo, IA, we operate a state of the art service center. We’re here for all your oil changes, tires, brakes, batteries, and much more. While you’re doing your part to keep your car looking nice, we’ll keep it running great. Contact us for an appointment.