There are many misconceptions about how best to care for our vehicles, incuding washing and waxing, so to help shine our rides up a bit, I wanted to share these tips from the experts at Turtle Wax, who give us five common car care myths – and the truths behind them.

Don’t Be Fooled by Common Misconceptions about Protecting Vehicles

1. New vehicles do not need to be waxed
False: The clear top coat on today’s cars can be easily dulled and marred by abrasive soils and environmental pollution. Regular car care is needed to maintain a vehicle’s aesthetic beauty. Car wax will clean, shine and protect automotive finishes while acting as a protective barrier from everyday wear and tear.

2. Dishwashing detergent is safe to use as a car wash
True: Although not recommended. Any dishwashing detergent is meant to remove contaminants from the surface, which includes stripping the polymers of the paint surface. It is recommended that you use a safe car wash detergent that is diluted with water in order to avoid rubbing paint off the car.

3. The longer the duration of a wax job, the better the shine and protection
 True: Generally, the quality of the final vehicle appearance is proportional to the time and care that goes into detailing the vehicle. It also is important to note that protective and shine qualities of various wax products generally differ – it is best to use well-known high-quality wax products, rather than unknown bargain brands.

4. Waxing once a year is enough to take care of a car’s exterior
False: Car care requirements depend on a variety of environmental conditions. Usually, car wax beading is a great indication of when a car needs to be re-waxed. If the beads are smaller than a quarter in a rainstorm or after washing, the wax barrier is still active. If water starts to form elongated beads or a thin sheet on the horizontal panels, it is time to re-wax.

5. Using a protectant too frequently on the interior can cause leather and interior plastics to dry out and crack
False: Plastic and leather materials are soft and pliable due to chemicals used to manufacture the interior. Over time, the materials lose these key softening ingredients. Plastic shrinks, leather becomes stiff and wear becomes evident. Interior conditioners help prevent “plasticizer” loss to these ingredients, inhibiting the aging process.

Tags: Advice, General, Guides // Add Comment »