What is actually vehicle care?
Everyone can imagine that car care exists in order to make visual enhancements to a vehicle. But what falls under the umbrella of the term “car care”? Generally, it can be said that car care is a complex service that is covered by different activities. The term usually refers to the visual care of cars. First, a basic cleaning is carried out to free the vehicle from any signs of wear and to make it appear new – that is an advantage when selling a car. As a rule, the actual vehicle technology is not included. Performing regular car care has the advantage that it gives the vehicle a certain value stability and additionally it makes a well-kept impression. The car care should take place prior so that you can, for example, get the best price when selling the car to SellCarGetCash.com. Thus, the improvements can be reflected positively in the sales price and as well as in your wallet.
Car care: No more scratches in car paint
One of the most common car care practice is the removal of scratches. The paint is first cleaned then the impurities are repaired. Finally, the car is thoroughly polished and sealed. Care of the interior is also necessary. Everything is refurbished so that the upholstery, leather and fabric are returned to their original new condition. In addition, bad smells are eliminated, and the engine compartment is thoroughly cleaned and also sealed. The aim of car care is to optically transform the vehicle to the state that it had when it was delivered as a new car to the dealership.
Paint care can also be operated independently. However, the following has to be observed. Before any treatment, the paint should be inspected. Check to see if the paint on your car is worn-out or completely undamaged. It is also important to note if it has a matt or gloss finish. Never use an overly aggressive polish with new paint as this may result in damage to the paintwork. A polish used for paint care ensures that some of the paint is removed. It is important to first complete a basic cleaning as dirt particles can damage the paint during polishing and ultimately have the same effect as sandpaper. A polishing machine is helpful, but not necessary. Polishing by hand is enough.
Using the polishing machine for car care
Fundamentally, polishing machines serve two purposes in car care. On one hand, polishing through rotation and on the other by eccentric movements. The latter is the more irregular polishing by hand and the easier method for beginners. Those with experience and professionals prefer a polishing machine with rotational movements, as they are aware of the dangers and know how to handle them. The constant movement especially with the increased pressure and great speed can cause the paint to get hot and thereby cause damage. High-quality polishing machines provide a solution to the problem as their rotational speed can be controlled freely and can be decreased if there is uncertainty.
Tips for using a polishing machine.
- The polish for the paint should never be applied directly to the paint but on the polishing pad.
- Make sure that you have enough polish available, 5-6 tubes for a paint surface of 40 x 40 cm.
- Never remain in one spot for too long when polishing, instead move the polisher in smooth circular motions with an even pressure on the paintwork
- If you have little experience with the polisher, take the softest pad that is available and work with as little pressure as possible to slowly get your bearings.
Hint: you can also use a drill with an ordinary pad as a polishing machine. In addition, an appropriate price effective adapter must be purchased. In addition, you need a flexible polishing disc and a polishing pad, with the measurements 6.5 inches (16.51 cm). Such a “repurposed” drill is the same as a polishing machine with rotational movements and may provide a relatively low-cost entry into the world of machine polishing. However, it should be noted that this machine is not an equivalent substitute for a professional auto-polishing machine.
Repair dents yourself: SMART Repair
Another word for easier car care is the term “SMART repair”. This includes the repairing of dings and dents in the car’s body and the repairing of damaged upholstery to the original colour. Dents that do not cause paint damage can be repaired without having to re-do the paint job by simply using a paint pen for example. Smaller glass damage to the windshield that does not block the driver’s view, can also be repaired in a few simple steps and SMART repair. Find out more about SMART repair in our guide.
Upholstery repair & leather care: Car care
Also annoying are burn holes, small tears and other abrasions in the seats, so that upholstery repair is also necessary during the car care. Otherwise, a perfect car can be unattractive, which can lead to depreciation and is disadvantageous in the event that you would like to sell the car. The most common method of upholstery repair is the replacement of the complete seat cover. However, this is extremely expensive and therefore deters many customers who are considering car care. This is also the reason why alternative solutions were sought and found with respect to the complete renewal of the upholstery cover. For example, by means of very small textile fibres the area is concealed and through various treatment steps incorporated into the upholstery.
Yet another area that belongs to the collective terms car care and SMART repair is leather care. Leather is a natural product that unlike synthetic materials is subject to a natural aging process. This results in stiffness, cracks and other wear. In the first three years, the leather is still protected by the tanning process and does not need to be conditioned to keep it supple. In this time, it is best to complete a leather sealing in which a fine protective layer is rubbed over the leather so that it is protected from discoloration. After a few years, the leather should be treated with a special care product, of which there is a wide range available in speciality stores.
Car care: Is Alcantara better than leather?
There is a fundamental issue that divides many car owners. This does not apply to those who have already chosen fabric for the interior. For all others, the question arises: Alcantara or normal leather? Alcantara is an ultra-microfiber fabric with a leather-like surface. One big difference to leather is that Alcantara is not as cold and slippery in winter, and in summer it does not get hot like leather. In addition, there are no wrinkles and causes less sweating at the back. Nevertheless, this material also requires regular care by vacuuming and wiping with a moist cloth. Do not rub too aggressively when cleaning, otherwise it will permanently damage the surface.
There are various Alcantara cleaning products available in stores. For regular stains and dirt, a dry cleaner is sufficient, fresh stains should be blotted with an absorbent cloth. If it is greasy dirt, a leather-cleaning solvent is recommended. But try it first on a small area and use lots of care and caution. The fabric is also known to form “kinks” and have a pilling effect. If the pilling is not so strong, then professionals can counteract it with an emery pad. If that doesn’t help then a new cover is the last option. In order to prevent more dirt, the Alcantara can be impregnated.