Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Detail your vehicle to a brilliant shine

We could teach a college-level course with all the automotive-detailing rules and products out there today. Seeing that we don’t have time for something like that here, we’re providing a few tips to help your Volkswagen model not only look clean, but also radiate with a brilliance that will leave your friends drooling. A note before we get started: Always turn off your Volkswagen vehicle and let it cool down before doing any work on it. Ready? Let’s go.

1. Work in the shade with cool water, and be sure your vehicle’s surface and wheels are cool in order to avoid water spots from quick drying.

2. Check your cleaning products and make sure anything you use, especially on wheels, is compatible with the finish.

3. Clean vents and other crevices inside and outside your vehicle using cotton swabs and toothbrushes. When cleaning these small areas, be mindful of sharp edges or road debris, which could cause injury.

4. Remove dust from small recessed areas using canned/compressed air often used to clean computers. (Remember not to leave compressed air in hot areas.)

5. Clean your wheels first, before the rest of the exterior, so you don’t have to worry about getting water spots on your paint when you rinse them.

6. Use a soft-bristled wheel brush that will fit snugly into the spokes and contours of your wheels. It will cover all of your wheel’s surfaces more completely without being harsh on the metal surface.

7. Use a rubber spatula to remove bugs and other stubborn debris from your windshield. Cleaner clay is also effective.

8. Do a final rinse with just the hose (no spray attachment) to reduce spotting, and dry with a chamois or microfiber towel.

—Or—Use deionized water, which helps achieve a spot-free shine without drying.

Now stand back and admire your handiwork.

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