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Protecting Your Car: A Springtime Ritual

19 April 2000

Protecting Your Car: A Springtime Ritual

    CHICAGO, April 19 Everyone wants a car that reflects
positively.  Spring and summer road trips -- adding to typically long commutes
and packed family shuttling -- have practically turned cars into second homes.
    It's essential to protect the car's exterior, which can take a beating
from elements such as acid rain, sunlight, and bird droppings.  That can put a
swift pounding on the resale value of your car, the largest investment most
people make, next to their home.
    Here is a brief guide for a spring appearance check-up to put you on the
road to a clean, shiny, well-protected car:

     -- Before waxing, wash the car thoroughly with a quality car wash, such
        as Turtle Wax(R) Zip Wax(R).  Never use detergents or other cleaners
        not designed for cars.  Car washes have lubricants to guard against
        hairline scratches.  Water softeners in car washes enhance cleaning
        action and ensure soils don't re-deposit on the car's surface,
        especially in areas with hard water.  Wash from top to bottom for a
        more efficient and effective process.  Soak with a low-pressure stream
        for the entire car -- higher pressure for wheels and tires that take
        the most abuse and are hardest to clean.

     -- Waxing:  Ideally, wax should be applied when temperatures are between
        55 and 85 degrees.  The car's finish should be cool to the touch when
        starting.  Don't wax when the humidity is high.  Humidity increases
        the total drying time of a wax.  Apply Turtle Wax Extreme Cleaner Wax
        one small section at a time.  Wipe each section carefully with a soft
        cloth and use even circular or straight strokes to keep the wax from
        getting into seams and jambs.

     -- Examine the car for scratches and spots.  Bugs and unsightly stains
        can be a problem on the exterior.  A way to clean and add a protective
        shield is by using Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover.  It removes bugs,
        tar, tree sap and road grime, which are common on the road and can
        wreak havoc on the appearance of your car.

     -- Interior defense:  The car's interior also show the effects of sun,
        mud and dirt dragged in along with stains and spills.  To clean, shine
        and protect, use a quality protectant such as Turtle Wax Extreme 2001
        Protectant.  Using a protectant on leather and vinyl upholstery not
        only makes the interior look good, it helps prevent fading, drying,
        cracking and signs of aging.

    To find out more about car care, inside and out, click onto the Turtle Wax
Web site, http://www.turtlewax.com.