The way the vehicle is
presented to a potential car buyer will impact the resale price and overall
experience for car sellers. Therefore, car sellers should not take car
preparation lightly. One crucial aspect of preparation is cleaning the vehicle.
A thorough wash will go a long way in leaving a lasting impression on the
potential buyer. If the car seller decides to wash the vehicle themselves
instead of taking it to a car wash, then they should be familiar with some
essential dos and don’ts of a car wash to get optimal results and avoid damage.
Preparing for the Car Wash
Before initiating the
car wash the car
seller should prepare to make sure that they have all the required
accessories and products for the wash. The products used should be
specifically made for car cleaning instead of using household cleaners such as
detergent. Car cleaners have components that do not damage the surfaces of
the vehicle. It is best to look out for chemicals such as bleach, ammonia,
hydrogen peroxide and chlorine. These chemicals will be too harsh on the
surfaces and upholstery.
Another factor to keep
in mind is that the temperature of the vehicle as the car wash should
not end up with water spots on the exterior. If the vehicle was parked in the
sun for a longer period it will be hot. It must be moved to a shaded area and
wait for it to cool down before starting the wash.
The Correct Procedure to Follow
The car
wash must be streamlined to save time and get the best results. The car
wheels are the dirtiest part of the vehicle as they come in direct contact with
the terrains that the vehicle drives over. They are likely to have sharp
objects such as debris stuck between the rubber. So, it is ideal to use a
separate set of cleaning tools. It is also better to clean the tyres first
and then move on to the rest of the vehicle. This will prevent the dirt and
gunk from spreading all over the exterior of the vehicle.
For the body of the
vehicle, start with a thorough water rinse to remove dirt and particle such
as bird droppings. Then, begin from the roof and work your way downwards. The
vehicle must be washed in sections to give it proper attention and avoid soap
from drying before it could be rinsed. Use the sponge in lengthwise
motion as opposed to the commonly known circular motions. This will prevent
scratches and stains. If the sponge drops on the ground, make sure that it is
cleaned properly before it is washed to avoid transferring dirt from the floor
to the body.
Cleaning the Interior
The interior cleaning
involves more than simply vacuuming the floor and other surfaces. The vehicle
must be decluttered and organized by removing unnecessary items from the glove
compartment and trunk to give the vehicle a neutral look. Check the back
pockets of the seat covers that are likely to be filled with trash that must be
removed. Then begin the cleaning from the surfaces such as the doors,
dashboards and console. The car seats can be cleaned by using a car cleaner
instead of washing them as they take a long time to dry. Washing can be tricky
because if excessive water is used it can seep down to the cushions of the
vehicle. The water will remain there and create a mold. The retained water will
also release an unpleasant odor ruining the ambiance of the vehicle.
Clean the windows and
windshield from the inside using a window cleaner made for cars. The floor of
the cabin must be left for the end as it has the maximum amount of dirt. The
floor mats can be washed to be more thorough. Every nook and corner can be vacuumed
to makes sure that the cabin is dust-free.
Post-Car Wash Procedure
After the car wash has
been completed, move on to a post-car wash procedure that begins with drying
the vehicle’s exterior with a microfiber towel. The towel is soft on the
surface ensuring that it will not be scratched, and the water will be
completely dried. It is better to apply car wax to provide the vehicle gloss.
It will also offer the paint a protective layer from the UV rays of the sun
reducing the risk of fading. It is better to use a hands-applied wax for
protection instead of spray-on wax. A spray-on wax is easier to apply but it
only offers shine.
Conclusion
Washing a car
following the above-mentioned tips can ensure that the car seller saves time
and protects the vehicle during the process. A well-maintained and clean car
increases the chances of the vehicle selling at a fair price.
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