What’s the Best Car Color to Hide Scratches and Dirt?
The best way to maintain a clean car exterior is giving it a wash every other week or so. This will keep the dirt from accumulating so you won’t have to scrub at it and potentially damage the paint job. For the same reason, it’s better to get it hand-washed then having it go through abrasive automatic washing lots.
The Best Ways To Clean Oxidized Headlights
No matter the time of day or season you’re in, your headlight lenses need to be well-maintained for your safety and other drivers. Here is how to clean and restore your headlights.
Essential Tips on Taking Care of Glass Parts on Your Car Through the Seasons
The longevity and optimal functioning of your car and its parts depend on how regularly you maintain them. Routine care will minimize the chances of major breakdowns and mishaps while also keeping the driver and passenger safe.
One aspect of the car that owners usually don’t pay much heed to is the glass components. The windows and windshields are normally just wiped down during a wash. Both components are vital to the safety of everyone within the car. Any form of crack can be a hazard for those inside the car because you never know when it can break.
READ: HOW-TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SELF-SERVICE CAR WASH EXPERIENCE
Besides properly cleaning the windshields and glass, you need to make sure parts such as the wiper blades are in good, working condition. When in use, the blade wipes across the outer surface of the windshields. However, a damaged blade will likely leave scratches. So, it might be a good idea to have your glass parts checked by a professional windshield service every now and then.
The following tips will help you take better care of the glass parts in your car, so they don’t cause any hindrance or become a safety hazard as you drive.
Glass Parts Maintenance Tips
Maintenance starts with regularly cleaning your windshields and windows. You must use products that are designed for the task.
Cleaning cloth
You need to be mindful of the cloth you buy for cleaning glass parts. Remember all cleaning cloths are not created equally, some are more suitable for the job than others. A low-quality cloth will leave marks and can even end up scratching the glass.
When shopping around for cloth, keep the following in mind:
- Look for a cloth that has microfibers. This will ensure a thorough clean without marks.
- The cloth must be free of lint.
- The cloth should be washable and reusable.
- The ideal size of the cloth is 16 by 16 inches. Don’t buy anything bigger than that.
You don’t necessarily need to buy a cloth designed specifically for car windows and windshields. A cloth that fits the description mentioned above should work. Also, keep in mind that as the season changes from normal, moderate weather to the winter, you will require a sturdier cloth with similar qualities.
Cleaning the inside of your glass parts vs. the outside
The approach to cleaning the inside and outside of windows and windshields is quite different because the two glass have to deal with different environments.
- Inner surface: Consists of a window film and is exposed to hazy build-up from the chemicals emitted by the A/C and other parts of the car.
- Outer surface: Constant exposure to the dirt, water, weather, amongst other things such as rocks.
This of course means that the outer surface experiences more wear and tear which requires a little extra care. The following tips will help you differentiate how to clean the two surfaces for optimal maintenance:
Outer surface
- Fold the cloth before you start to wipe down the windshield and windows. This allows you to use the different sides without the need to wash them after you wipe down each glass part.
- Work your way around the car, start with the front windshields, and work your way around. Spray the glass cleaner and wipe the surface down from top to bottom. Avoid using circular motions as it will leave marks.
Inner surface
- Wipe it down with a damp towel first then use a spray and a microfiber cloth to clean it.
- You can use distilled water or rubbing alcohol to get rid of any residue.
The final maintenance tip is to seek professional help if you notice any damage or cracks in the windshield or windows. Not getting the proper auto glass care promptly puts everyone in the car at risk of injury if the glass part eventually breaks.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to properly care for the glass components of a car. You just need the right tools and approach to ensure proper maintenance and the longevity of such parts.
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Tarek Salam is a Canadian auto glass repair technician with over a decade of experience repairing automotive glass for all makes and models of vehicles in Canada. He loves sharing interesting and useful information with the intention of educating and helping people make better automotive decisions.
THE ABSORBER NAMED BEST OVERALL CLOTH FOR 2020
CleanTools was honored to have The Absorber named “Best Overall” in The Drive's “Best Chamois Cloths for Cars” write-up.
Can Cleaning Your Car Improve Your Gas Mileage?
Although it may not seem very meaningful initially, the surface of your car can affect your gas mileage and fuel efficiency. This is because when your car is wiped of all protruding debris—and even so much as waxed—passing air can move across freely. Without the air getting stuck and having to navigate its way around any chunks or particles of dust and grime, your car will experience less resistance driving forward so it will be able to get better gas mileage or get better mpg.
HOW TO CLEAN TRUCKS AND SUVS
Did you know that if you want a streak-free wash, you need to avoid washing at the hottest time of day? Otherwise, the water evaporates before the soap is rinsed or worse—it could warp certain car parts that heat up in the sun. Below we have listed other helpful steps on how to wash a truck or SUV.
TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR A CAR SHOW
First things first, you need a wash. Car fanatics know, if you’re entering a car show, your car should be in pristine condition. Start off by washing your car then following with a polish, glaze & wax.
If there are any minor imperfections on the car, you can use a smoothing hand polish to gently buff out the imperfections. After the car has been polished, it’s helpful to apply a finishing glaze and sealant to lock in your shine. Glazes are used to gently fill in minor scratches on the surface of your car and help them to appear less visible.
HOW-TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SELF-SERVICE CAR WASH EXPERIENCE
From the rainbow lights to the jets of bubbling soap, car washes are an experience in themselves. However, giving your car a maximum cleaning is oftentimes more suited for a self-service car wash experience than an automatic one. Self-service car washes allow customers to get their vehicles squeaky-clean with the different tools and choices offered at self-service car washes. Are you looking to learn how to maximize your self-service car wash experience? Keep reading to find out more.
HOW TO CLEAN BUGS & REMOVE TAR FROM YOUR CAR
Removing bugs and tar from your car is important. Not only do splattered bugs and tar residue make your car look dirty, but they can create damage to your vehicle if not removed in a timely manner. When remnants of flies, bees, and other bugs are on your car for too long they release acidic substances that are difficult to remove and cause damage to your car’s paint. Similar to bugs, unremoved tar can create damage to your paint job if not removed efficiently. Keep reading to learn about how to clean bugs and remove tar from your car without damage.
HOW TO REMOVE HARD WATER SPOTS
There are few worse things than cleaning your car, taking a step back and noticing the remnants of hard water spots all over your vehicle. We are going to give you some quick tips on how to remove hard water spots so you can confidently show off your clean car!
What Causes Hard Water Spots?
Have you ever noticed leftover spots on the surface whenever you’re done cleaning? They often appear hazy or white on the surface and seem impossible to remove. More than likely, you are experiencing hard water spots. This happens when there are materials in the water and a build-up of alkaline.
These spots can be difficult to remove and often are a source of frustration while you are cleaning. But, fear not! With a little elbow grease and CleanTools products, you can remove those spots in no time.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR LEATHER SEATS LIKE A PROFESSIONAL
Let’s face it -- most of us severely neglect our leather car seats. It’s easy to do since they typically are easier to maintain and generally speaking, last much longer than their counterparts. With that being said, there are a few tips we think will be helpful for you to know to help maintain your leather seats, and keep them looking new longer! If you’re looking for the best way to clean leather car seats, we’re here to help.
5 TIPS TO FOLLOW AFTER YOU BUY YOUR FIRST CAR
According to statistics, Americans buy 39.4 million used cars every year as opposed to only 17.3 million new ones. A lot of that has to do with the fact that used cars are considerably cheaper than new ones.As an inspiring first-time car owner, there is no doubt that you would want to find a great used car in your area. One that will not only serve you well but also won't cost you an arm and a leg. However, just because you successfully find the right car at the right price doesn't mean that your work is done. Used cars are just that...used. That means that they might have a kink or two that would need ironing out to ensure that you have the perfect transportation machine. Here are some tips on what you need to do right after you buy your first car.