There are lots of different ways to celebrate Labor Day, but most people see this event as a way to mark the end of the summer. Whether you've been on a road trip, or a family vacation, the chances are that you've been putting your car through its paces. As the warmth and light of summer starts to fade, why not give your car a Labor Day cleanse so that it's ready for the autumn and winter? Here's a guide from Sears Imported Autos.
Start by ridding your car's interior of unwanted clutter and rubbish. You'll be surprised what you might find under the mats and tucked in the cup holders, so grab a trash bag and get ruthless. Start by emptying trash that you can find on the seats, then check under the seats and in every compartment, cubby-hole, or pocket. Empty the glove box and only put back the essentials. Have a look in the trunk, too. You'll probably find many remnants of your vacation lurking there, so get them out and get rid of them. With all the junk removed, you can start the hard work.
Detailing inside your car can be time-consuming but the results speak for themselves. A clean, fresh-smelling car is going to be much more appealing to both driver and passengers alike. Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the carpets and upholstery, paying attention to remove dust, dirt, and animal hairs. You may be surprised just how much dirt your cleaner picks up. Make sure you clean in a well-ventilated place with plenty of room to move, or you'll quickly get hot and bothered. Shake out car mats and leave them to air in a well-ventilated space so that they smell and look fresh.
Now you can turn your attention to the rest of the interior. Remove stains on your upholstery with the appropriate cleaners. Pay attention to particularly difficult grease-based stains, such as lipstick, which may be harder to remove. Remember to physically remove as much of the stain as possible with tweezers, a butter knife, or a dry cloth. Use rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth by dabbing gently to gradually lift the stain, without grinding it further into the fabric. Use a specialist cleaner for your dashboard and other parts of the car interior that may be made from plastic, leather, vinyl, wood, or chrome. If you are unsure which cleaner to use, consult your dealer for advice to ensure that you don't cause further damage.
Cleaning the inside is only part of your Labor Day cleanse, however. Take time to thoroughly wash the exterior of your car with a car shampoo and a clean cloth. Your service department will be able to recommend good cleaning materials. Don't use any old sponge or cloth. Even if it feels relatively soft, it may actually scratch your paint work. Feel free to use a pressure washer, but be careful not to use equipment this powerful around the under-carriage or on the engine, as the pressure of the water can cause more damage. Windows should also be cleaned with a specialized cleaner.
Polishing and waxing your car's paint work makes it look great and provides a protective layer for the months to come, when grit and ice on the roads, and cold temperatures may start to take their toll. Use a good quality wax product and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results. The rule of thumb when it comes to polishing and waxing is that the longer you take and the more you polish, the better the finish. You can also buy specialist products for your wheels and tires. Take the opportunity to give them a Labor Day polish too!
If all that sounds like a lot of hard work, then remember that you can always book the car in for a professional detail at the Sears Imported Autos service department.
