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Protecting Your Car: A Springtime Ritual

25 April 2000

Protecting Your Car: A Springtime Ritual

    CHICAGO, April 25 A car is generally the largest
investment people make next to their homes.  Naturally, it warrants
protection.  With spring and summer road trips adding to typically long
commutes and family shuttling, a car's exterior takes a beating from elements
like acid rain, sunlight and bird-droppings.  Exterior protection is
essential.

    As difficult as winter can be on your car, spring and summer can be
equally harsh.
    "The great outdoors is public enemy number one against your car," says
Chuck Tornabene, president of Consumer and Industrial Products for car care
leader Turtle Wax.
    Here is a brief guide for a spring appearance check up that will help
command a well-protected car:

    -- Before waxing, wash the car thoroughly with a quality car wash like
       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.  Soak
       entire car with a low-pressure stream -- then use higher pressure for
       wheels and tires that take the most abuse and are hardest to clean.
    -- 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 humidity is high.  Humidity increases the total drying time of a
       wax.  Apply New Turtle Wax Extreme Cleaner Wax in small sections.  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 everywhere for scratches and spots.  Bugs and unsightly
       stains are problematic to exteriors.  To remove bugs, tar, tree sap and
       road grime which are common during spring and summer months, and wreak
       havoc on an automobile's appearance, try Turtle Wax Bug and Tar
       Remover.
    -- Interior defense: A 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.  Use on leather and vinyl upholstery not only to make the
       interior look good, but also to help prevent fading, drying, cracking
       and signs of aging.