Pep Boys: May Is Car Care Month -- Make Your Car Look Good So You Look Good In It
2 May 2000
Pep Boys: May Is Car Care Month -- Make Your Car Look Good So You Look Good In It
PHILADELPHIA--May 1, 2000-- What did actors Sean Connery as James Bond in the movie "Goldfinger," and Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly in the movie "Back to the Future" have in common?They looked good in their cars -- an Aston Martin DB5 and a DeLorean, respectively. While you may not drive such high-priced machinery, with the proper care you too can look good on the road this summer.
"Most owners, whether they're real car nuts or not, like to have their cars looking good," observes Pep Boys vehicle appearance expert Scott Dodson. "Some owners feel that their car makes a statement about who they are, and a clean shiny car says the owner takes pride is his vehicle. Plus, there is a proper way to care for a car's interior and exterior."
Before cruising to see and be seen, Dodson offers drivers these appearance care tips in celebration of Car Care Month this May.
Sprucing up the Interior
"With care and the proper cleaning products, you can keep your car looking like it just came off the showroom floor," Dodson notes.
-- When cleaning upholstery, match the cleaning product to the
surface on which it's going to be used. For cloth or velour
upholstery, carpets and floormats, a foam cleaner can work
well.
-- Leather interiors require special care. A solvent-based
cleaner is the wrong type; use only specifically-designed
leather cleaners on leather seats.
-- A good interior protectant is useful for the many vinyl and
leather portions of a car's interior. They provide protection
from dirt, grime and the sun's harmful rays, as well as
provide an attractive shine.
For complete information on taking care of the interior of your vehicle, visit the Car Tips section of the Pep Boys website at pepboys.com.
Sprucing up the Exterior
"Believe it or not, there really is a right way to wash and wax a car," Dodson says. o When washing the car, use concentrated car wash only. Never use dishwashing liquid -- it can strip the wax off of a car.
-- Use a wash mitt or sponge instead of old rags. Rags can leave
hairline scratches in the car's finish. Start from the top and
work down. This prevents dirty water from running off onto
lower panels that were just cleaned.
-- When cleaning wheels and tires, start by thoroughly rinsing
them. Spray one tire and wheel with a good-quality wheel
cleaner and work it into the crevices with a soft bristled
brush. Clean one wheel and tire at a time so as to not allow
the cleaner to dry on the wheel. Then thoroughly rinse the
wheel.
-- To remove bugs and tar, use a bug and tar cleaner. o When
drying the car, use a damp chamois or soft terry cloth towel
and remove excess water from the entire car. Start at the roof
and work down to the lower panels.
-- When waxing, remove the car from direct sunlight and wait for
it to cool. Wet the wax applicator. Put the wax on the
applicator and frame out the area where it will be applied,
then fill in the middle portion. Wax one panel of the car at a
time.
-- After the wax has dried to a dull haze, wipe in one direction,
use a clean terry cloth towel to remove the wax film. Using a
polishing cloth (preferably a clean soft cloth), buff in the
opposite direction to a high shine.
For complete information on taking care of the exterior, visit the Car Tips section of the Pep Boys website at pepboys.com.
Pep Boys, founded in 1921 (NYSE: "PBY), has more than 660 locations in 37 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its vehicle repair and maintenance service capabilities, the company also serves the commercial auto parts delivery market. Customers can find the nearest location by dialing 1-800-PEP-BOYS or visiting Pep Boys on the Internet at pepboys.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Complete vehicle appearance information can be found by visiting the Car Tips portion of the Pep Boys website (pepboys.com). To arrange an interview with a Pep Boys vehicle appearance expert, please contact Public Relations at 215/430-9748.