Exterior Car Care For Your Honda

Most of us appreciate the convenience of using a drive-through car wash now and then. But the best way to thoroughly clean your Honda is to wash it by hand, preferably in a shady spot. You should invest in a soft lamb's wool car mitt that won't scratch the paint-using two buckets, one for soapy water and the other with clean rinse water. This will help to prevent dirt particles from getting on your sponge and scratching your paint.  A squeegee or soft chamois is best for drying the car. Avoid using household dish soap or laundry detergent as they are too harsh for the paint job. If you would like to take your vehicle to the next level, buy a clay bar and liquid cleaning wax. Using the liquid wax, lubricate a small area, take the clay bar and pull it in short straight strokes. This will remove rough spots, bird droppings, and other contaminants that can eat through the clear coat and damage the paint.

The wheels of our cars can get dirty fast. All that dirt, grime, and brake dust pile up quickly. You should purchase a degreaser explicitly designed for wheels and tires to protect the finish. Use a sponge to avoid scratching, and a soft-bristled toothbrush works well to clean those hard-to-get-to areas and around the edge of the rim. Clean your tires and wheels before you clean, polish, and wax so you can wash off any overspray or residue.

Now that you've hand-washed your Honda, the next step is to apply a polish and then wax. People tend to think that polish and wax are the same. This is not the case. Waxes protect your car's paint surface, and polish provide the paint a brilliant shine. They do make combination polish and wax that does both jobs in one step. Polish is applied first as it contains mild abrasives to help remove surface imperfections and swirls. Be sure to use the polish carefully as they can damage the finish. Next is the wax. Typically two coats are applied as it provides maximum protection. Always use a clean applicator pad and replace the pads frequently. Detailers recommend polishing or waxing your Honda at least twice a year. 

You will want to save your windows for last as they have probably gotten dirty and spots from any other cleaners you have used. Be sure to use a non-ammonia glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. Roll down the windows a bit and clean the top of the glass. We have found that it is easiest to use the back of your hand, not the front, to reach farther down the rear glass.

Now that your car is shining like the day it rolled off the showroom floor, let's make sure it can keep moving safely. Tire pressure and tread depths are imperative for the safety and life of your tires and are as easy as pocket change. Get a penny, push it in between the treads. If you can see any of Lincoln's heads, you might need new tires. Keeping proper tire pressure steady at the suggested pressure can improve gas mileage and lasts longer. All you have to do is remove the cap from the tire's air intake valve and press a tire pressure gauge onto the valve. You can find the recommended air pressure in your owner's manual. The tire pressure indicator will show you how much air is in the tire. If your tires need air, you can fill them up at a service station or pop into Pearson Honda, and one of our certified technicians will be happy to top them off. 

Properly maintaining your Honda's exterior and interior regularly helps keep its looking showroom fresh for years to come. If you have any questions about your Honda's tires or anything else you may have noticed while you were cleaning it, feel free to call or stop into Pearson Honda's service department and speak with one of our knowledgeable service advisers.