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Chapter 11
11-4
CLEANING
To help preserve that shiny new vehicle finish, special attention should be given to
correctly treating those conditions that can damage the paint.
Road bloom: If, over a long period of time, oils, dirt, exhaust and other pollutants are
allowed to build up, they may combine to affect the paint finish.
Etching: Tree sap, bird droppings, salt water and other natural deposits can, if allowed
to stay on the paint, leave an etching or scarring.
Pitting: Tar spots and some industrial fallout can react chemically and may cause
pitting to the surface of the paint.
Paint inspection
Regular inspection of the vehicle should be made for scratch marks, cracks or
damaged areas, all of which could develop rust. Any deep scratches, cracks or
breakdown in the finish should be repaired without delay. Care should be taken to
ensure that any rusting is counteracted immediately, otherwise rust "creep" will extend
beyond the damaged area, particularly in tropical or coastal areas, where the moist,
or salt-laden air accelerates rusting. The paint finish of the vehicle gives a very high
degree of protection against the weather, but it should be realised that wear and
deterioration occur when the vehicle is exposed to elements for prolonged periods. The
vehicle therefore should be garaged whenever possible.
To prevent damage of the paint surface, foreign matter should always be removed as
soon as possible. Due to the acidity, it is recommended that foreign matter such
as bird droppings be removed within 24 hours.
The way the paint keeps its condition over time can be assisted by you. The easiest
way to keep that paint looking bright and shiny is to keep it clean. A wash once a week
will do wonders. However, it must be done correctly.
Washing your car
1. Never use an automatic wash that has anything that touches the paint other than
water.
2. Wash your vehicle once a week to remove any build up of road grime that may have
been deposited on your paint.
3. Find a cool, shady spot to wash it. Do not ever wash it in direct sunlight.
4. Hose the vehicle down from top to bottom with lots of cold water. This removes any
grit or other loose particles and substances. Do not use a sponge or cloth yet.
5. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add no more than two capfuls of gentle
detergent. Do not use hot water, strong soap or chemical detergents.
6. To remove bird droppings, soak with a wet sponge for several minutes before
washing off. If still persistent, use a solution of 1 litre of water and 110 grams of
dissolved baking soda (Bicarbonate of Soda). Flush the washed parts with clean
water.
7. Starting with the roof, use a clean sponge to clean a small section at a time. Do not
allow liquid to dry before rinsing off that section with clean water. When you have
completed each section, rinse the whole vehicle again with cold water.
8. Dry the clean vehicle thoroughly with a good quality chamois.
CARING FOR PAINT
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