Car Care: Tips and Myths for a Shiny Ride

Introduction

You'd be amazed how far a little car care goes. Even the most basic car cleaning products can help maintain sharper looks, prevent damage, and preserve resale value. But that's just one beautiful thing about car care. The others: you can get as into car care as you like, and even the little things always pay off in satisfaction and pride.

AT's Car Care Central

Whether you're a hands-off owner who leaves the dirty work to a pro or a full-on enthusiast who spends the weekend shining every nook and cranny, you'll find plenty of good tips and information on car care right here at AT.

More than just information on the car care goods we carry (including top brands like Zymol, Connolly, and California Car Duster) and use ourselves, our Complete Guide to Car Care is loaded with everything you need to know about treating your ride right. Inside and out, from the basic stuff to show car detailing, we have the tips, tricks, and advice you need.

Basic Car Care

Start with the things every car owner should do to maintain their ride. This includes washing, periodic waxing, interior care, and more. Plus, we've sprinkled in even more information.

Washing and Waxing: The Basics

Living with so much dust that the original paint color is lost? This is the guide for you.

Basic Interior Care

Go from the chaos of a landfill inside to a pristine paradise, and boost your resale value.

Basic Wheel and Tire Care

Nothing attracts more attention than your wheels and tires. Here's how to make it positive attention.

Common Car Care Myths

Cleaning your ride with a scouring pad? You have much to learn.

Advanced Car Care

When being clean just isn't enough, turn to the tips, tricks, and advice in our advanced car care guides. We have all of the info and shortcuts to get your ride into the show-quality shine it deserves.

Between Washing and Waxing: The Keys to a Deep Shine

The steps you need to get a flawless finish. Includes fixing blemishes like scratches and scuffs.

Using Touch Up Paint

How attention to detail at home can save hundreds.

Polishing - The Best Way to Get a Deep, Glossy Shine

The secret behind any stunning wax job explained.

Waxes - An In-depth Look

Carnauba or synthetic? Liquid or paste? The answers are in here.

Combating Common Paint Enemies

Forces are aligning against your finish every day. Here's how to level the playing field.

An Introduction to the Effects of Neglecting Your Vehicle's Interior and Exterior

Not to scare, but neglecting your paint can have some serious consequences.

Why Do-It-Yourself Car Care Is Best

There are a number of reasons to care for your vehicle at home in your own driveway instead of paying a "pro" or local car wash to do the job, and saving money is only a small part.

Quality Control

Quality control is the biggest reason to care for your finish yourself. Finding a reputable car wash to clean your vehicle is hit and miss at best.

Your Local Car Wash

Your local car wash's mission is to get as many vehicles through their shop as fast as possible.

Setting Aside the Time

Setting aside the time for at-home car care puts you in control.

AT's Basic Guide to Washing and Waxing

They're two of the most important steps in caring for your auto: washing and waxing. Every car owner can wash and wax, but do you do it the right way? AT's Basic Guide to Washing and Waxing is loaded with tips and advice to get you on the right path.

Washing Your Vehicle

The first step in caring for your finish is washing.

Gathering the Goods

What you need to get the job done right.

Choosing Your Soap

Choosing the right car wash soap is just as important as choosing the right shampoo for your hair.

Prepping the Area

Don't forget to prep your finish before you get started.

Soaping and Washing

Soaping and washing is where the bulk of your time will be spent.

The Final Rinse

Once all is clean, it's time for a rinse.

Waxing Your Vehicle

Once your vehicle is clean and dry, it's time to wax.

Gathering Your Goods

What you need to get your vehicle waxed up right.

Choosing Your Wax

Choosing the right wax is key to success.

How to Wax Your Vehicle

Step-by-step directions for waxing your ride.

The Final Buff

The finishing touches to your job.

Waxing with a Polisher or Buffer

Electric polishers and buffers can cut your waxing time dramatically.

It's What's Inside That Counts: A Guide to Basic Interior Car Care

Taking good care of your interior helps you and your passengers enjoy the drive much better.

Floor Care

Without basic car care, your floors can go to pot pretty fast.

All-Weather Floor Mats and Floor Care

The surefire way to save your floors from certain doom is to employ a set of custom all-weather floor mats.

Vinyl Floor Care

A mild mix of soap and water is best for keeping vinyl floor vehicles in good shape.

Carpeted Floor Care

For carpeted vehicles, a quick vacuum job is usually enough to dress-up your floors.

Stain Protectors/Treatments

Modern interiors are typically treated with stain blockers and protectors to keep everything fresh.

Carpet Cleaners

For those without carpet protectors, spilled drinks and food can be the downfall of your vehicle's interior shape.

Seat Care

Where's the first place a new passenger or buyer looks inside to judge your ride? You guessed it: the seats.

Cleaning Your Seats

To clean the factory seat material, turn to interior-specific cleaners.

Covering Your Seats

If the stains and/or rips in your seats are beyond cleaning, turn to a sharp set of tailored seat covers.

Dash Care

Look for look, no part of your interior attracts more eyes than the dash.

Dust Your Dash First

Before cleaning and shining your dash, dust the surface completely.

Cleaning Your Dash

Typically, dusting your dash will be enough cleaning to do the job.

Shine Products

Be selective when picking a product to clean, shine and protect your dash.

Covering a Cracked Dash

If you already have the San Andreas running down your dashboard, the best way to dress-up your interior is with a custom dash cover.

An Overview of Basic Wheel and Tire Care

Too often, wheels and tires don't receive the proper care at car wash time. With these basic hints and tips on how to doll up your set of four, your ride will never have that problem again.

Wheel Care: A Basic Guide to Having the Sharpest Rims on the Block

Wheels attract most of the attention to your vehicle.

Inside Tips for Consistently Cleaner Wheels

Keeping your brakes in good shape has much to do with wheel cleanliness.

Cleaning Painted and Alloy Wheels

To get the nasty dirt concoction of brake dust and road grime off painted steel or alloy wheels, blast them with your hose to dislodge the loose gunk.

Cleaning and Shining Chrome Wheels

Chrome wheels pack a whole new level of electric looks, and require more care to preserve that style.

The Ins and Outs of Tire Shine: A Quick Guide

The finishing touch on your latest car wash and detail job is the look of your tires.

The Basics of Cleaning Your Tires

First, wash your tires at the same time you clean the rest of your vehicle.

Whitewall Care

If you have a set of classic whitewalls on your ride, you've probably noticed how difficult shine maintenance is.

An Introduction to Detailing Clay

Washing your ride can't get all of the deep dirt and contaminants out of your finish. That's why you need detailing clay.

Why Do-It-Yourself Car Care Is Best

There are a number of reasons to care for your vehicle at home in your own driveway instead of paying a "pro" or local car wash to do the job, and saving money is only a small part.

Quality Control

Quality control is the biggest reason to care for your finish yourself.

Your Local Car Wash

Your local car wash's mission is to get as many vehicles through their shop as fast as possible.

Setting Aside the Time

Setting aside the time for at-home car care puts you in control.

AT's Basic Guide to Washing and Waxing

They're two of the most important steps in caring for your auto: washing and waxing.

Washing Your Vehicle

The first step in caring for your finish is washing.

Gathering the Goods

What you need to get the job done right.

Choosing Your Soap

Choosing the right car wash soap is just as important as choosing the right shampoo for your hair.

Prepping the Area

Don't forget to prep your finish before you get started.

Soaping and Washing

Soaping and washing is where the bulk of your time will be spent.

The Final Rinse

Once all is clean, it's time for a rinse.

Waxing Your Vehicle

Once your vehicle is clean and dry, it's time to wax.

Gathering Your Goods

What you need to get your vehicle waxed up right.

Choosing Your Wax

Choosing the right wax is key to success.

How to Wax Your Vehicle

Step-by-step directions for waxing your ride.

The Final Buff

The finishing touches to your job.

Waxing with a Polisher or Buffer

Electric polishers and buffers can cut your waxing time dramatically.

It's What's Inside That Counts: A Guide to Basic Interior Car Care

Taking good care of your interior helps you and your passengers enjoy the drive much better.

Floor Care

Without basic car care, your floors can go to pot pretty fast.

All-Weather Floor Mats and Floor Care

The surefire way to save your floors from certain doom is to employ a set of custom all-weather floor mats.

Vinyl Floor Care

A mild mix of soap and water is best for keeping vinyl floor vehicles in good shape.

Carpeted Floor Care

For carpeted vehicles, a quick vacuum job is usually enough to dress-up your floors.

Stain Protectors/Treatments

Modern interiors are typically treated with stain blockers and protectors to keep everything fresh.

Carpet Cleaners

For those without carpet protectors, spilled drinks and food can be the downfall of your vehicle's interior shape.

Seat Care

Where's the first place a new passenger or buyer looks inside to judge your ride? You guessed it: the seats.

Cleaning Your Seats

To clean the factory seat material, turn to interior-specific cleaners.

Covering Your Seats

If the stains and/or rips in your seats are beyond cleaning, turn to a sharp set of tailored seat covers.

Dash Care

Look for look, no part of your interior attracts more eyes than the dash.

Dust Your Dash First

Before cleaning and shining your dash, dust the surface completely.

Cleaning Your Dash

Typically, dusting your dash will be enough cleaning to do the job.

Shine Products

Be selective when picking a product to clean, shine and protect your dash.

Covering a Cracked Dash

If you already have the San Andreas running down your dashboard, the best way to dress-up your interior is with a custom dash cover.

An Overview of Basic Wheel and Tire Care

Too often, wheels and tires don't receive the proper care at car wash time.

Wheel Care: A Basic Guide to Having the Sharpest Rims on the Block

Wheels attract most of the attention to your vehicle.

Inside Tips for Consistently Cleaner Wheels

Keeping your brakes in good shape has much to do with wheel cleanliness.

Cleaning Painted and Alloy Wheels

To get the nasty dirt concoction of brake dust and road grime off painted steel or alloy wheels, blast them with your hose to dislodge the loose gunk.

Cleaning and Shining Chrome Wheels

Chrome wheels pack a whole new level of electric looks, and require more care to preserve that style.

The Ins and Outs of Tire Shine: A Quick Guide

The finishing touch on your latest car wash and detail job is the look of your tires.

The Basics of Cleaning Your Tires

First, wash your tires at the same time you clean the rest of your vehicle.

Whitewall Care

If you have a set of classic whitewalls on your ride, you've probably noticed how difficult shine maintenance is.

An Introduction to Detailing Clay

Washing your ride can't get all of the deep dirt and contaminants out of your finish.

Common Myths About Car Care Unmasked

Some drivers have the best intentions when it comes to car care. Unfortunately, commonly-used products and techniques passed down in legend from family or friends undo all their hard work down the road. Take note of these common misconceptions and erase them from your routine—your car will thank you.

The Lie: Dishwashing Soap Is Great for Washing Your Car

Do not use dishwashing soap for giving your vehicle a bath!

The Damn Lie: Old T-Shirts, Cloth Diapers, and Shop Towels Make Good Drying Rags

These commonly-used drying cloths scratch your finish and create lasting damage.

The Lie: Waxing Isn't Necessary

Think waxing is all for show? Think again.

The Lie: Armor All Is Great for Tires

Keep the Armor All off your tires! Your tires will turn brown and become a rolling eyesore.

The Lie: Waxing in Direct Sunlight Is a Bad Idea

It's ok to wax in direct sunlight.

The Lie: Car Care Products Are Too Expensive

High-end car care products are well worth the price, and actually save you money down the line.

Conclusion

Car care isn't just for car enthusiasts; it's for anyone who wants to keep their vehicle looking good and running well. Whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or prefer to leave it to the professionals, there are plenty of tips and techniques to ensure your car stays in top shape.

So, remember to wash, wax, and maintain your interior regularly, debunk common car care myths, and invest in the right products to keep your vehicle looking shiny and new. Happy driving!