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get more for your vehicle on trade-in or sale

Almost everyone knows that a clean car, inside and out, increases its perceived and actual value. Simply giving the vehicle a good washing/waxing and carpet cleaning probably isn’t enough – but it is a good start.

The outside view
Contaminants and scratches detract from the exterior’s appeal, and can stop potential buyers from looking any further. But these minor defects can be easily handled before you add shine. Remember, don’t do each step on the entire car; work in sections.

• Use detailer's clay and lubricant to remove stubborn grime and to smooth the surface of the car prior to waxing
• Spray the spot to be cleaned with the lubricant and then rub the spot with the clay. The clay picks up the contaminants as you rub.
• Fold the clay over to give yourself a new work surface as you rub.
• Wipe away the excess liquid with a dry cloth.
• Use a color-matched wax stick to fill in any deep scratches that cut down through the paint.
• Apply the wax across the scratch, not lengthwise for better fill.
• Once the scratch is covered, wipe away any excess wax around the scratch.
• When visible contaminants and scratches are gone, apply a good quality car wax.  
• Be sure the surface is clean.
• Apply the wax in sections of about two square feet each, using a damp (not wet) sponge in a circular motion.
• Allow the wax to dry to a “haze” for about five minutes.
• Once dry, add the shine by wiping away the wax. Use a soft, dry cloth, working again in sections and in a circular motion.

Inner beauty
You may be amazed at how much dirt and grime your vehicle is hiding inside. Begin cleaning with a thorough vacuuming of every nook and cranny. Use a household vacuum and all its attachments to get into the seams and behind/under the seats. Remove any floor mats before you start on the floors – and don’t forget to vacuum out the pockets in door panels and behind the front seats.

• You can remove most carpet and upholstery stains with an automotive carpet cleaner commonly available at car care centers.
• Test any cleaner you plan to use on a small, inconspicuous part of the carpet or upholstery to be sure it doesn’t discolor your surfaces.
• Some cleaners are packaged with a special brush lid, but you can also simply spray the cleaner directly on the stain and use a sturdier household brush.
• Be sure to soak the stain with the cleaner.
• Allow the cleaner to soak in (read the package directions) then scrub the stain with a brush – using lots of elbow grease!
• Blot/wipe off any excess cleaner with a dry, clean cloth.
• Small vinyl repairs are easy to do
• Apply a small amount of waterproof adhesive to the bottom side of the tear using a toothpick.
• Press firmly then hold the repair in place with tape. Note: Don’t tape directly over the tear or the glue may stick the tape onto the tear.
• After the adhesive has dried (according to the manufacturer's instructions), remove the tape.

Larger tears in upholstery or carpet should be taken for professional repairs.

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