Salt isn’t the only threat to cars in the Midwest. The summer heat can also take a toll on a vehicle’s exterior, aging it and leaving debris that should be removed regularly. Making a habit of giving your set of wheels a thorough scrubbing – whether at home or through a car wash service – is a small step that can improve the appearance and value of your vehicle over time.
If you are among the many drivers who put off cleaning their vehicles, below are a few tips to help get you back on track. Not only is a clean vehicle safer to drive, but it also helps drivers feel proud to be behind the wheel.
First Things First: How to Remove Tags and Stickers from Your Car
A small razer blade can be helpful in removing stickers from a vehicle, either from the inside of the windshield or from the license plate. The windshield in particular needs to be clean when you’re done to provide good visibility when driving. That’s why it helps to use a paper towel or microfiber material as well as glass cleaner.
Start by dousing the edges of the sticker with glass cleaner. That way, when you begin to scrape at the edges of the sticker it will come off more easily, leaving less residue behind. After it is removed, clean the rest of the area to remove any remaining glue or residue and leave your windshield sparkling clean.
3 Important Tips:
- Exert a high level of caution when using a blade for any reason. Be sure you are working slowly and carefully so as to prevent an injury.
- Something less sharp, like a plastic spatula, may be better for removing a sticker from a painted surface of your car, as you don’t want to damage the exterior by leaving scratch marks.
- Not sure whether you need a city vehicle sticker? Find out here.
Regular Car Washes Can Protect Vehicle Exterior and Improve Visibility in Summer
Cars gather a lot of dust and debris on their exterior during all those long, summer drives. Large side mirrors, extended rear visors on SUVs, recessed license plate spaces, and other newer features and designs can also be difficult to clean. And if you drive a lot, the elements gathering on your car’s body can even leave small marks that dull its shine, aging its appearance and lowering its value over time.
Fortunately, even a basic automated car wash can give vehicles a lasting shine, as well as a clear coat protectant if the driver chooses.
Best Way to Clean Your License Plate (and Why You Should)
There are a couple reasons one or both license plates may need to be cleaned separately from the rest of the vehicle. One is if a plate becomes discolored and difficult to read. A plate should never be obstructed in any way in case you are pulled over. It is also possible that a car cleaning doesn’t entirely reach the plates as well as it should. In this case, here’s what you can do:
- Use a cloth or sponge
- Wet the cleaning material with water and detergent
- Use gentle, circular motions
- Pass the cloth or sponge over the plate, back and forth
It only takes a minute, and your plates will sparkle. In addition, consider cleaning the portion where your tag will go before replacing it.
Should You Get a Hot Wax Treatment for Your Vehicle?
The answer is up to the owner, of course, but an occasional wax treatment may benefit cars that are on the road a lot or are kept outdoors. This process creates an extra layer of protection from the elements and can potentially shield the car’s finished surface from minor scrapes caused by grit from the road and other damaging particulates.
Take care of routine car needs at CFSC Auto Services.
CFSC Auto Services throughout the Midwest are here to help you replace lost or stolen plates or stickers, handle your title and registration needs, and offer other auto-related services.
Stop by your nearest CFSC location to get help with these and convenient financial services – all in one location!