You Can Protect Your Car From Mother Nature

By: Matthew C. Keegan

Mother Nature has it out for you...your car, that is. The moment
you bring your vehicle home from the dealership, the assault has
begun. Sun, rain, snow, hail, dust, birds, debris, pollution,
and a host of other elements and items can doom your "new car"
look in no time. What can you do? Fight back, that's how. Let's
take a look at some smart ways you can protect your vehicle's
finish and keep it from looking old before its time.

Wash and wax. Okay, so you don't have a hose handy. If
you go to the car wash, make sure that it is brushless,
otherwise the circular marks on your finish will certainly do a
number on your car's appearance in no time. As far as waxing
your vehicle, polishes made by popular brands including
Turtle Wax should do the trick. Yes, I know, a friend
recommended a particular brand that can give your car a look
that is better than new. Go ahead and use it...just follow the
directions on the bottle precisely!

Keep it covered. Yes, driving down the street with a car
cover on your car will certainly get you some attention! I do
not recommend that you do that, but having a car cover
available for your vehicle makes sense even if you keep your
prized possession garaged. Dust and indoor pollution can take
its toll even when your car sits in your garage while bird crap,
moisture, hail, tree sap, the sun, and small impacts can hurt
your car's finish when parked outside. The more layers your car
cover has, the better the protection it will offer too. Select
one that has mirror pockets for the best fit.

Minor details. Other accessories that offer protection
for your vehicle include: floor mats and liners, seat covers,
vent shades, hood protectors, and brake dust shields. If you
carry pets regularly then a pet pad or pet box can protect your
interior like nothing else.

When purchasing cleaning products make sure you read all labels
carefully. That cleaner you use may not be the best thing for
your wheels and the interior of your car should have its own
type of cleaner. Check manufacturer's recommendations to make
sure that the product you use is the right one; some cars come
with an initial supply of cleaning materials to help you
properly treat your brushed aluminum or burl wood interior.

About the author:
Matt Keegan is an auto aficionado and contributing writer
for PitStop Auto
Parts, a seller of discount auto accessories including

Ventshade visors and