Keeping your car sleek and shiny

By Chelzee Salera, UP Cebu Intern

RIDING into the sunset in a shiny car, the wind in our hair and the stereo on full blast—now doesn’t that look good? But how do we get our car looking good in the first place? Nice Day Carwash’s Vince Uy gives us tips on how to go about this sleek and shiny pursuit.

Be gentle

Vince likens a car’s interior and exterior to human skin. Using poor quality materials or applying these incorrectly can be very harmful to the car — so be mindful in your cleaning process. Be delicate — the same way you would when taking care of your own skin.

Materials are important and make sure you have the right ones at hand. Check your car shampoo, wipers and brushes—are they of good quality? Are they still in good condition? Then for drying up, according to Vince, it is always best to use micro-fiber fabric.

Shade is essential

Next, make sure you are parked in a shaded area. Otherwise, instead of getting the spic and span shine that you hoped for, you just might get more problems. Applying wax under direct sunlight, for instance, easily dries up the application, making it uneven and rough. Totally defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?

Go ahead and wash

If you have done all those things above, then you are ready. First, remove dust and mud using plain water. Second, apply the car shampoo. Third, rinse car and wipe it dry using micro-fiber cloth. Vince also reminded that when drying your car, start from the roof then down to the wheels.

To wax or not to wax?

Although not usually required, you can also add waxing to your car cleaning process. Wax does not only create the extra shine, but it also protects the car from dust, watermarks, and paint damage. If you use your car regularly and is constantly parked under direct sunlight, it is advisable that you apply wax once a month. But if not, you can just wax it every six months.

Cars & Coffee

Are you a car enthusiast? Then mark your calendars for Cars and Coffee — a gathering of car enthusiasts held every last Sunday of the month in Escario Central. It is hosted by Nice Day Carwash and it is a celebration of car lovers getting together, having coffee and sharing their passion for the wheels. No registration or entrance fees required — just drop by anytime!