Savvy business owners know that good maintenance on a fleet of vehicles includes not only mechanical and electrical systems, but also proper care of the exterior. While keeping vehicles looking good on the street presents a positive brand image for your business, proper care can help preserve the life of the vehicle, as well as its value.
Regular washing and waxing can enhance the vehicle’s resale value by protecting it from the combined degradation caused by salt, sun, water, temperature and oxygen. The sun alone can fade the pigments and degrade the polymer structure of most paints. If the vehicle’s finish is not protected, rock chips, scratches and minor dings can penetrate the paint, leading to rusting catastrophes.
Exterior car care begins with a good washing using any one of a wide assortment of excellent products, tools and mitts. But, first check the vehicle’s owner’s manual for any specific recommendations and carefully read the product label information. A good checklist for cleaning vehicles is available on the Armor All® Website at www.armorall.com.
Detailing clay bars can also be used to clean paint below the surface to safely remove contaminants like bugs or tar that “grip” or even penetrate the clear coat. Formerly reserved for professional detailers and car dealers, a clay bar is safe and effective for cleaning car paint but buffing or polishing are recommended after it is used to bring back a smooth shine. Power polishers for this use are available from many retail stores.
Jay de la Houssaye, Area Sales Manager for Enterprise Fleet Management/Louisiana, can be reached at 504-779-3321.