Protect Your Vehicle From Sun Damage

As the summer sun beats down, your automobile can feel the burn if it is left out to the heat and elements. The surface of your car can reach up to 200 degrees on hot days, permanently affecting the paint. Sun damage to your auto paint can cause oxidation and fading, making it look worn before its time. But it is preventable; follow these tips to protect your car from sun damage.

Seek Covered Parking

Just as we do in the winter to keep the snow off, seek out parking that is covered or sheltered. Daily shade, wherever you’re parking, is like wearing a baseball cap to the beach—it’s the easiest protection out there.

Wash and WAX Your Car Often

Wash your car often, but do it in a place that is out of direct sunlight. Whenever you wash and dry your car, finish off with a good wax to protect the paint from ultraviolet damage – not to mention the effects of road dirt and pollution.

Purchase Paint Protection Film

If you can’t avoid direct sunlight and want to be absolutely certain that your car is protected, consider paint protection film. You can purchase a kit that covers part or all of your car’s exterior for the ultimate in protection. There are several brands out there to choose from, like Xpel, Invisible Mask, or Clear Mask. With this type of protection, you can rest assured that your prized car parked in the driveway year-round will be safe from the summer sun.

If you do see oxidation and sun damage, it could be restored

Some mild oxidation to your car’s paint can be fixed with a buff and wax. But, according to Jerry Hurley, of Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting, “If the clear coat starts to turn white or chalky, it needs to be repainted.” Check with your local auto painting or auto repair shop to see if they can make your paint look shiny again.

Be sure to enjoy the summer weather and your favorite vehicle, while taking care of its paint and exterior. If you notice your good times are taking a toll on your vehicle, stop into Kuehn Motors for a wash, wax, and interior clean from one of our highly-qualified technicians.

Preparing to Sell Your Car: Do-It-Yourself Detailing

Looking to sell your vehicle but not sure if that PB&J stain in the back seat will be the selling point or not? How about that weird smell coming from under the back seat? These definitely will not be ideal features for your buyer, but have no fear - there is a solution for that. For those who don’t really know what detailing your vehicle entails, here is a simple guide from essentials to getting the job done.

Grab the Essentials

For a full list of suggested tools to detail your car like a pro, the DMV website is a great resource, but the essentials are listed below:

• A Vacuum Cleaner with multiple attachments - these are to get into the tiny crevices that you think no one will notice, but they will.
• Rags for different surfaces - Having a rag for wet and dry surfaces, along with one for whipping windows will help keep from pushing dust around.
• Cleaning Products - upholstery cleaner, carpet cleaner and all-purpose cleaner (for those pesky unknown stains).
• Q-tips, Cotton Swabs and Toothbrushes - for the tiny areas you won’t be able to get with a rag.
• A Can of Compressed Air - this is a bonus and can really come in handy for those small, hard-to-reach areas.

Getting Started

There are plenty of tips and tricks to help you get started, but don’t underestimate the power of a good deep clean. When you sell your car, whoever is buying it will want that “new car” feeling, even if it’s only new to them. There are a few things that are more important than others, though. Consumerreport.org gives a good description of what you need to do to better your chances of selling your vehicle:

• Clean the Cup Holders - Though it may seem trivial, this is one of the first things that your potential buyer looks at. Giving it a fresh look will help increase your chances of impressing the buyers.
• Get into the Corners - Even though you may not think the corners are a big deal, your potential buyer will. How you maintain the inside of your car can be perceived as how you well you keep the car maintained overall. So make sure you show them you took care of your car overall.
• Deep Clean the Fabrics - When inspecting a car to potentially purchase, buyers always look for imperfections in the upholstery. Getting rid of minor stains and making your car look spotless will help you big time.
• Do a Final Vacuum - Get the last few crumbs under the floor mat and anything else that you may have missed. One last vacuum could be the difference between a sale or not.

These are just a few ways to help better your odds at selling your vehicle and could be what helps you get closer to your next vehicle. If you don’t have time to detail your car yourself before putting it up for sale, you can always contact our service center and we can get the job done for you. To make an appointment, visit KuehnMotors.com.