Summer is in full swing, and for #carlovers, this is the perfect time to ensure your vehicle looks and performs its best. Hot temperatures, UV rays, and road trips can take a toll on your car. Here’s a few summer car care tips to keep your ride sparkling and in top shape throughout the season.
1. Pre-Wash Rinse
Before you dive into washing your car, start with a thorough pre-wash rinse. Use a hose with a spray nozzle to rinse off loose dirt and debris. This simple step helps prevent scratches that can occur when scrubbing the car. Nielsen Pre-Wash is specially formulated to achieve top quality results by safely starting to break down the tough grease, oil, road grime and bugs from your vehicles exterior whilst being kind to paintwork and trims.
If you regularly clean your vehicle, there may be occasions when you can skip the Pre-Wash stage and go straight to Snow Foam. Formulated for added cling with extended dwell time, Nielsen pH Neutral Snow Foam quickly softens and dissolves stubborn deposits and is safe on coated, sealed, and waxed vehicles.
2. Use a High-Quality Car Shampoo
Here at Nielsen, we care about the performance of our product both immediate and long term. This is why we created a pH balanced Cherry Shampoo that won’t strip away the protective wax or sealant on your car’s paint. Mix the shampoo according to the instructions and use a microfiber wash mitt to gently clean the surface.
3. The Two-Bucket Method
To minimize the risk of scratching, use the two-bucket method: one bucket for soapy water (Cherry Shampoo) and another for rinsing your wash mitt. This prevents dirt from going back onto your car’s surface.
4. Clean from Top to Bottom
Always start washing from the top of the car and work your way down. This ensures that dirt and grime don’t run down onto already cleaned areas, making your wash more efficient and effective.
5. Wheel and Tyre Care
Clean your wheels and tyres first to avoid splashing dirt onto freshly washed panels. You can tackle the wheels and tyres whilst your Snow Foam dwells. Use a dedicated wheel cleaner and a brush to tackle brake dust and grime. Finish with Nielsen Non Silicone Tyre Dressing to keep your tyres looking new and protected.
6. Drying
After washing, use a microfiber drying towel to dry your car. Pat the surface dry rather than dragging the towel across the paint to prevent scratches and swirl marks. Avoid air drying, which can lead to water spots.
7. Clay Bar Treatment
For a truly smooth finish, use a clay bar to remove embedded contaminants from the paint. This step is crucial for preparing the surface for polishing and waxing. Nielsen Quick Detailer is a super versatile product that has also been designed to work as a clay bar lubricant or a drying aid. Our Quick Detailer is safe on sealants, coatings and waxes. It quickly and effortlessly removes dust, grime, fingerprints and watermarks, leaving a smear and streak-free finish to your vehicle. Formulated to give a slick finish and enhance the gloss and shine of your paintwork.
8. Polish for Shine
Apply a car polish to enhance the shine of your paint and remove minor imperfections. Our Exhibition Polish is the perfect addition to give your car a showroom-quality finish. Its top-grade carnauba wax offers a high shine and long-lasting finish.
9. Wax or Sealant
Protect your hard work by applying a layer of wax or sealant. This provides a barrier against UV rays, road grime, and other contaminants. It also gives your car a glossy, smooth finish that can last for months. Don’t have a wax or sealant to hand? Don’t worry, our range of products are formulated for long lasting performance no matter the season.
10. Interior Clean
Don’t forget the interior! Vacuum thoroughly and use appropriate cleaners for different surfaces such as leather, plastic, and glass. Cleaning the inside of your windows and mirrors ensures clear visibility and a fresh look. Reach for our premium quality Nielsen Leather Maintainer | Nielsen Interior Cleaner | Nielsen Glass Cleaner to get the job done right!
11. Regular Maintenance
It can be hard to find the time to clean your vehicles thoroughly, so it’s best to routinely maintain your vehicle for long lasting care. Amidst your summer adventures, set time aside to follow up with regular car care, aim to wash your car at least once a fortnight. Regular washing prevents the build-up of contaminants that can damage your car’s paint and keeps your vehicle looking its best.
12. Final Touches
Finish your summer car care routine with a few final touches. Apply Nielsen Non Silicone Tyre Dressing to keep your tyres looking their best and check your fluid levels, including coolant, oil, and windscreen washer fluid, to ensure your car runs smoothly. Bring your Nielsen Quick Detailer for any last-minute touch ups on the go and Glass Cleaner to ensure you have a clear view of the road ahead.
By following these summer tips, you’ll keep your vehicle looking great and running efficiently all season long. Regular maintenance and the right products are key to preserving your car’s appearance and performance. Enjoy the open road this July, knowing your car is in top condition!
