MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Your car says a lot
about you. That's why many hard-core car enthusiasts would think nothing of
spending an entire afternoon -- or even an entire weekend -- detailing their
vehicles.
But protecting your investment doesn't require an entire day in the
driveway. With all of the latest car care products at AutoZone, it's never
been easier to make your car look great. New microfiber items and products
with built-in applicators can help produce superior results and save you time,
too. Regardless of how detailed you want to get, you'll find everything you
need to clean, shine and protect your car, inside and out, at your local
AutoZone.
Here are some basic detailing steps from AutoZone that can help make you
proud of your car's appearance:
The wheels.
Tools needed: wheel cleaner, soft-bristled brush, small detailing brush,
water hose.
Before spraying wheel cleaner, make sure wheels are cool and dry. Clean
one wheel at a time. Spray wheel cleaner on the wheel and allow to soak in for
one minute. Scrub stubborn stains with the brush, and use the detailing brush
to get between tight areas. Wash the tires too, but save the detailing for
later. Rinse thoroughly.
The debugging process.
Tools needed: bug & tar remover, glass cleaner, sponge, shop towels.
Trying to scrub off bug residue using car wash and a wash mitt does more
harm than good because you're likely to scratch the finish. Use a bug and tar
remover to dissolve messes like bugs, tar, tree sap, and sticky road grime
without scrubbing. Next, clean the exterior glass, windows, headlights, and
fog lights with glass cleaner.
The wash cycle.
Tools needed: car wash, wash mitt or sponge, bucket, chamois.
Park the car in a cool, shady location to prevent spotting. Wash and rinse
one section of the vehicle at a time, working from the top down. Dry the
entire vehicle immediately after washing. AutoZone has many products besides
the traditional chamois that can make the drying process even easier.
Tip: Never use dishwashing soap to clean your vehicle; its grease-cutting
properties will strip the wax from your car's finish. Also, change the water
in your wash bucket and rinse your wash mitt frequently to avoid scratching
the paint.
The wax job.
Tools needed: Pre-wax cleaner, liquid or paste wax, applicator pads, clean
terry towel, or buffer.
Before waxing your car, always use a pre-wax cleaner. Some of these
products come with a clay bar, which helps remove old wax and dirt imbedded in
the clear coat. Next, add a thin coat of wax, one section of the car at a
time, and then buff it out before moving to the next section.
Tip: Liquid waxes are usually easier to apply, but paste waxes tend to
last longer.
The tires and trim.
Tools needed: Tire shine, applicator pads.
Many tire protectants can be sprayed directly on the tires, but many car
enthusiasts have found that using an applicator pad helps to minimize
overspray and helps ensure even coverage.
The inside job.
Tools needed: stiff-bristled brush, wet/dry automotive or shop vacuum,
carpet cleaner, upholstery cleaner, protectant, glass cleaner, shop towels.
Remove the floor mats and clean them first. If the mats are carpeted,
loosen ground-in dirt with a stiff nylon brush, then follow with a carpet
cleaner and vacuum. Clean the carpets in the same manner.
Clean your interior glass and mirrors with glass cleaner (not a multi-
purpose cleaner).
Finally, clean the upholstery, dashboard and interior trim, then follow
with a protectant.
Tip: Do not use cleaners and protectants designed for vinyl interior on
leather surfaces. AutoZone has a full line of cleaners and protectants
specifically for leather interiors.
The final touch.
Examine the vehicle lengthwise at all angles, checking for swirl marks,
water spots, or places you may have missed earlier. Check all glass surfaces
inside and out for streaks. It's also a good idea to apply a glass treatment
to your windshield to improve visibility during rainy weather.
For more tips on detailing, plus lots of advice on keeping your car
running great, stop by your local AutoZone store, or visit us on the web at
http://www.autozone.com.
About AutoZone:
As of May 7, 2005, AutoZone (NYSE: AZO) sells auto and light truck parts,
chemicals and accessories through 3,505 AutoZone stores in 48 states plus the
District of Columbia in the U.S. and 73 AutoZone stores in Mexico and also
sells the ALLDATA brand diagnostic and repair software. On the web, AutoZone
sells diagnostic and repair information and auto and light truck parts through
http://www.autozone.com.
SOURCE AutoZone, Inc.
-0- 07/22/2005
/CONTACT: Media, Ray Pohlman, +1-901-495-7962, or
ray.pohlman@autozone.com, or Financial, Brian Campbell, +1-901-495-7005, or
brian.campbell@autozone.com, both of AutoZone, Inc./
/Web site: http://www.autozone.com/
(AZO)
CO: AutoZone, Inc.
ST: Tennessee
IN: AUT REA
SU:
CT-JK
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1356 07/22/2005 11:16 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com