Vehicles today are probably the second highest investment a person will make, next to their home. With so much invested it makes good sense to properly take care of that investment. By keeping the vehicle looking good, and running good, it will increase it's re-sell value when that time comes. Maintaining a vehicle properly will pay off in the long run.

Vehicles today are painted with a base coat/clear coat system. The actual color is protected by a catalyzed clear coat. This paint system does offer more protection than older paint systems that had no clear coat protection. However, the clear coat needs protection as well. The best way to protect the clear coat is to keep it cleaned and waxed on a regular basis.

The first step is washing the vehicle. The vehicle should never be washed in high heat situations. If you can lay the back of your hand on the hood and your hand burns somewhat, you need to cool the vehicles metal down by moving the vehicle into the shade or a garage. Once the vehicle has cooled it is okay to wash. You don't want to wash a hot vehicle because the soap will dry before it can be rinsed. There are many brands of car wash soap on the market. Choose the one that best fits your needs. Once the vehicle has been washed it needs to be dried or wiped down. Water in many areas has chemicals in it. Left sitting on the vehicle the water will spot the finish. This looks as bad as dirt and harder to remove. To dry the vehicle use a chamois or terry cloth towel. Always make sure what you use is clean, very clean. Clear coats are easily scratched by a tiny grain of sand or dirt in a towel.

Now that the vehicle is clean it is ready for wax. Remember the hot metal test. It's even more important now. Never apply wax to hot metal. Even on a sunny 80 degree day, the hood, roof and trunk panels could be too hot to accept wax. If wax is applied to a surface that's too hot, it will basically burn itself into the finish. You will never be able to remove it. If the vehicle is cool enough to wax, apply the recommended amount of wax. it's best to work partial areas of the vehicle. Please do not wax the entire vehicle then ride around town for a full day before trying to remove the wax. Once whatever brand you are using turns to a dull finish, it is ready to be removed. It has done it's job. The belief that the longer it stays on the more shine it will create is bogus.There are several great brands of both paste and liquid waxes I would recommend but none will be mentioned here. I don't get endorsements, yet.

After you have completely waxed the entire vehicle, go back and detail the entire vehicle, making sure to remove any wax residue that may be under moldings or on door and fender edges. Always, always, use soft, clean clothes for waxing as well as detailing.

There are other products made to compliment wax when detailing a vehicle. Black-out or re-blacking compounds for mirrors and bumper covers are a great product in keeping that new look on vehicle parts. Tire and wheel cleaners to keep the tires black and shiny and wheels bright and clean.

If you follow these simple steps in keeping your vehicle clean and protected, when you trade it in, or sell it, you will be rewarded.