When it comes to car maintenance, there’s not much more important than a Nissan oil change. It may seem like a small thing, but regular oil changes at the Nissan dealer are vital for keeping your car running its best for as long as possible.
Prevents Engine Damage
Engine oil has a critical task: it lubricates the moving parts of your engine. Old oil gets filled with dirt, debris, and other contaminants as it circulates through your engine. An oil change removes these impurities, allowing fresh oil to continue protecting your engine.
Enhances Fuel Efficiency
A well-lubricated engine runs more efficiently than one that is struggling with old, dirty oil. An efficient engine needs less fuel, meaning that you can save some money at the gas pump by changing your oil regularly.
Prolongs Vehicle Life
Regular maintenance, including oil changes, extends the life of your Nissan. Fresh oil helps lubricate your engine, cool its components, prevent rust and corrosion, and keep your seals and gaskets in good condition. This allows your engine to run well for much longer than it could otherwise.
Signs You’re Overdue for That Nissan Oil Change
Dark, Dirty Oil
Clean oil is typically a light amber color. Over time, as it accumulates particles from the engine, it thickens and gets darker. If you check your oil and notice that it’s dark and gritty, it’s time for a change.
Extra Engine Noise
The protective layer that oil provides between the moving parts of your engine reduces their friction. If your oil is too old, your engine might get noisier and even start to make a knocking sound. These noises indicate that your engine is beginning to get damaged from the lack of fresh oil.
Oil Change Light or Check Engine Light
If either one of these lights comes on, it’s a good idea to check your oil. Your check engine light may be triggered for a variety of reasons, so if it comes on it’s wise to get a professional diagnostic test performed.
Low Oil Levels
You should check your oil levels regularly, at least once a month. If your oil is consistently low, even after you add more, it’s a sign that your vehicle is either burning or leaking oil.
Visit Your Nissan Dealer for an Oil Change
Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your vehicle running at its best, and there’s no better place to have this service done than the dealership. Not only can we help you keep your oil fresh, but we can also perform a comprehensive check-up to look for other potential issues before they become major problems.
A little maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring your Nissan stays a reliable ride. Regular oil changes help keep your engine healthy and can even save you money in the long run by boosting your fuel efficiency and preventing expensive repairs. Call Granite Nissan to schedule your next service right away.
Jump-starting a car is a simple process that requires jumper cables and another vehicle with a functional battery. Below, your Nissan dealer tells you how to jump-start your vehicle safely to get back on the road quickly.
Tips From Your Nissan Dealer on How To Jump Start Your Car Safely
Find a Car With a Strong Battery
If your car doesn’t start, ask someone with a strong battery to help you jump-start it. Park the working car close to your vehicle, without the cars touching, so the cables can reach the batteries.
Turn off both vehicles, remove the keys from the ignition, and open both hoods to locate the batteries and identify each battery’s positive and negative terminals. The positive terminal is red and has a plus sign. The battery’s negative terminal is black and has a minus sign.
Connect the Red Clamps
Get your jumper cables out of the trunk. Attach the red clamp of the positive cable to your battery’s positive terminal. Connect the other red clamp to the positive battery terminal of the working car. Be careful not to let the clamps touch each other while making the connections.
Connect the Black Clamps
When connecting the negative cable, connect the black clamp to the negative terminal of the strong battery and the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface away from the battery on your vehicle. Make sure not to connect it to your own battery’s negative terminal, as this can lead to a fire under the hood.
Start the Working Car
Ensure that all clamps are securely connected and that the cables are not near any moving parts. Ask the driver with the functioning battery to start up and allow their vehicle to run for a few minutes. Start your car, and keep the key turned until the engine fully starts, as it may take a little longer than usual.
Remove the Cables in Reverse Order
With the engines of both cars running, remove the cables in reverse order. Disconnect the black negative clamp from your car’s unpainted metal surface and then the red positive clamp from your battery. Remove the red clamp from the other car’s battery and, finally, the black clamp. To ensure your battery is fully charged, drive your vehicle for at least twenty minutes before turning off the engine.
If your battery is weak, ask your Nissan technician to perform a battery test to determine if you need a new battery. If you have to jump-start your car, stop at Granite Nissan today. Our certified Nissan technicians will perform a battery test, and if you need a new battery, we will help you find a reliable one.
5 Reasons Drivers Love the 2024 Nissan Leaf
As the pioneer of electric vehicle technology, Nissan knows a thing or two about crafting affordable and appealing EVs. The 2024 Nissan Leaf carries on that legacy and proves that going electric doesn’t have to be a compromise. Here are the features you will experience firsthand when you visit your Nissan dealer to test-drive the 2024 Leaf.
From Your Nissan Dealer: 5 Reasons Drivers Love the 2024 Nissan Leaf
1. All-Electric Driving
Drivers enjoy the instant electric thrill of driving an all-electric vehicle. The instant torque from the Leaf’s electric motor delivers smooth, quiet, and exhilarating acceleration with no emissions. Rated at an impressive 121 MPGe in the city, this EV significantly cuts down on running costs compared to gas vehicles. Home charging adds to the convenience, allowing you to wake up to a full “tank” every morning.
2. Two Powerful Models
The 2024 Leaf is available in two well-equipped models that provide options for range and performance. The Leaf S features a 147-horsepower electric motor and a 40 kWh battery for solid performance and 149 miles of range. For more power and distance, the Leaf SV Plus boasts a 214-horsepower motor and a 62 kWh battery for 212 miles of range.
3. Spacious and Comfortable Cabin
Inside, the 2024 Leaf offers a surprisingly spacious cabin with seating for five adults. The rear seats provide ample legroom, while the front seats are adjustable and comfortable on long rides. Intuitive controls and vibrant digital displays make driving the 2024 Leaf a breeze.
When it’s time to haul cargo, the Leaf shines with its 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded, the Leaf provides cargo space of up to 30 cubes to haul gear and bulky items.
4. Connectivity at Your Fingertips
Drivers love the 2024 Leaf for its host of technology features. Smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows you to easily access apps, music, maps, and more. All models come with an 8-inch touchscreen and a customizable digital cluster display.
The touchscreen provides access to charging info, range, and other EV features. You can even remotely control the climate, lock doors, and more through the NissanConnect EV app. A six-speaker audio system is standard, with the option to upgrade to a seven-speaker Bose system.
5. Safety and Driver Assist Technologies
Nissan packs the 2024 Leaf with helpful driver assistance and safety technologies. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite provides features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The ProPILOT Assist system offers semi-autonomous driving capability to reduce stress.
With these exciting features, it’s easy to see why drivers are raving about the 2024 Leaf. Stop by Granite Nissan to test-drive the Leaf and experience these and more features.
Introducing the 2024 Nissan Frontier
If you’re looking for a pickup truck that offers ample towing power, a cozy cabin, superior maneuverability, and an affordable price, the 2024 Nissan Frontier was manufactured with you in mind. The Frontier’s quality and versatility have made it one of the most sought-after trucks at any Nissan dealer.
Your Nissan Dealer’s Top Ride: The 2024 Nissan Frontier
Engine Specs
The Frontier possesses a DOHC 3.8-liter engine with six cylinders and 24 valves. This engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the 4×2 pickup truck has rear-wheel drive. The Frontier gets a whopping 310 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 281 pound-per-feet of torque at 4,400 RPM.
Exterior
The base model Nissan Frontier has 16-inch styled steel wheels wrapped in 265/70R16 all-season tires. The truck boasts a superior body-on-frame construction to help the Frontier tackle any and all terrain, and the full-length ladder frame is fully boxed.
The upper and lower front bumpers are body-colored while the front grille, rear bumper, door handles, and side-view mirrors are black. The base model’s cargo bed is 73.3 inches long, 61.4 inches wide, and 19.4 inches deep.
Interior
All 2024 Frontier models come equipped with the Remote Keyless Entry system and the push-button starter. There is seating for four people inside the cabin. The driver’s and front passenger’s seats are six-way and four-way adjustable respectively, and the second row has two forward-facing flip-up seats.
The front seating area has 39.7 inches of headroom, 42.3 inches of legroom, 54.3 inches of hip room, and 58.2 inches of shoulder room. The rear seating area has 36.6 inches of headroom, 26.2 inches of legroom, 52.2 inches of hip room, and 52.4 inches of shoulder room.
Safety and Stability Features
All Frontier models for the coming year are manufactured with zone body construction. This includes crumple zones in the front and rear of the truck that are designed to absorb the impact from a collision. The 2024 Frontier has a Hill Start Assist program, a Traction Control system with Vehicle Dynamic Control, a Trailer Sway program, and an Active Brake Limited Slip program.
Optional Packages
The Frontier already boasts an abundance of standard safety features, but you can choose to add on the Technology Package for even more driver assistance programs. This bundle includes a High Beam Assist that can detect other vehicles on the road and dim the high beams on its own, the Rear Sonar system that alerts you of possible collision objects behind your Frontier’s rear bumper, and the Blind Spot Warning Program.
The Frontier’s sheer amount of desirable standard features is only part of what makes it stand out from the other mid-sized pickup trucks in its vehicle class. To see the full extent of what makes this ride so unique, visit us as soon as possible here at Granite Nissan.
3 Features of the 2024 Nissan Altima
As one of the most popular family sedans in the United States, the 2024 Nissan Altima brings together everything you need to travel around with your loved ones in a safe, comfortable, and efficient way. Here are some of the key features that will make you want to visit your local Nissan dealer and check out the 2024 Altima.
Contact Your Trusted Nissan Dealer and Explore These 3 Features of the 2024 Nissan Altima
Efficient and Responsive Engine
The 2024 Altima offers customers a choice between two powertrain configurations. Base models are equipped with a 2.5L direct-injection four-cylinder unit that delivers 188 horsepower and 180 pounds of torque. Those looking for some extra power can opt for the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which offers 248 horsepower and 273 pounds of torque.
If you are searching for a vehicle that keeps your fuel expenses low while commuting in the city or heading out on a road trip, the 2024 Altima is a fantastic choice. Models equipped with the 188-horsepower powertrain boast EPA ratings of 27 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 39 mpg on the highway. The 248-horsepower unit, on the other hand, delivers 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Spacious and Comfortable Cabin
Having been in the market for over 30 years, the Nissan Altima has become a true symbol of the American family sedan, prioritizing comfort, practicality, and durability. The interior of the 2024 Altima features resistant and high-quality materials, as well as a clever and straightforward layout with plenty of storage room and comfortable seating. All models offer 43.8 inches of legroom in the front seats and 35.2 inches in the rear row.
Another key element behind the growing popularity of the 2024 Altima among American drivers is the suite of standard and optional features designed to keep all passengers comfortable. Some of these elements include dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40-split fold-down rear row, heated steering wheel, and rear reading lights.
Cutting-Edge Safety Technology
When it comes to safety and driver-assist technologies, the 2024 Altima stands out from its competitors, offering class-leading systems commonly found in higher-end models. All trim levels are equipped with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic front braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous drive mode is available as an optional feature.
If you can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the 2024 Altima and explore its extraordinary features on the road, you’ve come to the right spot. Pick up the phone, give us a call at Granite Nissan, schedule a meeting with our expert colleagues, and take your favorite Nissan model on a test drive.
There’s nothing worse than being in a rush in the morning and going outside to your vehicle to find that it is frosted over and covered in snow, forcing you to clear it off so you can see during your commute. Luckily, garages exist so that we can avoid this unfortunate scenario. Besides the obvious reasons to keep your vehicle stored in a garage, there are several factors to the importance of storing your car in a garage, including:
1. Basic protection for the paint. Hail, wind, sun, bird droppings etc.
2. Keeping the vehicle inside allows the engine oil to cool down slowly.
3. There will be less chance of pipes freezing or getting damaged in the cool weather.
4. Wipers have a less chance of going brittle, from not being exposed to the harsh elements.
5. Engine oil is more reliable when better maintained and will do an enhanced job of lubricating your engine when kept at regular temperatures.
6. Your transition from the house to the car will be more enjoyable.
7. Save minutes and stress each morning not having to scrape your car windows!
If all else fails and you do not have a garage, one of the best ways to protect your car is to purchase a cover. Car covers are an efficient way to aid in preventing scratches and discoloration to your car. Keeping your vehicle in a garage or covered is sure fire way to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle!
Check back regularly for more tips on keeping your vehicle looking and running great for years to come!
Despite the strides in female representation in virtually all other industries, the statistics regarding women working in the automotive dealership industry are bleak. While research shows that women comprise 62% of car buyers, only around 7% of dealership jobs are held by females. And, if you look at the number of women in management positions at dealerships, that number plummets to below 5%. Even in 2023, dealerships continue to be a male-dominated workplace across the United States.
Granite Automotive’s new owner, Terishka Franco, aims to change that.
“I’ve been in [the automotive] industry for 40 years, and it’s changed very little,” Franco explained. “And, if females do work at a dealership, they’re often receptionists or work in the office. They very rarely have sales, service, or management roles.”
In 2023, Franco, along with business partners Sam and Ray Agha, made the decision to buy Granite Automotive after Ross McKie, whose family owned the dealership for over 40 years, opted to step down and sell the business.
As part of her new role, Franco will work on location to oversee all operations at both of Granite Automotive’s dealerships: Granite Buick GMC and Granite Nissan. Since her arrival, Franco has exuded a tenacity and calm demeanor that has resulted in a smooth transition for both her and Granite’s employees. However, Franco has faced many obstacles on her path to becoming one of less than 100 women owners of car dealerships in the United States.
Starting Up the Ladder
Terishka Franco got her first taste of the dealership world at the age of 15 in Kalispell, MT. At the time, Franco was in high school and worked at a bank, where she often assisted with the titling process for a Toyota dealership. During her time at the bank, she streamlined the process, turning an hours-long ordeal into a five-minute task.
After observing her ingenuity and problem-solving skills, the owner of the dealership, Dugan, offered Franco a management position in his finance department, which she accepted.
Over her three years of employment, Dugan became her mentor, showing her the ins and outs of how to successfully run a dealership. Her hard work resulted in the small Montana dealership becoming one of the top Toyota dealers in the entire Western region, beating out dealerships located in large metro areas such as Los Angeles and Seattle. She was invited to share her expertise in customer service at a week-long dealership seminar in California.
When she returned to the office on Monday morning, Franco was in tears. “Dugan laughed and asked me if I got a job offer,” she recalled. “I told him I got five.”
The recent high school graduate was considering college at the time, especially after receiving a scholarship. But at that point, she was already making more in the car business than many of her friend’s parents. Dugan eventually convinced her to continue her career in the automotive industry and helped her choose the best out of the five job offers, an auto group located in San Francisco, CA.
Although she was only 18 years old and had never been to San Francisco, Franco was ready for her new venture. She packed up her bags, loaded up her car, and headed to California.
Overcoming Adversity
In San Francisco, Franco settled into her role of Finance Director of five stores. Still a teenager, she was now in charge of a group of all men, many of them her parents’ age. It was then that she really experienced the discrimination of being a woman in the auto industry.
“I was managing 40-year-old men who thought they knew it all, and all of a sudden I come in and ruffle up their world because I had a different way of doing things,” she said. “I would call Dugan crying, and he would tell me ‘You gotta stick it out kiddo. You know your stuff. Don’t let anyone get in your head.’”
“I had people come after me personally, professionally,” Franco continued. “It’s hard to not let people get to you, especially people who are jealous and threatened.”
Despite the hardships, she never gave up. At 23 years old, she was promoted to Vice President of the auto group and oversaw the operations of all the group’s stores.
Witnessing Franco’s commitment to learning the auto industry and her vast potential, the president of the auto group sent her to a General Motor’s university program. As part of the program, she held every dealership position, from front desk to the service department, for at least six months. This experience was crucial to her future success. “It set me up to becoming the owner of a dealership long before I even thought about being a dealer,” she said.
Franco’s career was on the fast track and the possibilities were endless. Then she had her first child, and, all of a sudden, her perspective and priorities changed.
Making the Hard Decisions
A new mother, Franco was still putting in long hours in her executive role. After a year, she was still putting in 15-hour days and working seven days a week. She had three caregivers for her son and was having a hard time not spending more time with him. Unlike her male peers, many of which had stay-at-home wives to care for the family, Franco was struggling to solely handle all aspects of her life.
“To me, it was unfair because I felt that I had to choose between being a mom and my career. I worked so hard to get where I was. In the end, there was no choice – my son needed me. I couldn’t keep working those kinds of hours,” she explained.
A co-worker connected Franco with one of the dealer group’s vendors, and she accepted a position. Now working on the opposite side of the auto industry, Franco was working fewer hours and making less money, but was able to achieve the stability she needed to raise her son.
Although her new boss was a female, Jill, who also became a trusted mentor, Franco quickly realized that it was very male dominated on the auto industry’s vendor side as well. “I was up against men, everywhere I went. Managing men much older than me with more experience than me, that doubted my expertise and ability.”
Nevertheless, Franco continued to excel. In her new position, she evaluated struggling dealerships and determined if they were able to recover, or if their franchise should be closed. Her experience working in every aspect of a dealership made it easy for her to identify issues and create plans to fix them. She helped dealers grow their business, buy businesses, sell business, get profitable, and navigate through problems.
“I did that for over 28 years,” Franco remembers, “And that’s where I was when I met Sam.”
New Horizons
When Franco started working for Sam, she not only had expertise in running a store, but she also had marketing and business experience on the manufacturing side as well. Sam Agha recognized this, telling Franco, “You have helped so many dealers become millionaires or increase their millions. You should put that skillset to work for you. If you do well as an employee, imagine what you will do as an owner.”
“I always came close to being an owner. It was always the next step, but a man would always be chosen,” she said.
When Franco and the Aghas came across the opportunity to buy Granite Automotive, they grabbed it. At the time, Sam and Terishka were running a dealership in Los Angeles, CA, and were experiencing high turnover and other issues that go along with managing a dealership in a large metro area. They liked the fact that Granite Automotive was located in a more rural setting and maintained the family-owned, small-town feel that could not be found in California.
Franco’s appreciation for Granite solidified when she first sat down with the dealership’s executive management team and looked around the table. “I realized we are all women! We stepped into that, we didn’t create that. And I’m very proud of it.”
The Future of Auto is Female
As a female auto dealership owner, Franco hopes to bring more women into the industry. “I’m going to broadcast loudly that Granite Automotive is a female-run operation,” she exclaimed.
One way she hopes to achieve her goal is to partner with area schools to encourage more females to choose automotive careers. “I don’t think that women think of [automotive careers]. I want to show that it possible for females to get far in the industry.”
“I’m all about leadership and women empowerment,” she continued. “I realized out of the gate when I was 15 years old that I’m in a male-dominated career, but I really liked it and was good at it. So, I was either going to continue in my career that I loved, or I was going to let men dictate that I wasn’t welcome. I chose the former.”
Granite Automotive Group in Rapid City is celebrating their new ownership by inviting the public to a grand re-opening event on Friday, August 18th at the Granite dealership locations on East Mall Drive.
The festivities kick off at 10am and feature plenty of activities for all ages. Derby cars will be on display starting at 10am, with derby drivers on hand to sign autographs. Nugget from the Rapid City Rush is slated to make an appearance from 11am – 12:30pm. The celebration also includes a dunk tank benefiting JourneyOn, face painting, and a bouncy house to round out the fun. Food trucks will be in attendance from 11am – 2pm, with Mercy’s Tacos, Patas Azules, and Gilligan’s Shaved Ice Paradise serving up a variety of delicious options.
Door prizes will be awarded every hour from 11am – 2pm, with prizes including fair passes and entries to Reptile Gardens. Must be present to win. Those that purchase a car on August 18th will also have the opportunity to play Plinko or Spin the Prize Wheel for the chance to win additional prizes.
The celebration continues on Saturday, August 19th with Billy Q’s breakfast starting at 8am.
Granite Automotive Group acquired new owners in May 2023 after over 40 years of ownership by the McKie family. New owners Sam Agha, Ray Agha, and Terishka Franco are excited to bring their dealership expertise to Rapid City while still honoring the legacy of the McKie family.
“It’s been an easy transition because we’ve kept the true core of the business. We’ve kept all of the employees, which was important, as well as the name,” Franco explained. “It’s the McKie legacy and it’s important for us to honor that and keep moving forward.”
For Granite’s new ownership team, moving forward means providing the dealership’s current team with the training tools they need to develop their skills and grow as leaders. “We’re fortunate that we have such great people to work with,” Franco said.
Celebrate this promising new beginning for Granite Automotive Group on Friday, August 18th at Granite Buick GMC at 2454 East Mall Drive and Granite Nissan at 2626 East Mall Drive.
About Granite Automotive Group
Granite Automotive Group, LLC, is Rapid City’s premier auto dealership, providing a robust inventory of used and new vehicles. They also offer a service department that is staffed by certified technicians, providing all vehicle servicing needs from routine maintenance to extensive repairs.
Granite offers an experience unlike any other dealership, with a waiting room boasting complimentary Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, premier coffee, fruit, and freshly made popcorn. There are also a children’s play area and a putting green to stay entertained during the wait.
Granite Automotive Group is proud to provide unbeatable service, a wide selection, and exclusive amenities to make purchasing and servicing your vehicle a truly hassle-free experience.
Top 10 Factors in Choosing a Vehicle Model
How do buyers choose to drive a specific vehicle model? While the right price point is certainly a factor, the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study indicates that other aspects weigh just as heavily. Why do we choose to drive what we do? Here are the top 10 reasons: 1. Reliability and Durability. For 3 consecutive years, reliability and durability are the most common reasons for selecting a particular model. 2. Interior Comfort. A relaxed ride is the second-most-frequently cited reason in vehicle selection. 3. Exterior Styling. Sometimes, appearance really does matter. In recent years, exterior styling has increased in importance among new vehicle buyers. 4. Fuel Economy. Of course, gas mileage is always a factor, especially in recent years during which it’s taken on a new level of importance. 5. Quality of Workmanship. This factor has actually fallen since 2010, and is tied in fourth place with fuel economy. 6. Dealer Satisfaction. People buy from people they like, which we see every day at Granite Automotive. Buyers generally prefer to shop locally, choose to do business with a convenient dealer, and say they’d rather buy from someone they like than someone who has the best deal. 7. Performance. This element has consistently held the 7th spot in deciding factors. 8. Advanced Technology. During the past 3 years, technology has risen from the 10th spot to the 8th spot, meaning that buyers truly care about innovative advancements. 9. Image. Purchasing a specific make and model because of the image it portrays ties with technology as the eighth most cited factor. 10. Safety. Safety declined in importance, though we feel this consideration is just as important as a vehicle’s comfort levels, image, or tech gadgets. Selecting your next vehicle is a highly personal, important decision. You should consider the factors that mean the most to you, and prioritize a list of must-haves before you start your search. At Granite Automotive we are proud to carry vehicles that meet all of these standards, and are excited to find the make and model that fulfills each of your needs. |
The appearance of your vehicle speaks volumes about who you are as a person. In that case, what is your car currently broadcasting about you to your fellow drivers on the road? Does it boast of a put-together person with attention to detail, self-respect, and pride? Or does it scream of a slovenly someone who is negligent and sloppy??
With little regard for year, make, or model, most car owners choose to take pride in one of the bigger purchases ever made and greater possessions ever owned. That’s why you’ll always see a long line of cars at the local car wash on clear and sunny days that follow an onslaught of rain, mud, and snow.
However, there are many who choose to avoid the long lines and wait times when it comes to car washing. Some car owners prefer to entrust the condition of their prized vehicle’s chrome and paint to their own two hands, enjoying the simple pleasure of soaping and rinsing with a bucket and hose in the comfort of their own driveway. All too often, taking the time and care to hand-wash the exterior of your vehicle is a “pride thing.”
For all you proud and passionate self-washers out there, here are some do-it-yourself steps for preventing paint damage and making your ride shine like new:
- Limit exposure to sun. In the late spring, summer, and early fall, exposure to UV rays is the surest and quickest way to see paint color fade. If a garage isn’t available, look for a shaded area in front of your home, outside of the office, or in the parking lot.
- Remove ruinous elements as you find them. The following nuisances are unsightly when it comes to the overall appearance of your car, but they’re also damaging to you paint job: alkaline ash from wildfires, tree sap residue, accidental gasoline drips, acidic coffee and soda, bird droppings, and bug splatter. As soon as you notice any of the above, make sure removal is immediate (or as soon as humanly possible).
- Wash thoroughly once a week. Don’t wait until the dirt has accumulated and the kids have finger-traced “Wash Me” across every available, sooty surface. Make the maintenance of your vehicle’s exterior a part of your weekly routine, right up there with laundry and dishwashing.
- Use specially formulated car-washing products. Household cleaners, such as soaps and detergents, can damage your protective wax. Always check that the cleaner you intend to use has been formulated for the finish. You will most likely want to purchase different cleaners for exterior paint and chrome wheels.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning cloths and hand motions. To prevent unsightly scratches in your paint, use a soft, natural sponge or lamb’s wool mitt in a lateral motion across the panels of your car. Don’t spread and scrub soap and water in a circular motion, and don’t apply a sponge, mitt, or cloth to your finish if it has been on the ground. Sponges that have hit the deck often pick up dirt and small rocks that can scratch up a pretty paint job.
- Rinse thoroughly. Use a clean bucket of water, and take care not to leave any soapy residue. If you rinse directly from the hose, remove any nozzles and let a low-pressure stream of clear water rinse from top to bottom.
- Dry with soft towels. Water that lingers and pools on the panels of your car can leave permanent water spots. Never let your car air dry. Use a squeegee and a chamois or terry towel for a quick and easy drying process.
If you care about your car’s appearance, keeping the exterior clean and protected should be an ongoing effort—not a reactive, “once-in-awhile” task. After all, you schedule regular oil changes and tune-ups to extend the life of your vehicle’s interior elements—surely your paint job and chrome wheels deserve the same!
If you don’t mind that your car is showing signs of “getting on in age,” then by all means, let random strangers in the Wal-Mart parking lot remind you of your car-washing duties with a well-meaning memo scratched into the dust on your bumper. Or…
Take some pride. Have some self-respect. Keep that paint job both pretty and protected.
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