The Details - January 2010 - An e-newsletter from Fresh Start Detail | Fresh Start Detail Co. | Beaverton OR

The Details – January 2010

January 2010 : Download the Print Version : Sweat Equity: Cleaning Up Pays Off : Someone You Should Know – Hodges & Hart, LLC, Certified Public Accountants : Fun Events / On Stage & Screen : January Special – Save 10% on Windshield Chip Repair

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Sweat Equity: Cleaning Up Pays Off

A Clean Car is Worth More When Trading In or Selling

This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in the May 2009 Consumer Reports Magazine.

Time well spent

A sparkling car has a higher perceived value and should fetch more cash at trade-in or when selling. Maintaining your car’s appearance is a big part of optimizing its resale value. Here are some tips to help you:

Wash often

Use car-wash soap only, since it is less likely to strip wax. Wash in cool shade or when it’s overcast; the surface should be cool so that it doesn’t dry quickly. Work in sections, to keep the soap from drying before you rinse. Use a chamois or microfiber cloth to prevent scratching when drying.

Wipe your wipers

Use window cleaner to keep your windshield wipers clean and keep them tight against your windshield. Replace the wipers twice a year.

Wax periodically

Wax you car a few times a year, especially in the spring and fall, to protect the paint from the sun and elements. Liquid and paste car waxes are more durable than spray products. Make sure the wax you use is safe for clearcoat finishes, now found on most cars.

Clean your wheels

Gently remove brake dust and tar by using a dedicated wheel cleaner and a sponge. Use a cleaner that’s labeled safe for use on all wheels.

Rub out scratches

Fine scratches can often be polished out. Scratches that expose the primer or metal must be repainted. You can use touch-up paint, but a professional should give the best results.

Tend to inside details

Clearing trash and cleaning filmy windows tackles only part of the job. Less obvious tasks such as cleaning dusty air vents go a long way toward making your ride more pleasant. Also clean buttons and switches because excessive grit can cause them to fail. An all-purpose household cleaner is all you need for hard surfaces; automotive vinyl cleaners leave a glossy residue that can create glare on top of the dashboard and make the steering wheel slippery. Use a cotton swab and a small paintbrush to clean in seams, vents, and other tight areas.

Clean your fabrics

Steam extraction machines work best for carpets and cloth upholstery. Leather surfaces need a dedicated leather cleaner. Follow up with leather conditioner. Vacuum last, since cleaning other areas often dislodges dirt.

Scrub under the hood

Wear gloves and eye protection, especially when working around the battery. Clean the battery with a stiff brush dipped in a mixture of water and baking soda, and pay special attention to corroded parts. Wash engine parts with soap and water or a degreasing cleaner. Keep water away from the air intake, fuse box, cable junctions, and any electrical connections.

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The Fresh Take…

The steps highlighted in this Consumer Reports article won’t turn back the clock for your vehicle, but they’ll make it more pleasant to drive and perhaps fetch you a better price when it comes time to sell.

Get those windshield chips fixed

A critical area that Consumer Reports didn’t cover in their piece, is windshield chips. This is a common problem at this time of year in the Northwest, when icy, winter weather requires sanding on the roads. A rock chip in your windshield may seem little more than a visual nuisance to you now, but without warning they can spread into huge cracks, especially during drastic temperature changes. A professional can inject a special resin into the chip that will prevent it from spreading and also make it look a little better. (Fresh Start Detail can help you with windshield chips – drop in if you need yours repaired!)

Someone You Should Know

Hodges & Hart, LLC, Certified Public Accountants

Fresh Start Detail has been a client of Hodges & Hart since 2001 and we’ve been nothing but satisfied. They always have our backs, and are very approachable and knowledgeable. If you’re looking for an outstanding CPA firm, we highly recommend Hodges & Hart, LLC

About Hodges & Hart

Hodges & Hart, LLC works with clients ranging from businesses and corporations to non-profits and individuals. Business clients are typically closely-held companies – from start-ups to going concerns – and the firm has experience in a wide variety of industries, including retail, service, wholesale, restaurants, manufacturing and non-profits.