Car care

Our list of top tips

Here is our list of top tips for various car care applications:

Tree resin

Tree resin causes dark brown and yellow stains; it must be removed quickly to avoid permanent damage to paint finishes. We recommend using a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning agent designed specifically for painted surfaces, glass panels, chrome surfaces and plastic surfaces.

Convertible top care

To avoid damaging soft or hard convertible tops, only suitable cleaning agents should be used. Cleaning agents that are too harsh can damage the protective coating on the convertible top. It is vital to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use! Depending on the type of cleaning agent used, convertibles can even be cleaned using mains-powered or battery-powered units featuring textile brushes or at self-service "SB boxes". However, automatic car washes are not suitable for convertible tops. Hot wax must not be used. If you use a mains-powered or battery-powered unit to wash a car with a convertible top, compliance with the manufacturer's instructions for use is just as vital!

Cleaning wheel rims

Today's cleaners for wheel rims gently remove all traces of the most stubborn road grime and brake dust that has become sticky due to mixing with oil. Aggressive cleaners can cause wheel bolts and other metallic surfaces to corrode. Therefore, we recommend using a cleaning agent that does not contain acid. The best way to proceed is to spray the wheel rim with the cleaning agent and then use a soft brush or a sponge to remove stubborn dirt. Finally, rinse the wheels thoroughly with water.

Sealing wheel rims

Sealing wheel rims is certainly to be recommended – the conventional method is to use hard wax or a special nano-based wheel rim sealer. This will reduce the incidence of stubborn dirt on the wheel rims – making cleaning much easier.

Frost protection

At cold times of the year, only a winter washer fluid with frost protection will be able to remove oil, grime, salt and other typical seasonal soiling with just a few squirts of fluid and wipes of the blades. Check that the product you choose will stop the nozzles icing over and the washer fluid freezing on the window glass, and that it is suitable for fan nozzles. Important: Poor quality products can cause stress cracks in paint and headlight lenses.

Odour neutralisation

Unpleasant odours (household pets or nicotine, for example) can be encapsulated and neutralised with chemical substances. We recommend using a spray that not only disguises but also neutralises unpleasant odours and is slightly perfumed to create a pleasant and fresh smell that lasts. Companies specialising in this field can also provide ozone treatment to get rid of odours.

Glass cleaners

Car windows should be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis for a clear view. A streak-free cleaning agent that will quickly rid windows and headlights of all traces of insects, dirt, exhaust residue and nicotine is the best solution. The inside of windows and the mirror should also be cleaned regularly to remove nicotine deposits and layers of grease.

Rubber care

Regular cleaning of rubber strips or door seals will stop them becoming brittle and unsightly. Door rubbers will freeze in winter if they are not given special treatment. A good rubber cleaner will clean and protect all rubber parts of a car, keep them flexible, prolong their service life and refresh their colour. Even tyres and floor mats can be cleaned with ease with a good rubber cleaner and their fresh appearance restored.

Hard wax

Hard wax is the best way to preserve paint finishes and restore their shine. The latest generation of products is based on a recipe using super-fine nano particles. The fine wax particles, which are approximately 1000 times smaller than human hair, are very easy to work into the paint pores of all colour and metallic paint finishes. The fine structure of the wax particles means that the product can even be worked into the very densely meshed surface of scratch-resistant paints with relatively little effort.

Hot wax

The shelf life of the hot wax used in most car washes to preserve paint finishes is very short. A better solution is to use an active hard wax sealer after washing for long-term protection and a shiny appearance.

Cavity sealant

Rust from the inside can be prevented by using a special preservation product. Above all, the product selected must have an outstanding ability to penetrate so that it can get into even the tightest of angles, eliminate moisture and thus provide the best possible protection for narrow gaps, rebates and weld seams. To protect the environment, products that do not contain bitumen and are wax-based, for example, should be favoured.

Insects

Insect residue will damage paint finishes. Serious damage to paint finishes can be caused especially in sunlight if insect residue is not removed within a short period of time. A suitable insect remover will rid glass, paint, chrome and plastic of residue quickly and easily. Good flow properties are important, so that even dried-on stains can be broken down without damaging the surface. Products of this nature will remove residue quickly and gently.

Corrosion protection

The underbody and cavities in particular need to be well protected against damp, salt and aggressive influences. The right underbody protection will provide long-term protection for vehicle underbodies, the undersides of wings, wheel wells, car doors, edges and seams against rust and corrosion. As well as being abrasion-proof, the protection should remain flexible and be resistant to cold, heat, salt and spray water.

Paint care

Paintwork is constantly exposed to the damaging influences present in the environment. Sunlight, exhaust gases, acid rain, road salt and pollen are just some of the factors that can contribute to vehicle paintwork starting to look "old". Regular care and protection of paintwork will delay this ageing process so that the vehicle will once again "shine like a new pin".

Polishing paintwork

Depending on its condition, paintwork might have to be treated with products that contain hard wax for protection and shine or buffing ingredients for a glossy surface finish. According to requirements, care products are available for both paintwork that is in mint condition and paintwork that has undergone thorough cleaning. Other products can make paintwork that has lost its original sheen look as good as new. For paintwork that is very weather-beaten, a care product that will hide fogging and fine scratches is recommended.

Paintwork protection

There is no better protection for paintwork than hard wax. The latest generation of products is based on a recipe using super-fine nano particles. The fine wax particles, which are approximately 1000 times smaller than human hair, are very easy to work into the paint pores of all colour and metallic paint finishes. The fine structure of the wax particles means that the product can even be worked into the very densely meshed surface of scratch-resistant paints with relatively little effort. The shelf life of the hot wax used in most car washes to preserve paint finishes is very short. If wax from a car wash has to be used, an active hard wax sealer is a better solution, as it provides long-term protection and will lend the car a shiny appearance.

Leather care

Regular care and cleaning of all leather parts in the vehicle will prolong service life. As car seats in particular are subject to high levels of stress, it is important not only to clean the leather but also to use an appropriate care product to keep it supple. A care product that contains beeswax for long-term protection, for example, is also to be recommended. Make sure that the foam is suitable for vehicles with heated seats and perforated leather surfaces.

Engine cleaning

Oil and grease stains can be removed quickly and easily by spraying with an engine cleaner or cold cleaner. Thanks to its excellent ability to penetrate, the cleaner can even reach areas which are difficult to access.

Cleaning of upholstery and Alcantara

A cleaning agent which will both gently remove stains and neutralise unpleasant odours is recommended for Alcantara and upholstery covers.

Glass cleaning

Car windows should be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis for a clear view. A streak-free cleaning agent that will quickly rid windows and headlights of all traces of dirt and exhaust residue is the best solution. The specific properties required of the cleaning agent will vary depending on the time of year. Between spring and autumn it is important that the cleaning agent is good at removing insects. In winter, the primary consideration is frost protection so that even at temperatures below zero, oil, grime, salt and other typical seasonal soiling can be removed with just a few wipes of the blades. Check that the product you choose will stop the nozzles icing over and the washer fluid freezing on the window glass, and that it is suitable for fan nozzles. Important: Poor quality products can cause stress cracks in paint and headlight lenses. The inside of windows and the mirror should also be cleaned regularly to remove nicotine deposits and layers of grease.

Rapid protection

High-quality carnauba wax, for example, is capable of lightning-fast sealing of new paintwork and paintwork that is in mint condition. It will lend a glossy appearance and provide protection lasting many weeks. The ease with which it can be applied is a real delight, as there is no need to wear yourself out polishing the paintwork! Carnauba wax can also be used for the care of plastic and rubber parts.

Damage caused by stone chips

Damage caused by stone chips compromises protection of the car body and creates weak points for the formation of rust. A matching colour pen (available in a variety of colours) can be used to cover stone chips and deep scratches in paintwork with coloured wax pigments. A perfectly matched wax combination provides effective protection for the car body against rust. Damage caused by stone chips can be rectified by patching up the paintwork (spot coating, for example).

Carpet cleaning

When cleaning carpets, a stiff brush should be used to loosen and remove deep-seated dirt. For basic (deep) cleaning, the use of an interior car cleaner is recommended (the use of plenty of water will ensure that even deep-seated stains are removed). After this the carpets are wiped dry and should be allowed to air so that moisture does not remain inside the vehicle. A wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner is the ideal tool for this type of task.

Protectants

Plastic and rubber parts in the vehicle can be cleaned, cared for and protected with high-quality care emulsions. The care emulsion penetrates deep into the surface and takes effect from within. Some products also have an anti-static effect, freshen up the colour and create a pleasant odour.

Underbody protection

The underbody and cavities in particular need to be well protected against damp, salt and aggressive influences. The right underbody protection will provide long-term protection for vehicle underbodies, the undersides of wings, wheel wells, car doors, edges and seams against rust and corrosion. As well as being abrasion-proof, the protection should remain flexible and be resistant to cold, heat, salt and spray water.

Bird droppings

Bird droppings damage paintwork. The surface swells up and cracks form. For this reason, soiling caused by bird droppings should always be removed as quickly as possible. We recommend using a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning agent designed specifically for painted surfaces, glass panels, chrome surfaces and plastic surfaces.

Wax deposits on window glass

Residue from hot wax sealing in car washes can smear window glass. We recommend using a cleaning cloth for window class to clean window glass and wiper blades.

Winter care

In winter, the weather is your car's most dangerous enemy. Washing your car regularly to remove salt residue and other sources of soiling is therefore recommended. At this time of the year, it is particularly important that paintwork is sealed to prevent moisture and aggressive substances causing damage to the car body. Furthermore, window washer systems must be in perfect working order for clear view of the road. They should be filled with winter washer fluid.