You want to buy a new car. You hate your old one, it’s looking a bit shabby, and it’s beginning to be a bit of an embarrassment to you. But there’s a problem – you can’t afford a new one.
So in these difficult financial times, it’s best not to get a loan to buy yourself a new car. Instead, make your old car new, simply by giving it some TLC.
Whatever make of car you have, whether it’s a Honda, a VW or Ford, a loving clean and wax polish will make a huge difference. You can also do this yourself, rather than relying on the local car valeting service. Save the money for something else, and you’ll get satisfaction out of improving your car yourself.
One of the best things about having a new car is its shiny bodywork. Even if your car has seen better days, you can build back the shine with a few hours hard work.
A lesson in waxing
First wash your car – twice if you can be bothered. The second wash is a belt and braces as you don’t always see dirt on a wet car.
Get the car really dry, but if it’s sunny, park in the shade before you start waxing.
Stick to non-abrasive waxes for the best results. Put about a tablespoon of a wax onto a damp sponge.
Cover all the surfaces of your car with wax, applied in a circular action. Take a clean cotton cloth and buff the wax away – again using small circles. If any wax is sticking, apply a bit more pressure. Change cloths frequently to avoid streaks.
A note of caution: don’t get distracted once you’ve applied the wax – left on any longer than two hours and the paintwork will get damaged.
Lots of car makers also sell their own products for car care and maintenance. Honda, for example, sells its own wheel cleaner, wash and wax and cockpit spray, to name but a few products. Of course, this isn’t essential – you can just nip down to your local car shop and get high street brands of all the stuff you need.