A few tips to get your car shining “bright like a diamond” for the summer
By Casey Williams
We may be halfway through summer, but it’s never too late to shine up, wash down, and show some bling with these auto accessories. You’ll cut a swath wherever you go this summer.
Bath time is fun
Putting hands on your car for a good scrub-down only rivals one with your special lovey-dove. But you’ll need some accessories. Throw out last year’s bucket and get a new one so you don’t scratch paint with old dirt. Same for your sponge, chamois and interior cloth. And don’t use household cleaners: buy a dedicated car wash soap from Meguiars, Armor All or others at your local auto store. Finish it off with a spray of tire shine. Set aside $15 for a sponge, $20 for a chamois, $25 for car wash liquid, and $12 for tire shine.
Wax the body smooth
Your body isn’t the only thing that needs waxing for bikini season – your car could use a buff and polish, too. One of the newest and easiest to apply is Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Pro Graphene Spray Wax. Simply wash your car and spray onto wet or dry paint, allowing 24 hours to cure. A glossy coat protects against water spotting, chemicals and the sun’s UV rays. Bonus: unlike body waxing, you only have to do this every 12 months. Price: $33.
Condition those supple hides
Wrinkles and cracks don’t look good on your hide, and they don’t look good on your car’s either. It’s important to take a little pride in your leather seats, especially if your car rests in the hot summer sun: use cleaner and conditioner to prevent dirt breaking down the leather, and a conditioner to keep it supple. Many brands are available, but be sure to purchase a dedicated leather product and not a general-purpose auto cleaner. Armor All even offers leather wipes with the extra durability of ceramics. Price: $20.
Cleans like a (John) Deere
My college buddy turned me on to this product 20 years ago. Nothing cleans like a Deere! If it can bust mud and crud from cornfields, you can surely use it to wipe away doggie smudges and adventure smidgens. Buy the Classic Glass Cleaner at John Deere retailers or at deere.ca. Add cleaning towels and wheel/tire cleaner for a few dollars more. Whether you drive a tractor or a Tesla, you’ll really clean up with this set.
Drive human rights everywhere
Add sparkle to your car while supporting our community: order an Equal sign from the Human Rights Campaign. The famous blue-and-gold logos look good across your car’s backside, and buying one helps HRC do great work. Peel-and-stick emblems can be applied to your window or bumper, while newer magnet versions hug decklids. Go to hrc.org to make a donation and receive a sticker, or buy the bling magnetic version for around US$15.
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CASEY WILLIAMS is a contributing writer for Gaywheels.com. He contributes to the New York-based LGBT magazine Metrosource and the Chicago Tribune. He and his husband live in Indianapolis, where Williams contributes videos and reviews to wfyi.org, the area’s PBS/NPR station.
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