Car grooming is still possible under the circuit-breaker measures. Photo: 123RF.com
Unfortunately for us detailing enthusiasts, car grooming has not been deemed as an essential service. So, car grooming shops are temporarily closed. And according to the lawyers on the Torque team, we are not supposed to wash our own cars either.
That’s not surprising, though. If you think about it, salons and barbershops were also closed as part of the extended circuit-breaker. Perhaps personal grooming is also less essential during this period.
Jokes aside, many of us hate the thought (and the sight) of our dirty cars. But sacrifices have to be made if we’re to help halt the spread of COVID-19.
That doesn’t mean your car must be totally neglected. Here are some things you can do to help keep your car looking decent.
WIPE DOWN YOUR WINDSCREEN AND WINDOWS.
Washing your car is out of the question. But nobody can question the need for you to wipe down your windows. If visibility is compromised, so is driving safety.
Using a dedicated automotive glass cleaner on your windows twice a week is a good idea. It’ll be even better if you use an alcohol-based one (such as this one). That way, you’re actually doing some disinfecting as well.
WIPE DOWN YOUR HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL-LIGHTS.
Use the same automotive glass cleaner on your headlights and tail-lights. This will keep dust build-up at bay and ensure maximum visibility for yourself and other road users.
If you’ve regularly applied wax or a hydrophobic coating (or both) to these components, wiping them will be even easier.
You’ll have to wait till the circuit-breaker ends before scrubbing your tyres. Photo: 123RF.com
APPLY TYRE SHINE.
Scrubbing your tyres clean ensures that tyre shine products can bond with the sidewalls and really stay there.
Unfortunately, the circuit-breaker has temporarily taken away that part of car grooming. Therefore, we must be content with just re-spraying or re-applying tyre shine – dirt be damned.
Hey, it’s better than doing nothing for them, right?
Photo: 123RF.com
USE YOUR QUICK DETAILER.
Good car grooming starts with a proper two-bucket washing technique. Since this is not possible, utilise a quick detailer instead.
A quick detailer’s primary job is to provide lubrication between the dirt and your paintwork. This lessens the chance of creating minor scratches when you wipe off the grime.
Quick detailers also “top-up” your existing wax. All in all, it’s a great way to help your car look shiny despite being unable to wash it.
VACUUM THE INTERIOR.
If you’ve been following the circuit-breaker measures, you probably won’t have to do this for a while. Once or twice a month should be enough, assuming you only go out for essentials weekly.
THAT SAID…
We are not recommending car grooming as a reason for you to leave the house. The steps we’ve suggested can be performed just prior to driving off for that weekly supermarket run.
By now, the layer of dirt on your car must be getting to you. But instead of impulsively rushing out to deal with it, why not think of it as a temporary “protective layer”?
This dirt can “shield” your paintwork from other contaminants. Besides, after waiting this long, the car grooming session you’ll undertake once the circuit-breaker is lifted will feel even more satisfying.
How to remove minor scratches from your windscreen
Why you should polish your glass
Read why you need a quick detailer in your car
