The overall condition of the bodywork is a factor that largely determines the value of a car. Although maintenance is an easy procedure, it should be done regularly. Neglect, especially after minor damage, can lead to rapid further deterioration and costly repairs. It is also important to keep an eye on those parts of the car that are not visible at first glance, such as the underbody, wheel arches and the lower part of the engine compartment.
The main body maintenance procedure is to wash it, and preferably with a hose with plenty of water. This removes any solid particles that may have stuck to the vehicle. Rinse them off in such a way as not to scratch the paintwork of the body. We must not forget to wash the wheel arches and subframe to remove all the dirt that has accumulated on them, which accumulates moisture and contributes to rust. As paradoxical as it sounds, the best time to clean these places is in wet weather, when the dirt is completely saturated with moisture and softened. In very wet weather, the subframe is usually cleared of large buildups of dirt automatically, and this is a good time to inspect.
Recommended (only not for vehicles with mastic-based anti-corrosion underbody protection) Periodically clean the subframe, including the engine compartment, with steam. This cleaning allows a full inspection to be performed to assess the need for any minor repairs. Steam cleaning is practiced in many service stations and is necessary to remove buildup of oily grime, which sometimes forms thick build-ups in some areas. If steam cleaning equipment is not available, some high quality solvents can be used to remove grease and grease. They can be applied with a brush and then simply rinse off the dirt with water from a hose. Please note that these methods cannot be used on vehicles with an anti-corrosion protective coating applied to the underbody, as you risk removing this coating. Such vehicles should be inspected annually, and preferably just before the onset of winter. In this case, you should wash the bottom and restore the coating in places of its damage. Ideally, a new coating should be applied. It is worth considering the introduction of protective mastic into the cavities of door panels, bottom rails, box profiles, etc. This will provide additional protection against rust in cases where such a measure is not provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
After washing the paintwork, wipe it down with suede to give it a finished clean look. The application of a transparent protective mastic will give additional protection against the effects of chemically aggressive substances present in the atmosphere. If the paintwork has lost its gloss or oxidized, use a combination of cleaning solution and polish to restore the brightness of the gloss. This will require little effort. But be aware that this loss of shine is usually caused by neglecting regular washing. When working with lacquer coating type «metallic» should be especially careful. To avoid damage, a special non-abrasive cleaning agent/polishing paste must be used. Always check the cleanliness of the drain holes of doorways and ventilation openings; water must flow freely. Metal cladding elements should be treated in the same way as paintwork. Windshield and window glass can be peeled off adhesive film (which is often formed) using a commercially available glass cleaner. Never use mastic or other body polish on glass.