Everyday your car is pelted with an array of contaminants from the environment. Pollution from the rain, air, and road all will heavily impact the quality of your cars appearance. Once this pollution attaches itself to your car’s finish, oxidation will set-in. Once oxidization sets in, your car will lose much of its original luster. A dull and faded surface will soon replace that once shiny and wet look.

So how do you know if your car’s finished is oxidized? Simply head out and feel the paints finish. If it feels rough or bumpy, you’ll know your car has been impacted by these contaminants. Thankfully, the car care industry has addressed this issue and there are some great options for keeping your car’s finish pollution-free.

Many auto enthusiasts today will use a clay bar to help clean up oxidized surfaces. It is literally a piece of clay than you flatten out and rub over the surface of your car. There is a method to properly using clay bars. One of the best step-by-step guides I have found on the Internet today is at Autopia. You can view the guide here. I would highly recommend you visit this guide before going out to your automobile and using the clay bar method.

After using the clay bar, make sure to follow-up with a wash, and then with a high-quality wax to add a protective layer to your paint’s surface. This will add some longevity to your car’s life.

Now, for day-to-day maintenance, a good way to keep contaminants off your car’s surface is through using a waterless car wash. Eco Touch distributes an easy to use, spray-on, wipe off product. The active ingredients in the formula work as both a waterless car wash and paint maintainer.