Body structure and sub-frame — maintenance

The condition of your car's body is very important, since its resale value greatly depends on it. It is much more difficult to restore a poorly maintained or damaged body than to repair a mechanical component. Hidden areas of the bodywork, such as wheel wells and the engine compartment, are equally important, although they do not require as much attention as the rest of the body. The main thing in maintaining the bodywork is washing it regularly, preferably with plenty of running water from a hose. It allows you to remove all the dirt that sticks to the car. It is important to wash it like this. so as not to be scratched by sand particles. The wheel arches and engine frame need to be washed to remove dirt that retains moisture and contributes to rust. It is best to clean the body in wet weather when the dirt softens.

It is good to periodically clean your car with hot steam, except for cars with a wax-based protective coating. This will allow you to see what repairs and replacements are needed. Cleaning is necessary to remove accumulations of oily dirt. This method is not suitable for cars with a wax protective coating, otherwise it will be removed. Such cars should be serviced before winter, when the underbody can be washed and the wax coating restored. A completely new coating must be applied. It is also injected into doors, window sills, body compartments, etc., as an additional guarantee against rust damage where such protection is not provided by the manufacturer.

After washing the body, wipe it with leather and suede to remove any stains. A layer of car polish will help protect it from chemical pollutants in the air. To restore shine to paint, use a polish/cleaner like Turtle Extra. Metallic paint requires a special, non-harsh cleaner to avoid damage.