A car air conditioner's components include the compressor, evaporator, hoses and belts, all of which are prone to wear and tear. These will need replacement if required to keep the air conditioner running smoothly. The owner's manual provides specific information on how to maintain the car's air conditioning system.

We suggest you get a qualified technician to inspect your car air conditioner before the onset of summer, that also if at all you're facing any problems as regards the fucntioning. The compressor drive belt needs to be inspected for damage such as hardening, bubbles or cracks and its tension should be adjusted. The level of refrigerant fluid needs to be checked and refilled if needed. If the air conditioner is not cooling properly, have it attended by a technician.

Running the air conditioner once a month for ten minutes will maintain the coolant pressure. This prevents hardening of the hoses and seals failure. Turn the air conditioner to its coolest setting and highest fan speed. Run the 'defrost' mode for five to ten minutes to clean out accumulated moisture. This prevents mildew and prevents that dirty wet cloth odour in the system.

NOTE: Ideally, air-conditioning system in the car if functioning at optimal levels should not be tampered with irrespective of timeframe.

It may seem like a hard task but regular checking of and maintaining a battery is imperative because of harsh weather conditions that result in dust and grime in the engine bay that causes corrosion. Here are some common symptoms that you will see because of battery related issues

Symptoms

1. If your car does not crank, the battery may be weak
2. If your headlights have gone dim, the battery may be weak
3. If you find any green/white salt deposits on the battery terminals, visit the battery shop (these salts can be washed off little water but make sure they do not touch the car's paintwork or your clothes or else you'll have a shirt with holes.

The battery can become weak due to several reasons:

1. Ageing, which can start any time after two years
2. Loose alternator belt
3. Alternator itself malfunctioning

Tips

Here are a few steps in which you can maintain your car battery.

1. Clean your battery with a damp cloth to see for cracks, crevices or any other issue that has cropped up. These show in a matter of two years for a standard battery if not properly maintained.
2. After step 1, check if battery terminals are properly connected with the harness and are not loose. They can be fixed with any household spanner of the correct specification. Also check if terminals have corroded over time. Batteries with plastic covers for terminals are best as they reduce the risk of the battery short-circuit.
3. Any problem with battery/alternator and allied wiring problems should be handled by authorised technicians only.

It is a good idea to get an annual check-up for battery water/wiring and alternator issues.

NOTE: Modern batteries are maintenance free. They seldom require maintenance that can be done on a Sunday morning. Ideally, battery should be checked when your car goes for servicing.

The first thing is to maintain a schedule; remember (better write it down) when to change the fluids in your car, since it differs from manufacturer to manufacturer and from model to model. Get the right grade of engine oil or coolant required for your car. Getting a grade higher than the recommended grade of oil can be better but not necessary for the car. Get your tools ready, and an oil pan and a wrench are a must.

Before changing the engine oil, jack up your car securely. The jacks should be on level ground and you should make sure they stay straight. Find the oil pan under the car, place the oil collector under the drain nut of the oil pan, making sure that it will collect all the oil that comes out of the pan. Use a wrench to loosen the drain nut and then remove the nut by hand so that it does not fall into the oil collector, as looking for the bolt in it can get messy. After draining the oil pan, remove the oil filter, which can be removed by hand, and let the oil drain out.

Put the bolt back in its place on the oil pan ensuring that it is not wound too tight. Line the gasket of the oil filter with a bit of oil so that it fits back nicely and there are no oil leaks when you start the engine. Pour the new oil into the engine using a funnel, remove the cap marked 'oil' and pour the oil into the hole. Check the oil level using the dipstick attached to the engine cover (a plastic handle with a hole, usually painted in a bright colour). Start the engine, race it a bit to get the oil running inside the engine.

Over a period of time, the oil used in the engine leaves behind a sludge that clogs valves, and the increased friction caused by this sludge can reduce engine efficiency. To ensure that all the old oil is drained off and there is no sludge remaining, add an engine flush before you drain the oil. You should run the engine for about 20 minutes (or as instructed on the label of the flush) before draining the oil. This clears up the engine and makes it more efficient.

The coolant system as the name suggests prevents the engine from overheating. The fluid used in the system, usually a mix of coolant fluid and water, runs through pipes along the engine, traps heat and then radiates the heat out from the radiator. Over time, the ability of the coolant fluid to dissipate/absorb heat diminishes as contaminants enter the system. It is important to flush and top up your coolant as per your user manual or the mileage of the car.

NOTE: Replacing engine oil and filter is a job for professional workshops, which have special wrenches for removal of filters. Ideally, engine oil should be drained when it is really hot (best done by a workshop). Disposal of drained oil can be harmful to the environment if done callously.

Leather upholstery trims became popular because of the availability of various designs and their ease of maintenance. Being an animal derived product, it is important that you take care of the leather used in your seats, door and dashboard trims. The smell of a fresh leather seat eventually fades but maintenance at least delays this process.

Hydration/conditioning the leather components prevents them from drying and wearing out easily. Vacuuming removes surface dust, and brushes and swabs can be used to clean dirt accumulated in the crevices. A designated leather cleaning product should be used, using detergent-based cleaning fluids can discolour leather products. Using a leather protection fluid applied using a microfiber cloth can ensure that the leather survives the daily assault of contaminants. Letting the fluid dry properly is very important as it takes a while for the leather to absorb it.

TIP: The best way to keep the interiors of a car in perfect condition is to always use the air-conditioner and don't let your windows down. This is the best way to keep the traffic film and the pollution out of the car. Also, avoid eatables which are spillable and not to mention the fire stick being handled inside the car.

The carpets of our cars bear the brunt of all the dirt our shoes carry into it, and dust and smoke affect them too. Different cars are equipped with different types of carpets, some have fabric carpets, and others have vinyl carpets. Vinyl carpets are easier to clean but not necessarily easy to maintain.

The first precaution to take would be to keep mats over these carpets, most cars come factory fitted with these. The mats stop most of the dirt from falling onto the carpet, but in the course of time the dirt can spill over. Most mats are made of rubber, some other of plastic, and they are pretty easy to clean and maintain. Dusting the mats and then rinsing them under a tap renders them clean. Using cleaning fluids and a cloth or brush can get rid of mud or other contaminants, then dry the mats. To add a bit of bling to rubber mats coat them with a bit of rubber dressing fluid (the same stuff used to shine tyres).

Carpets require a bit of hard work. Start cleaning the carpet in the boot and move forwards toward the cabin. An upholstery brush or a simple cloth dislodges the sand or other minute particles which get stuck in the carpet making it easy to vacuum it. Stains on the carpet can be removed by using fabric cleaning fluids and bristled brushes, scrub longer for tougher stains. A second sweep with the vacuum after this should ensure your carpet is dust free. Drying the carpet is very important, as damp carpets can be breeding grounds for germs and give off a very bad odour. Let air circulate inside the car by keeping all the doors of the car open.

NOTE: Carpets remain clean when your habits are congenial to keeping the environment clean.

Fabric upholstery in a car includes the seats, the roof lining, door trims, etc. These parts can get dirty easily as they are exposed to dust, smoke and other pollutants. The first step is to thoroughly vacuum the whole fabric area. A fabric cleaner or a diluted all-purpose cleaner should be used along with a microfiber or plain towel to clean stains.

Cleaning the roof lining requires some patience and care. Roof liners are usually foam-backed fabric fixed onto a fibre roof panel, which can easily become dislodged if handled badly. After vacuuming, use the cleaning fluid soaked cloth in a gentle manner to remove stains. Stubborn stains need more patience. Be sure to work on one small portion of the liner at a time, otherwise the stain could spread.

The fabric seats can be maintained easily if they are regularly dusted, vacuumed and wiped. Stains require the use of small, soft brushes and detergent solutions; the trick is to use the solution sparingly, mostly only on the tough stains, as drying the wet seats can be difficult.

TIP: Keep the windows rolled up at all times and your interior cleaning will be minimised.

The dashboard is the face of your car interior, and requires quite a bit of care. A typical dashboard and other parts of the trim (console, doors, etc) are made of plastics, leather, vinyl and rubber. A daily dust up using lint-less fabric cloth can keep dust levels to a minimum, though a thorough cleaning is necessary once or twice a year.

A thorough clean-up starts with dusting and vacuuming the surfaces. Use a cleaner fluid and a microfiber cloth to wipe the surfaces; do take care not to directly spray the fluid on to the surfaces. Small brushes and cotton swabs should be used to clean hard to reach spots such as air-conditioner vents or the areas around small buttons and steering stalks. Coating these surfaces with the relevant protector fluids is a good way of ensuring that they look good and are protected from damage later.

Seat belts need to be cleaned, too, to ensure that your shirt isn't stained with a diagonal, vertical strip of dirt upon use after a long gap. The best way to clean the belts is to pull out the whole belt and clean it with a cloth dampened with cleaning fluid from the top down, and then left to dry. Take care that the belt does not become tangled as it can get damaged.

Using a UV protector on the dashboard and door plastics can help protect them from cracking up or getting discoloured due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.

TIP: The bottomline of keeping the interiors of a car clean (seats, rooflining, carpets, dashboard, etc) is to keep the windows up and do not allow outside muck and dust to enter the cabin. Also, having the outside air intake vent open in metropolitan cities is disastrous due to too much pollution

Two pieces of rubber on some ingeniously designed moving arms are all that keeps the windscreen on a car clean when the weather turns nasty. They swipe off dust (if used with liberal amounts of water/washing fluid from the windscreen washer), they wipe off any water that might accumulate on the screen, and so it is imperative that they are maintained well.

The wipers are always subjected to a lot of situations which can damage them. The sun's UV rays affect the rubber, the imperfections on the glass affect the shape of the rubber, sand and dirt carried by the wind along with oil can get deposited on the blades, all reducing their effectiveness. This critical equipment is also the easiest to maintain thankfully. Wiping the wiper blades with a damp piece of cloth soaked in soap water and then drying them is enough to prepare them for use. Apart from degreasing, the wiper blade surface it would be a good idea to also get rid of the sludge on the windscreen glass by wiping with light soap solution (Never add more than 1 teaspoonfull of liquid soap in the windscreen washer container).

There are two types of wiper blades in the market today. One design has been in use since 1903, which has a single metallic arm connected to a pressure inducing mechanism which is joined to a rubber blade which in turn wipes the screen. A new design was introduced in early 2000, called the beam blade which, while being costlier than the conventional blade, is more effective. These blades are more durable, do the work better while being less noisy than the conventional ones. It would be advisable to switch to the beam blades if you do not mind the price.

The body panels of a car like the bumper, window lining, door trims, wheel arches, door handles are often made of plastic. These parts are very durable and are generally not affected by the elements. But they do get dirty, and if the dirt gets ingrained in the plastic, removing it becomes pretty difficult. Regular cleaning can prevent that from happening. Plastic parts though are prone to fading if they are exposed to sunlight for a long time and from the weather in general.

If your car has any exterior plastics and trim it should be cleaned along with the rest of the exterior every time it is washed. Using a plastic dressing fluid on them every time your car is washed may not be required. However a good time to do it would be when you are waxing your paintwork. Mud sticking on the plastic parts like the mudguards and bumpers should be first washed with water and then cleaned with a soap solution. Do not use hard cloth or other materials andndash; they can leave non-repairable scratches on the plastic surfaces. Regular dusting (take care not to try wiping the dust off) of the plastic components once a day in dusty places should help keeping it clean till a full wash is conducted.

The most obvious rubber components in a car are the tyres, but there are other rubber parts too, like the door linings, parts of the running boards, the gear lever boot, axle boots etc. These parts react to changes in weather conditions, dust and atmospheric contaminants, and if not maintained properly can develop ugly cracks, or even come undone from the body panels.

Rubber reacts to contaminants on its surface. A regular simple wash or a complete wash (using detergent free shampoos) can be used to remove them. Leaving the rubber untended after a wash though is not advisable. The soap content in the wash can also make the rubber dry. If the rubber becomes too dry, it begins to crack, which can greatly reduce the usable life of a rubber product. Rubber protectant fluids should be used. They prevent UV rays from affecting the rubber, repel dust, soiling and stains and conditions the rubber part so that it does not dry up. A rub of this solution using a soft cloth after washing your car would be enough.

Rubber hoses are used around the engine bay, the flexibility and durability of rubber making them the perfect choice. The air intake hose, radiator hose, and rubber parts in an engine bay suffer from oxidation (that brown deposit on the rubber parts) due to the heat that these parts endure everyday. Cleaning and maintaining these parts is easy though. Do not use all in one cleaners to clean these parts, since the chemicals in these cleaners can inflict more damage on the rubber components. Use a dedicated rubber cleaner/shine to clean these components. Use a microfibre cloth to apply the fluid/wax to the rubber surfaces. Tyre shine/wax could help too.

Modern cars also use a lot of electrical components. The engine sensors, lighting, security systems, etc are electric and therefore are connected to the battery through wires. These wires are tough, but wear and tear through usage is normal. Checking the wires for any damage when you do a visual check of the engine bay is important. Friction with other parts of the engine bay may have exposed some wiring, so add insulation to these parts. Make sure the terminals where the wires connect are dust-, dirt- and rust-free, since these can cause short circuits. Also ensure that all the wires are tightly fitted, and there are no loose ends. Ensure that you cover the electrical terminals with aluminium foil or cling film when you clean the engine bay, and don't forget to remove the same after you are done.

1) Fabric andamp; carpet spot removing fluid

Removing stains from fabric components inside a car can be difficult. Fabric upholstery can be damaged if stains and spots are not removed in a proper manner. A spot remover combined with a microfiber towel removes stains without damaging the fibres of the fabric.

The prices of these products range from Rs 380 (Formula1 carpet and upholstery cleaner) to Rs 530 (Armor All carpet and upholstery cleaner).



2) Carpet brush

A carpet brush has bristles which are soft enough not to damage the fabric in your carpet, at the same time these brushes can agitate contaminants like sand etc. loose so that vacuum cleaning the carpet becomes easier.

The prices of these products range from Rs 150 (for a simple bending handle brush) to Rs 580 (AutoFresh car duster).

3) Plastic trim cleaner/detailing fluid

Some plastic cleaning fluids today do two jobs, they clean the plastic surface and leave them with a pleasant shine. It is recommended you use these solutions as normal detergent can be harmful for plastic upholstery in the car.

The prices of these products range from Rs 220 (Formula1 all in one) to Rs 380 (Sonax cockpit spray).

4) Vacuum cleaner

The must have accessory for any car owner. A portable, small vacuum cleaner used every weekend can keep the car clean for longer. Usually a car does not require a thorough cleaning, a layer of dust on the interior is all that is there, which can be easily cleaned using a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners made especially for car cleaning also have dedicated accessories which can be useful to clean to those hard to reach places inside your car.

The prices of these products range from Rs 2500 (Black and Decker) to Rs 30,000 (Clearock three motor vacuum cleaner).

Cleaning the engine bay requires more care and patience than the other parts of a car because of the equipment you find in there. First things first, if you ever do clean the engine bay, ensure that you let the engine cool down before you start. You may not only get burns, the engine bay components will be full of stains as the products you use to clean it dry off too quickly.

1) Tinfoil/cling film
The simplest tool here, tinfoil or cling film protects most parts that you do not want cleaning fluids falling onto like the electrical wires, air intake etc. It is waterproof, doesn't tear easily, and its ability to fold into any shape is very useful.

The prices of these products range from Rs 50 (Home Foil).

2) Degreaser/cleaner
A degreaser should be sprayed on to all the surfaces inside the engine bay before cleaning it, components in the engine bay are subject to oil, grease and a lot of dirt. Do take care not to spray the degreaser onto any body panels, it strips them of any wax or sealant that you may have applied. Agitate the degreasing solution over the applied surfaces using a brush or cloth and leave it for around ten minutes. Rinse this off to get a clean surface. Switch on the engine for around a minute to speed up the drying process, also use a cloth.

The prices of these products range from Rs 200 (Permatex Grez-Off 5 oz bottle) to Rs 8000 (Aero away clear 1 gallon, 2 can pack).

3) Plastic and metal detailing fluids

After the engine bay is dry, use a microfiber towel or applicator to rub some plastic and metal detailing fluids onto the respective components. Rubber hoses can be nourished using a tyre dressing fluid, applied using a microfiber towel or applicator. Never spray or pour these fluids directly onto the surfaces inside the engine, a spillage can spoil other components.

The prices of these products starts from around Rs 370 (Armor All ultrashine wipes).

NOTE: Today's engine compartments are full of electronic components and allied paraphernelia. As such ideally, thorough engine cleaning should be left to the people who carry out regular servicing schedules at the service station. If one is finicky, you can blow out the dust using a vacuum cleaner and a cloth to get rid of the remaining dust.

1) Microfibre applicators and towels/cloth

Microfibre is a type of synthetic fibre which has fibres which are very minute (less than 10 micrometres in diameter) and do not leave any fibre residue when used for cleaning purposes. Applicators and towels made from microfiber are very absorbent and soft, they have been proven to absorb up to ten times their own weight of water, they can also absorb oil and wax residue on any surface while also remaining soft enough not to leave any scratches on any surface. A must have tool for any car owner.

The prices of these products range from Rs 110 (Abro Car Care cloth) to Rs 180 (Sonax multi-purpose cleaning cloth).

2) Grit guard bucket insert

To get your car clean, the best way is the two-bucket wash method. One bucket has soapy water, the other plain water for rinsing the dirty sponge/wipe cloth. Sandy particles on your cleaning tool can leave ugly scratch marks on the body of the car. A grit guard insert is a simple mesh like device which sits at the bottom of the rinse bucket, and it stops the grit from rising up and thus the sponge/wipe remains clean. A must have tool.

The prices of these products start from Rs 1900 (found on ebay) onwards.

3) Detailing brushes (different sizes)

Brushes can be used to reach those hard to reach areas in your car, like the insides of the tyre well or the underbody. Brushes are available in different sizes, smaller brushes can be used for finer cleaning, removing dirt from small crevices and such.

The prices of these products range from Rs 300 (Detailer's Choice 3 pieces).

4) Clay bar and lubricant

A clay bar is used to remove imperfections from the car body panels, glass panels, and chrome parts, which may include paint overspray, tree sap, waxing swirl marks among other contaminants. A good clay bar and lubricant combination helps keep the surface of the car absolutely clean and smooth. When a surface is waxed after it has been clayed, it shines. Claying is not very difficult process, and can be done by anybody.

The prices of these products range from Rs 1300 (Mothers California gold clay bar).

5) Hose/pressure wash machine

Use a hose, or better a pressure wash machine for a quick wash of the car. A hose with a regulator is a good option; you can spray as much water as you want onto the car and not waste water. A pressure wash machine helps of the pressure of water from your water supply is not enough to remove stubborn dirt, many of them also have an option of letting you mix the water with shampoo, which makes the job easier.

The prices of good pressure wash machines are around the Rs 10,000 mark (Bosch Aquatak), while local made machines are cheaper.

You can get garden hoses for a good bargain at your local hardware store. Do remember to get a nozzle by which you can control the force of water.

6) Gloves

Car cleaning fluids, waxes, shines have a lot of chemicals which can remove the toughest of stains, though almost of them are designed in such a way that they do not harm your skin, it is always better to wear gloves while maintaining your car. Your hands can be affected by the tools you use to clean your car; sanding paper is an abrasive material which should be used carefully and a glove can help prevent you scratching yourself with it. A glove can also prevent you getting cuts on your hand from potential sharp edges all around the car. Using a glove also stops oil from your hands getting on to the surface of your car. Using the normal rubber gloves is not going to help, the solvents in the oils, waxes etc may dissolve these gloves. Buy latex, or nitrile (they are costlier and rare) gloves.

The prices starts from around Rs 200 for a good pair of latex gloves.

7) Plastic cleaner and dressing fluids

Plastic parts on your car exterior, like the bumper, door handles, rear view mirror case, window sill liners etc. need to be looked after. Plastic is a resilient substance but it can become faded and stained over time. Dedicated cleaners and dressing fluids for these parts are available in the market, and some of them are multipurpose cleaners/dresser fluids which save you the trouble of buying different products.

The prices of these products starts from around Rs 200 (Formula1 all cleaner).

8) Glass cleaner

The importance of cleaning glass parts in a car cannot be more emphasised. A clean set of windshields and windows is important for a safe drive. Contaminant glass surfaces can refract light coming in, blinding the driver. Contaminants can also corrode the glass, making it weak and prone to breaking over a period of time. A glass cleaner can help prevent all this; it removes oil, dirt and any other contaminant that might have stuck to the glass surface.

The prices of these products range from Rs 180 (Pyroil windshield washer) to Rs 850 (GS27 window degreaser).

9) Aluminum/metal/chrome polish

These polishes keep the respective parts shiny while offering a bit of protection from the harmful rays of the sun, and form a thin transparent film which protects these surfaces from dust. It is recommended that you apply these fluids using a microfiber applicator/towel to avoid spillage on to non compatible surfaces.

The prices of chrome polishes start from around Rs 350 (Meguiar's hot rims polish).

You can get a good magnesium and aluminium polish for around Rs 800 (Meguiar's).

10) Abrasive polishes (scratch care)

The first thing you need to understand es not all scratches can be repaired by polishing the surface of your car. Polishing is the process where materials which have very fine abrasives in it are used to smoothen out the outer layer of your paint (the lacquer or clear coat). This helps remove very shallow scratches which might have occurred, it is not possible to remove very deep scratches whatever a manufacturer may claim. You can polish by hand or by machine, but expecting a perfect surface is expecting too much. Polishes come in the form of liquids, which can be applied to the car surface using polishing pads.

The prices of these products range from Rs 220 (Waxpol) to Rs 3000 (Meguiar's Detailer).

11) Car wash shampoo

Are you using normal detergent or your hair shampoo to clean your car? The chemicals in these products might be affecting the materials on the car, better use a car wash shampoo. These shampoos are specifically made for cleaning cars safely, a tool to be used to give the basic clean look to your car.

The prices of these products range from Rs 200 (Autofresh) to Rs. 7500 (Aero 2 gallon pack).

12) Wax

A wax is a non-abrasive coating which protects the paint underneath it and microscopically fills up any dents or dimples on the surface. It is a finishing product, and will not enhance the look of the car if there are major dents or scratches on the surface. It should be used only after the body has been properly polished. Waxing your car once in a year can keep its surface protected from small scratches, give it protection from UV rays and keep the surface shiny.

The prices of these products range from Rs 300 (ABRO super gold) to Rs 540 (Turtle wax) for hard waxes and from Rs 220 (Formula1) to Rs 730 (Armor All) for liquid waxes.

13) Wheel wax/sealant

Wheels wax does the same job as a normal wax but for the tyres, it is a finishing product that protects the rubber on tyres from UV rays, dirt etc while keeping them shiny. Some waxes have sealing properties which enriches the rubber in the tyres and help keep the tyres running for a little longer.

The prices of these products range from Rs 400 (Meguiar's tyre dressing) to Rs 900 (Sonax tyre gloss gel).

NOTE: Considering the costs involved in acquiring all this raw material for upkeep of the car body (upwards of Rs 25,000), it could be sensible to use two pieces of clean soft cotton cloth from the shop and a bottle of car shampoo and a polish and exert on the weekends with the help of the younger generation.

1) Tyre wax/detailing fluid

There are different types of tyre detailing fluids in the market. Some give a clean tyre a 'new tyre shine', while others have additives which enrich the rubber on the tyre, or give the wheels a layer to protect them from dirt and ultra-violet rays.

The prices range from Rs 195 (Armor All tyre foam spray) to Rs 2100 (Eagle One tyre shine gel).

2) Tyre sealant gel/fluid

A punctured tyre is a driver's nightmare. Changing a tyre is not possible everywhere - imagine having a puncture at a crowded junction. It takes time to replace the damaged tyre. A puncture at high speed can lead to an accident. The best, cheap and effective solution is to inset a tyre sealant fluid/gel into your tyres. This will seal up punctures.

The prices of these products range from Rs 380 (slime tyre sealant small) to Rs 3000 (Pennzoil).

3) Foam applicator

These are foam applicators shaped in a way which makes it easy to apply dressing fluid on to tyres. Contoured foam applicators have a flat surface on one side which helps in gripping it and the other surface is curved which helps applying any fluid onto a tyre.

The prices of these products range from Rs 438 (Eagle One tyre wipes).

TIP: Again, considering the cost of material, it will be cheaper to use dishwasher bar with a coconut scrubber to keep your car tyres clean and black. Alternatively, you can also use black shoe polish for bringing the shine back to the tyres

Wiper washers are not very frequently used except in the monsoons, making it very important for them to be in good shape. Unfortunately, since they are used for only a few months a year, they often go ignored when it comes to maintenance, but on the other hand, they do not ask for too much attention.

Keep the fluid for the wiper washer refilled at all times; you can even keep the reservoir filled with soapy water. Make sure you don't use any harsh detergents that may scratch the surface of your windshield. Detergents like Surf Excel, Ariel etc are strictly not advisable. A diluted mixture of shampoo and water is ideal for the wiper washer reservoir. It will not only clean the damage owing to the heat and usage, wiper blades tend to get hard or worn out which may lead to scratches on your windshield. To keep the nozzle of the washer clean, use it on a regular basis even in the dry seasons.

Before taking the car for a long drive, it is important to make sure that the washers are functioning keeping in mind the dust, and the tiny insects that get smashed on the windscreen.

Glass care is important because some of the most important parts in your car are made of glass and driving would be potentially dangerous if your windscreen, windows, mirrors and lights were damaged. Regular cleaning and polishing of glass surfaces not only keeps them clean but also prevents them from steaming up during cold, damp periods.

The first step in maintaining glass parts starts during the wash. A simple rinse with water or a pre-wash with foam can remove the dust and other contaminants which might have accumulated on the glass surface. Use a clay bar to remove stubborn contaminants like tree sap or dried bird droppings. Use a soft cloth with a glass cleaning fluid to clean the glass without smearing it. Not cleaning the car under direct sunlight can also reduce the instances of smears appearing on the glass.

Polishing the glass surfaces gives them a clean, reflective look. Using a glass polish with a microfiber cloth can give you the desired results. Use circular and linear strokes of the cloth and also fold the cloth once every while to reveal a clean patch so that the cloth does not leave stain marks behind. Once the polish is dry, buffing it with a soft cloth removes all the dust.

The glass covers used in light units on a car can fade over time, turning dull and stopping light from the bulb to effectively travel outward. Use detailing sandpaper along with a suitable lubricant to get the glass smooth and perfectly transparent again, polish the glass using a suitable polish to bring back the shine in them.

TIP: In most of the cases, after cleaning the glass thoroughly with very light soap solution and enough clean water and drying off with a soft cloth another wipe with a newspaper can do wonders to the glass.

TIP 2: When driving in the rain, if wipers fail, cut a raw potato and wipe the windscreen with the exposed surface of the potato all over. This will prevent accumulation of water droplets on the glass and give you a clearer view of the road ahead.

Chrome components on the body of a car are becoming popular India, many cars today come with chrome grilles, chrome strips on the boot, door panels or roof rails and other parts. Though Chromium, the metal used to chrome-plate steel and other metals, resists tarnishing and holds a shine better than all other metals it rusts over time. If you allow chrome to go too long without removing rust, it will become permanently damaged.

In modern cars. most of the chrome-plated parts have a plastic base. The top chrome layer is subjected to the road grime and stains that come with that. A soft soap solution or car shampoo is capable of cleaning your chrome parts. In worst conditions, you can use a good quality chrome polish from the market. But never use any abrasive scrubbing material to clean the surface. One of the better cleaners is something like Colin, which you use at home to clean your refrigerator, etc.

Removing rust and polishing chrome can usually restore chrome to a reasonable-looking condition. As long as the chrome is not flaking off, you have a chance of saving it. The soap acts as both a cleaner and a lubricant to prevent scratching (use plenty of water). Use a toothbrush and household cleaner to clean rust in cracks and crevices you can't reach. Wet the toothbrush, dip it in the cleanser, and start scrubbing. Rinse well with plenty of fresh water. The final step for chrome is to polish it with a good chrome polish. Also, the best metal-polishing cloth is soft cotton, such as T-shirt material (do not forget to remove buttons, though).

Metal parts constitute the largest portion of the body of a car. The roof, door panels, trunk and the bonnet are usually made of metal. Modern cars come with layered metallic paints, the base coat, the paint with 'flakes' which gives the colour and sparkle to the car, a lacquer clear coat which protects the paint and waxes or sealants to keep everything under it safe. Solid colours on the other hand are simple colours which may shine but do not sparkle, and then there are cars which do not have a lacquer coating giving them a dull look.

This paint is subject to the elements and to flying debris when you drive. A weekly wash and drying session keeps dirt and contaminants from sticking onto the surface of a car while using a detailing fluid after every wash gives the paint that extra 'new car' shine. Clean the tyres and tyre well first, this the area that is usually the dirtiest, covered with mud, gravel and tar. Some part of dirt will obviously fall onto the body panels, and you would have to clean them again. If the car is really dirty, it should be washed with plenty of water starting from the roof and going down to the running board and the bumpers, in that order. If the car has very little dust on it, you can use a duster which neutralises the electric charge on the dust particles and hence, sticking to the metal body of the car. Such dusters are available in car accessory shops for a few hundred rupees. After this dusting, you can use a clean, wet cloth and wipe the car. Follow this simple formula to set your order of cleaning the car andndash; Tyres first, then the underbody, roof, glass area and finally the body to get the perfect wash.

Using a car cover keeps dirt from accumulation on the car when kept idle, it is also a very effective protection against bird droppings, industrial fallouts and the effects of direct sunlight and other elements. A fabric cover is only effective if you keep your car in a garage, a cover made of thicker material with a soft inner lining and breathing fabric should be used if you are going to park your car outside most of the time. If the place where you park the car has a kitchen with an exhaust fan facing towards it, then a cover is a must to avoid oil fumes settling on the paintwork.

TIP: Using a good quality car paint polish once in two weeks will protect the paintwork from the elements and also keep the younger generation fit since they are not very fond of organised daily exercise Involve them