Gatesgm complete car care

Before cleaning your car, check the recommendations made in your owner's manual and on the labels of any products you use.

The sun can be brutal on cars. Make sure you treat yours before the dog days of summer set in.

• The roof, trunk lid, and hood need the most attention on the outside of your car. Make sure you wax your car before the temperature soars too high.
• Dashboards and other plastic, rubber, or vinyl parts may become faded from the sun. Use a protectant to help prevent this type of damage.
• Leather seats should be treated with a conditioner to help prevent cracking.
• Park undercover as much as possible to avoid direct sunlight.
• The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating, so be sure the cooling system is flushed and refilled.
• Check the vehicle's main fluids: engine oil, radiator coolant, brake, window washer, transmission, and power steering fluids to make sure they're filled and ready for hot days.
• Check tire pressure. The manual will give recommended tire pressures for different speeds and loads. Maintaining correct air pressure will improve fuel economy.
• Have a qualified technician check the air conditioning system or you may be sorry when the weather heats up.
• Replace the air, fuel, PCV, and other filters as recommended, especially if driving conditions are dus

Whether you live in a rainy climate or only experience it occasionally, here are a few tips for keeping your car clean.

• Start by giving your vehicle a good wash. If you've driven on wintery roads, be sure to use a high-pressure hose on the underbody to remove salt, sand and dirt – they can lead to corrosion.
• Apply a protective wax, like Armor All® Ultra Shine Wash and Wax Detailer. It will help protect the paint and promote water beading.
• Vacuum the interior, get rid of clutter, and clean vinyl, rubber and plastic to restore luster and prevent fading and cracking.
• Use a glass cleaner to clean up water spots on the windows.
• Before dressing your tires with a protectant, make sure to completely wash and rinse the mud off them.
• Change the oil. In winter temperatures, engines require thinner oil (5W30). Warmer weather calls for thicker oil (10W30). Check your car's specs for the right weight.
• Check the brakes, including linings, rotors and drums

Preparing your car for winter, especially in regions that are extra harsh, will help prevent rusting and other cold-weather problems.

• Wax your car sometime in autumn before the weather drops below 32 degrees. Avoid waxing your car with a carnauba-only wax during winter, as it is more difficult to buff off as temperatures drop. Gel waxes that don't require buffing work well in cold weather.
• The sides of your car need the most attention, as they take a beating from road grime, sand, and salt.
• If you have a leather interior, you should treat it with a conditioner, as the dry winter atmosphere could harm it.
• Dress the tires with a good, long-lasting protectant.
• Don't forget to also treat the trim with a protectant.