The document provides tips for car care including exterior and interior cleaning, fluid maintenance, changing a flat tire, and fuel efficient driving. It recommends avoiding household detergents when washing, as they can strip protective finishes. Proper fluid levels should be maintained, and tires should be checked regularly and changed promptly if flat. Driving smoothly and minimizing unnecessary weight and drag can improve fuel efficiency.

1. By
Sandun Perera
CAR CARE
2nd November 2011
Geveo Australasia

2. FLOW
• Exterior cleaning tips
• Interior cleaning tips
• Hydraulic systems maintenance
• Changing a flat tire
• Head light restoration
• Fuel efficient driving tips

3. PLEASE WASH ME!!!
• Avoid household detergents as they strip your car's protective surface causing the finish to dry out and age prematurely.
• Avoid washing your car in the sun.
• Do not "dry wipe" your car as it may cause scratching.
• Rinse off as much dirt as possible before washing.
• Clean wheels to eliminate brake dust and road salt corrosion.
• After driving in salty conditions, wash your car to prevent corrosion, fading and rust.
• Use collected water to save water wastage.
• Get a complete detail once a year.
• Don't place grocery bags, luggage or other objects on the car top or trunk.
• Avoid gravel roads, which can cause chipping in the first 30 days.
• Do not park under trees, which drip sap.
• Immediately rinse gasoline, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid and windshield solvent spills off your finish, but do not wipe.
• Avoid extreme heat and cold by keeping your car parked in the shade or a garage.

4. HOW DO I LOOK
• Remove leaves from your car as soon as possible to prevent the release of acid that can permanently stain your finish.
• Avoid parking under trees that release sap. To remove sap, use finger nail polish remover on a cotton ball, then apply wax.
• Wash in straight lines with overlapping strokes to reduce the standing water you need to dry off.
• Clean tires first, then the rims to prevent irreversible corrosion caused by brake dust and road salt.
• Rinse dirt from moving parts, such as suspension components.
• Be sure to wash the inside bottom edge of doors, lift gate, hood and trunk to eliminate the trapped dirt and moisture that can
cause premature rusting.
• Never wax your car in direct sunlight to prevent the surface temperature of your car from causing the chemicals in the wax to
damage your finish.
• Look for car wax which contains vegetable wax, which is safe for your car's finish.
• Avoid waxes that promise to remove dirt, oxidized paint or scratches as they are not pure wax and can actually remove paint
from your vehicle.
• Do not "polish" light scratches as new car finishes have a clear coat finish that can be damaged.
• Mask off all textured moldings and bumper parts before rubbing on wax to avoid discoloring or other damage.

5. CLEAN INTERIOR
• Apply protectant with a rag and avoid spraying directly on the dash.
• Use a vinyl protectant regularly to prevent fading and cracking.
• Once vinyl protectant is applied, it will need to be re-applied regularly to prevent drying and cracking.
• Vinyl dashes can also be cleaned using Lemon Pledge, which leaves a nice smell, too.
• Vacuum regularly to remove dirt, salt, leaves and other items that can damage carpets and mats.
• Leather interiors should be cleaned with leather products, that are designed to penetrate the pores.
• For leather, avoid high-alkaline content which can bleach the color.
• Use only upholstery cleaners designed for cars, not household cleaners.
• Use fresh air, instead of recirculated air, to keep your windows from fogging.

7. FLUIDS
• Engine oil
• Transmission oil
• Brake oil
• Clutch oil (Brake oil)
• Power steering oil
• Radiator coolant + water
• Windshield sprinkler water
• Air conditioner gas
• Battery
• Gasoline
• Check dashboard indicators and pay attention to them.

8. CHANGING A FLAT TIRE

10. HEAD LIGHTS RESTORATION

11. FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING
• Avoid aggressive driving
• Drive smoothly
• Drive steadily at posted speed limits
• Avoid idling your vehicle
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated
• Select the right gear
• Use your air conditioner sparingly on older cars
• Use the cruise control
• Choose the octane fuel which best suits your car
• Service your vehicle regularly
• Monitor power accessories
• Tighten your gas cap to the second click (147 million
gallons of gas evaporate every year)
• Park in shady areas when possible
• Plan your trip
• Don't Speed (Fuel consumption increases significantly over
about 90 km/h. At 110 km/h your car uses up to 25% more
fuel than it would cruising at 90 km/h. If your car is fitted
with cruise control, using it in highway driving will help to
maintain a steadier speed while saving some fuel.)
• Minimize aerodynamic drag (Additional parts on the exterior
of a vehicle such as roof racks and spoilers, or having the
window open, increases air resistance and fuel
consumption, in some cases by over 20% at higher
speeds.)
• Remove unwanted weigh from the car. (heavier sport
goods)
• Make a commitment to drive less (use public transport,
walk, cycling)

12. REFERENCES
• http://www.carstar.com/Resources/CarCareTips.aspx
• http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-change-a-flat-tire.html
• http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-maintain-your-cars-fluid-levels.html
• http://www.wikihow.com/Check-the-Fluids-in-a-Car
• http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/transport/fuelguide/tips.html
• http://eartheasy.com/move_fuel_efficient_driving.html
• How to change a flat tire - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joBmbh0AGSQ