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cashing in on used cars

I have been picking up used cars for very little money for several years. I take those cars and put a little money into them to bring up the value and then sell them for a nice little profit. Is this something that interests you? If so, go to my blog. Here, you will find many tips that will improve the appearance of a used vehicle to increase the value of it and make it an easier car to sell. It is my hope that all of my experience can help others find a way to make a little extra money selling used cars after restoring them.

cashing in on used cars

Tips You Need To Know To Keep Your Convertible Top Clean

by Lorenzo Lambert

With the summer weather bringing heat and sunshine, it's a perfect time to bring the convertible out of the garage. The top on your convertible is likely to see a lot of movement throughout the season, so it's important that you take proper care of it. After all, the more attentive you are to the condition of your car's top, the longer it will last. Here is some guidance to help you take care of your top and keep it working as intended.

Gather the Supplies You Need

As soon as you buy a convertible, it's time to invest in the tools and supplies that you need to take care of the top. First and foremost, you'll want a convertible top cleaner. You can get one from the dealer where you got the car or from a local auto parts shop. Choose a product that is free of bleaching agents, because the bleach can damage the threads and leave the vinyl unprotected against UV rays. You'll also want to ensure that it's biodegradable.

In addition to the cleaner for the top, you're going to need a cleaner for the windows. If your convertible contains glass windows, you can use a standard glass cleaner. Most tops, though, have vinyl windows. That means you'll need to have a vinyl window cleaner so that you can get it clean without scratching it. Invest in some sponges for the windows and a soft brush to clean the top. You should also have a convertible top sealant to add a protective barrier against the elements after you clean the top.

Cleaning the Fabric Top

You'll want to clean the convertible top every few months. Park your car in the garage or under a shade tree and make sure that the top is cool before you clean it. If you put water on a hot convertible top, it'll evaporate before you can clean the surface.

Spray the cool top lightly with water to dampen it. Make sure the whole surface is evenly dampened. Then, apply an even layer of convertible top cleaner to it. Use your soft brush to work the cleaner into the top. Use similar strokes across the whole surface for continuity. So, if you start with small circles, keep working in small circles.

After cleaning the whole surface, rinse the cleaner away with your hose or other clean water. Brush the surface lightly while you're rinsing the cleaner off to help encourage it all to rinse clean. Once the top is clean, apply your protective sealant to the whole surface. It keeps the top protected from cracking, drying and damage from the sun's rays. Make sure you don't fold the top down again until it's completely dry, otherwise you're likely to get mold in the cracks.

Cleaning the Vinyl Windows

Use a vinyl window cleaner with a soft cloth or paper towels to clean your top's vinyl windows. Apply the cleaner to your paper towel or sponge and wipe the windows clean, making sure that you get the whole surface. Then, rinse away any residue and dry the windows with a clean, soft cloth.

With the tips presented here, you can keep the top on your convertible looking as great as the day that you bought it. Every time you clean the top, take time to inspect it for any signs of damage as well. The sooner you catch any rips or tears, the better your chances are of a quick and easy repair. For more information on detailing your car, contact a company like Fred's Auto Interiors.

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