Your car’s looks probably means a lot to you. For starters, nobody wants to drive a car with a crumpled hood, damaged tail lights, a broken window and no windshield. Anything but an ugly car, some people say.

Still not convinced? Well, why do you think most people can’t wait to have their car fixed up after sustaining damages—say, a dented hood and a broken left tail light—in a minor road clash? The car’s looks are a big factor. A noisy and dusty car is bad.

Get your car cleaned up. Maintenance is once thing, but cleaning is another. One of the most important points in hand washing a car is first to find a spot to get it done. You can’t just do it anywhere. Find a spot, preferably under a roof, such as in the garage, or under a big tree so the car is covered. Suppose it rains while you’re still cleaning it. Also, don’t park the car under direct sunlight. The heat will cause the car’s exterior to dry quickly and leave spots all over it.

Baby Soap for Babies, Car Soap for Cars

Get your cleaning tools out. The first thing you need to know: avoid liquid cleansers and household detergents. These products, most of the time, contain high levels of PH (or acidity) that could tarnish your car’s exterior permanently. Who wants to end up with a botched up car after an honest clean up?

Stick to regular car soaps as these work best on all types of cars. Whether you live in New York or in Timbuktu, you should be able to find these products for sale in most car shops and car dealers. Wash the car from top to bottom and not from the wheels up. Close all windows before you begin. You wouldn’t want to see your car flooded with car soap after a clean up, would you?