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Exterior & Interior Vehicle Care Tips

In order to maintain your vehicle, Caravan, Campervan, RV or Motorhome at home, we have put together some recommended care instructions that will not only keep your vehicle looking fantastic for life, but also continuously reinvigorate the protective coatings (Permagard / CERFACE / OptiVAN) that you have purchased from Protection brands.

Maintaining the Exterior & treated painted surfaces

  • Wash your vehicle regularly (recommended schedule is 2-4 weeks)
  • Hose your vehicle before washing to dislodge any loose dirt, dust or mud.
  • Follow the instructions on the car shampoo bottle.
  • Use a good quality clean sponge.
    • Wash one panel at a time, then hose the surface thoroughly with clean water.
    • We recommend using warm water
  • As dirt and contaminates can become trapped in the sponge (which can lead to scratches and swirl marks on the paint surface), rinse the sponge with clean water regularly.
  • To avoid water spotting, dry the surface with a good quality chamois or a drying towel.
  • Wash your vehicle in a cool, shady place; in warmer climates, allow the metal of your vehicle to cool prior to washing as a hot surface causes the washing agents to evaporate quickly, leading to water spotting.
  • DO NOT use any waxes or polish on your vehicle as these generally contain abrasive compounds or degrease and solvents.
  • DO NOT use bore water to wash your vehicle.
    • Bore water often has a very high mineral & salt content which will damage the paint protection.
  • Remove environmental contaminants (e.g. bird & bat droppings, bug splatter and tree sap) as soon as possible in order to neutralise the acidic effects of these contaminants.
  • Apply (undiluted) shampoo directly to the affected area, allow the contaminant to soften overnight then rinse with clean warm water.
    • Do not use anything abrasive (e.g., scourers or brushes) to remove such contaminants.
  • Do not take your vehicle through an automated car washes that uses abrasive washing actions such as brushes as this can lead to scratching and swirl marks.
  • If the panels of your vehicle are re-sprayed, repaired or replaced, the protection treatments must be re-applied to those panels

To watch some videos for additional tips in maintaining your vehicle at home, visit: www.permagardautomotive.com.au/vehicle-care/

 

 

Maintaining the Interior & treated material surfaces

  • Clean the surfaces of your vehicle regularly (recommended schedule is 2-4 weeks). For:
    • Vinyl/Leather, use a clean damp cloth to maintain the protected surfaces.
    • Fabric/Carpet vacuum all areas to maintain the protected surfaces.
    • The Microfibre Applicator Pads are fantastic as part of your at home maintenance when cleaning the treated fabrics, leathers, plastics and vinyl's. 
  • If you do get a spill from water, coffee, tea, soft drinks or any similar liquids on the treated surface, try to remove the spillage as soon as you can.
    • Absorb the spillage with a clean non-coloured dry towel or absorbent paper. If the spillage has been allowed to dry, use a non-coloured cloth dampened with a mix of warm water and a PH neutral shampoo like the Permagard Multipurpose Cleaner and on:
      • Vinyl/Leather - gently rub the stained area until clean.
      • Carpet/Fabric - gently dab the stained area until clean.
      • Vacuum if necessary.
    • Remove fake tan, makeup and or ink marks or stains as soon as contact has been made with the treated surface.
    • Make a solution of two cups of water mixed with one teaspoon of liquid soap, such as the Permagard multipurpose cleaner and for:
      • Vinyl/Leather - Use a sponge and apply only to the Vinyl/Leather surface where the mark or stain is located. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
      • Fabric/Carpet - Gently work it into the fabric and or carpet, moving from the outer edges inwards to prevent spreading. Continue to blot the stain using a clean paper towel, until no tanner, makeup or ink remains.
  • Remove Sunscreen marks or stains as soon as contact has been made with the treated surface.
    • For: Vinyl/Leather 
      • Blot sunscreen with paper towels to remove as much as possible.
      • Mix a cleaning solution of one teaspoon liquid soap, such as the Permagard multipurpose cleaner with one cup warm water.
      • Swish it around to get the mixture sudsy.
      • Use a sponge and apply only the foam to the Vinyl/Leather Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
    • For: Fabric/Carpet
      • Use a dull spoon to lift the sunscreen away from the Fabric/Carpet fibres. Do this as soon as possible to prevent the lotion from spreading.
      • Do not use a cloth to wipe or rub away the lotion because that will only push it deeper into the carpet fibres.
      • Mix the Cleaning Solution of one teaspoon liquid soap, such as the Permagard Multipurpose cleaner with one cup warm water.
      • Dip a white cloth or soft-bristled brush in the cleaning solution and blot the stain.
      • Use a dry white cloth to blot away the loosened sunscreen and cleaning solution.
      • Rinse the area thoroughly with a clean cloth dipped in water. If you do not rinse, the soapy residue will attract dirt.
      • Be careful not to over-wet the fabric/carpet.
      • Allow the carpet or upholstery to air-dry (preferably out of direct sunlight), then vacuum to lift and soften the fibres.
  • If the Fabric, Carpet, Vinyl & or Leather surface is repaired or replaced, the Protection treatments must be reapplied to those areas.

NOTE: The Permagard Multipurpose Cleaner is suitable for use on interiors that have also been protected by the CERFACE and or OptiVAN range of products. 

To watch some videos for additional tips in maintaining your vehicle at home, visit: www.permagardautomotive.com.au/vehicle-care/

 

 

Window Tint Care Instructions

  • Avoid rolling down windows for the first 48 hours since the window tint has been applied.
    • The adhesives holding the tinted window film in place take time to dry, and until they do, friction caused by rolling down the window could scrape and or move the film from the glass
  • Clean the window surfaces of your vehicle regularly (recommended schedule is 2-4 weeks) using a clean damp cloth to maintain the protected surfaces.
  • Use a non-coloured cloth (microfiber cloths recommended - avoid coarse paper towels and cotton washcloths) dampened with mix of warm water and a pH neutral shampoo, such as the Permagard multipurpose cleaner.
    • Note: Ammonia-based window cleaners can deteriorate the film.
  • Employ the Two-Towel Method
    • Use one microfiber cloth to wipe down the window and the second towel to buff away any remaining cleaner or moisture.
    • This is the best way to ensure a streak-free finish.
    • Using microfiber cloths will also prevent scratches and swirls in the tint film like you might get using paper towels or regular cotton towels.
  • Give Opposite Final Wipes
  • When you switch to the second microfiber cloth to finish wiping off the window, give the outside of the window a horizontal wipe and the inside of the window a vertical one.
    • This way you can quickly spot a smudge or missed spot and know immediately whether it’s on the outside or inside of the glass based on whether it’s horizontal (outside) or vertical (inside).
  • Take care when removing your seat belt to avoid belt whiplash as sometimes the seat belt could snap back onto the glass, creating a small but distinct chip on the surface of the window tint.

 Note:

  • Bubbles may appear and are normal for the first few days after the windows are tinted.
  • You may also notice tint that appears cloudy, hazy, and has water pockets. These will go away as the film dries out; if they don’t, contact your supplying dealer that performed the installation, to arrange an inspection.

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