A. Environmental pollution and the weather can slowly deteriorate the surface of your vehicle and cause severe damage unless you provide some type of protection, such as a wax or paint sealant.

A. There is no exact length of time that any wax will last. As a rule of thumb, consider waxing your vehicle at least twice a year, when the finish begins to look dull, or when water fails to “bead” on the surface. Vehicles that are driven regularly, are parked outdoors, or are exposed to above-average environmental pollution should be waxed at least three times per year.

A. A polish is a blend of oils, solvents, water and minerals that is used to make the paint surface clean and shiny, but does not protect as wax does. Old polish and wax, water spots, small scratches and other minor surface imperfections can often be removed by polishing the surface with an orbital or rotary polisher. Using a polish before waxing creates a deeper shine than waxing alone. A wax is a natural protectant made from blends of waxes, polymers glossifiers and other ingredients that protect and produce a durable, high-gloss finish. Because they are made of natural products, they break down naturally over time. A typical application can last two to three months, and can be layered for optimal effect. They also create a tremendous amount of depth on dark colors. A paint sealant is a liquid polymer wax that can be applied to most any surface including paint, metal, fiberglass, gel coat, etc. A paint sealant is still temporary, but it is the most durable protectant. A typical application can last four to six months.

A. Leather is a natural material, and therefore requires more care than upholstery or carpeting. To minimize the risk of stains and/or discoloration, your leather seats should be cleaned on a regular basis using a product specifically for leather. For a regularly used vehicle, three to four cleanings per year is adequate. In addition, a leather conditioner should be applied after the cleaning process to restore natural oils and provide protection against UV damage, stains and cracking.