Keep That Showroom Shine

(ARA) - While most of us are far from experts on our car's inner workings, we do appreciate the technology behind it. From fuel injection to anti-lock brakes, innovations have come quite a way since the days of the Model T.

Even paint jobs have improved through the years, employing features that make new cars gleam on the showroom floor. But once the real-life driving begins, that sparkle can fade or even be buried beneath a layer of grime. Keeping your car looking new used to mean hours of weekend labor, repeated every few weeks. But today, drivers can keep that showroom shine for years.

Whether your car's odometer is at 100 or 100,000 miles, a few simple steps can help protect your investment for years.

* Get Rid of Grime. Consistently washing your car will help prevent build-up of dirt and debris that can mar your paint's finish. In areas with heavy construction, pollution or road chemicals, it becomes even more important.

* Go High-tech. After washing comes waxing, right? Not necessarily. Most car waxes are made from carnuba waxes, which can get sticky (and attract dirt) and wear off quickly. "People really like the idea of polishing their vehicle every few years, instead of every few weeks," says Glenn Canady, president of 5 Star Technolgies. His company produces 5 Star Shine, a patented car polish so unique, it's the only paint protection system to have a U.S. patent.

"Our product uses PTFE, the same substance that makes nonstick cookware slippery. That means it repels dirt and grime, instead of holding it. The best part is that it actually bonds with the molecules in your paint, so it lasts through hundreds of car washes. It will last about five years for a new car and three years on most used cars." In fact, 5 Star Shine is so effective the U.S. Navy uses it to protect their radar antennas from exhaust fumes and sea spray.

* Protect from the elements. We're entering a season of sloppy, messy driving. Mud, slush and snow can leave your car looking bad, and may lead to damage in the future. Be sure to include an undercarriage wash for your car on a regular basis to avoid a build-up of dirt that may hold moisture against the metal, leading to rust. Ice-melting chemicals and, of course, road salt, can lead to corrosion as well.