After purchasing a new car, you are more interested in taking care of its engine and accessories. In this process, you might tend to forget that the outer look of your car is equally important. Even before one looks under the hood, it is the outer coating and shine of your car that creates an impression.

Here are a few tips on how to look after your vehicle's appearance and gloss :

* Do not wash your car all the seven days of the week.

* Wash your car with a gentle non-abrasive cleaner. Always use a mild car shampoo; never use a detergent soap.

* Rinse away all loose dirt with plenty of water, then pour on the soapy solution.
Clean the surface gently with a wet sponge. Avoid rubbing the surface vigorously. Rinse the sponge frequently to avoid scratching the paint with dust particles trapped in the sponge.

* Wash the car thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water to remove all traces of dirt and soap. Dry it with a clean cloth.

* If the car is being washed in direct sunlight on a warm day, it should be washed and dried panel by panel.

* When using a commercial tag or bug remover, read the instruction carefully. Then try it out on a small, unnoticeable area at first.

* If you opt for a commercial car wash, use one that comes with a soft scrub system.

* If your car has a polyurethane-based or 2K ( as it is called ) paint, you need to polish it only once in six months. For polishing it, use a mild cleaning wax, not an abrasive. Polish gently using mechanical foam pads or even your hands.

Do's and Don'ts

*Always use a wet cloth for wiping your car. Never wipe your car with a dry cloth or duster.

* Wax your car immediately after it has been washed and dried, to avoid sealing in the dust and dirt.

* Use a car cover made of a natural,' breathing ' material like cotton. Do not use plastic covers in humid conditions, since these materials trap moisture and cause fungus.

* Alway s use soft water to wash you car. Do not use hard water as it leaves a film on the surface.

* Try to park your car in the shade or in a covered space. Do not park in the hot sun for a long time, as the heat causes the paint to blister.

* Get blemishes, scratches or chips touched up quickly with the right colour and type of paint. Do not leave chipped paint unattended as the exposed areas can rust through contact with air or water.