The trim and molding on your vehicle play very important roles. Aside from helping bond your doors and windows to the car body, they also offer a means of insulating your car by creating a tight seal around such openings. The problem is, it can be quite difficult to maintain trims and molding because they can be quite delicate, especially when accidentally subjected to harmful chemicals from non-sensitive cleaners. Read on for some great tips on maintaining your car trim and molding.

Use the right products.

Always make sure that the auto detailing products that you use, whether for cleaning, sealing, or waxing, are all safe for use on trim and molding materials like plastics, rubbers, and vinyl. If you’re not sure what products to use, ask an expert.

Make it part of the routine.

Make sure to clean your trim and molding thoroughly every time you wash your car. You can use very soft brushes to help remove contaminants and keep your car crystal clean. Never use hard brushes, otherwise you may end up damaging your car instead of cleaning it.

Protect your trim and molding the right way.

Many car owners are aware of the many preventive benefits of auto detailing products like wax, sealant, and other forms of protectant. What some people aren’t aware of, however, is that a buildup of these products can cause more harm than good to your vehicle. In the case of trim and molding, applying too many (or too thick) layers can cause discoloration. To avoid this, make sure to use a dressing remover that will strip your vinyl, rubber and plastic parts down to bare. Once done, you can apply a new, thin coat of protectant. Also, always remember to use 100% cotton or microfiber towels to prevent scratching.