For many dads, colour is likely the last thing you consider when buying a new car.

Instead, you probably spend your time searching for cars with the highest Euro NCAP rating, the most airbags and the very best ISOFIX safety system – to keep the little ones safe and secure on the open road (take a look at these essential tips on choosing a family car).

But, what if we told you the colour of your car could speak volumes about your personality, driving style and character?

Some people believe the colour of a car says a lot about the person behind the wheel. Drive a silver car for instance, and this indicates you’re a confident, calm driver. Drive a red car, and you likely value sportiness and performance.

A black car? You’re sophisticated and power hungry. A blue car? You’re a loving family man who never lets their emotions get the better of them.

So – what does your car’s colour say about you?

To help you take better care of the family car, we asked the experts at Simoniz for some help and advice on how to keep your car in top condition for longer – including hints and tips on treating rust, and how to remove small scratches from your bodywork. So let’s get to it.

• What’s the best treatment for rust patches?

Small rust patches cannot only ruin the way your car looks, they can very quickly spread, if not dealt with quickly and effectively. Follow these simple steps to get your paintwork looking as good as new.
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Rust is oxidation of the steel and needs to be completely removed to avoid it coming back. In early stages, the paintwork is likely to have ‘bubbled’ under the surface, but it’s only a matter of time before the rust breaks through to the surface.

To treat rust patches, use an abrasive paper to remove the surface paint – choose a grade of paper depending on the severity of the problem, starting with a coarse grade.

Ensure all the rust is completely removed. The use of body filler may be required to level the surface; always leave the filled surface ‘high’ relative to the unaffected area and then sand back using progressively finer paper. Finish using 1200 grit super fine paper known as ‘wet and dry’.
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Once the surface levels match and you are happy with the repair, wash and dry the area to remove any dust or dirt.

Before priming, use masking tape and newspaper to protect the surrounding area as the paint can travel a long way especially if you are doing the work outside.

Prime the affected area to protect it and provide a key for the top coat. You may need to sand the area again after priming as this can often highlight areas where deeper scratches remain. Follow with top coat and clear lacquer, following the manufactures instructions. 

• What is the difference between a wax and a polish? And how often should I do both?

Many people confuse wax and polish, in reference to automotive treatments, but they are actually very different products. Polishes contain mild abrasives, which remove a little of the top layer of paint. Polishes are typically used to remove minor blemishes, scratches and oxidised paint. This produces a highly polished, even surface ready for waxing.

Wax is used to protect your car’s paintwork.  Used after washing, a quality car wax will protect your car’s exterior from harmful substances like bird droppings, tree sap and tar. We recommend waxing your car at least twice a year – say at the beginning of spring and in September – to ensure complete protection, whatever the weather. By using a good quality mild automotive shampoo to wash the surface regularly, dirt can often be removed without stripping the wax off. Top up the wax using a liquid wax or detailer and see the difference in gloss. 

• Any hints and tips for getting small scratches out?  

If the scratches are very small and fine, a quality car polish may be enough to remove them. Wash and dry your car first, and then apply the polish following the instructions on the product. You should use a special polishing cloth like a microfiber cloth, which lets you apply polish without damaging the paintwork. 

• Can you use the same cleaning agent for leather and material interiors?

Leather requires additional care to retain its original smell and appearance, so we wouldn’t recommend using standard upholstery cleaner on leather surfaces. Instead, use quality leather wipes or lotion that have been specifically developed to clean, treat and nourish leather surfaces. For other upholstery, use a cleaning wipe or spray that can remove tough stains and odour.

• What is the best way to clean wheel wells?

 Wheel wells are one of those hard to reach areas on a car that many motorists don’t bother to clean properly. However, they’re also one of the areas prone to oxidation, so it’s important to clean them thoroughly from time to time. To clean your car’s wheel wells, spray a strong cleaning agent into the well and scrub with a scratchproof cleaning brush to remove tar, dirt and grime. Then, use a hose or pressure washer to rinse the wheel wells of any remaining dirt and residue.

For the rest of your wheels, use specially developed products such as a non-corrosive alloy cleaner and a tyre cleaner to keep your wheels clean and shiny.