Often overlooked details, Detailed!

[Joe@Superior Shine]

You've heard it said it's all in the details. How detailed do you really get when you are cleaning a vehicle? One of my pet peeves is not addressing the Schrader valve stem caps. That's right, I do not like these when they go neglected. Most may think this is insignificant but when you have rubbing compound coursing through your veins this something you cannot overlook.

[Joe@Superior Shine]

I start out by removing the valve stem caps and checking the condition. I make sure they are not damaged or cracked in any way. Next I'll make up a solution mixed 4/1 of water and soap and soak the valve stem caps in it. I allowed the caps to soak for about an hour or so. If they're filthy allow them to soak longer.

[Joe@Superior Shine]

Once they have soaked awhile you can use a Q-tip to clean them thoroughly. Make sure you get the inside, even though you can't see it it is plenty dirty. Make sure you rub the cotton swab with the ribs and not against it to clean it real good. You'll be surprised how dirty the Schrader valves actually are. Look how dirty this Q-tip is. I used 12 of them to get the caps perfectly clean.

If you have some crud stuck in between the ribs you can use a pick like the one in the photo to dig out the crud. Once you cleaned out the debris you can go over it again with the Q-tip to make sure it's perfectly clean.

[Joe@Superior Shine]

Once you're convinced that they are clean as can be, soak them in Meguiars M40 vinyl & Rubber cleaner / conditioner. This step will rejuvenate older valve stem caps and give the caps a nice satin sheen. They will smell nice too!

After they have soaked in M M40 for an hour or so I take a fresh cotton swab and rub in the product to make sure it's in the pores and all the nooks and crannies.

It only took a few hours but the efforts are well worth the trouble. Now my valve stem caps have been given love equally as much as every other inch of my car.

[Joe@Superior Shine]

I'll be the first to admit it's not exactly earth-shattering but you can tell by this picture it did make a big difference.

[rbss]

[gr8almty1]

This thread delivers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AZ Mike]

Wouldn't it be faster to keep a supply of new caps that have been pre-treated with Carpro Dlux?

[AGOatemywallet]

Although I think you are pulling my leg...I appreciate the attention to details, but I would rather spend this time on other parts and just buy replacements

[larry33]

No way! That's exactly what I do