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Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Interior Cleaning

• First, clean the interior carpet and upholstery with a thorough vacuuming.

• Most carpet stains can be removed using an automotive carpet cleaner (figure F), available at auto centers. Our cleaner came with a special applicator-brush lid, but we opted to simply spray the cleaner on directly and use a separate scrub-brush.

• Shake the cleaner well, then spray directly onto the stain so that it is well-soaked.

• Allow the cleaner to soak in for a few minutes, then scrub vigorously with a brush.

• After scrubbing, blot and wipe up the excess cleaner using a dry, clean cloth.

  Important: Read and follow any directions and safety precautions that come with the cleaner that you select. Carpet cleaner is a strong chemical. It's advisable to test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area of carpet to make certain that it does not react with your carpet to cause discoloration.
  

  Figure G

  
  

Our demonstration vehicle, had a bad tear to the seat (figure G). For damage this severe, a professional upholstery repair is the only way to fix the tear, and this would be expensive. A cheaper option is to simply purchase an after-market seat cover to cover the entire seat.

For a smaller tear in vinyl upholstery, you can make the fix yourself. Use a toothpick to apply a very small amount of waterproof adhesive to the bottom side of the tear (figure H), one side at a time. Press the vinyl down firmly, and secure it by applying tape on either side of the tear (figure I). Do not apply tape directly over the tear, as it my stick if there is any glue squeeze-out. Allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Note: In a triangular tear like this one, repair only one side of the tear at a time.

Figure H

Figure I

Figure J

If your tear has resulted in a piece of vinyl being torn away entirely, you can purchase a vinyl repair kit (figure J) that will allow you to replace the missing piece with a color-matched repair swatch. A color chart is provided with instructions on how to match the color of your seats precisely. Follow the manufacturer's directions that come with the repair kit that you select to achieve a good match for color as well as texture.

In the segment that follows, , Leilani talks about important safety features to look for when purchasing a new vehicle.

Note: This is a summary of steps and tips shown in this episode of Auto Primer. These are general guidelines and applicable to most contemporary vehicles. There may be variations in procedures depending on vehicle manufacturer, model, age or condition of vehicle and in the applicable parts, products or kit. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or product that you select. Also, familiarize yourself with your owner's manual before doing any work on your vehicle.

Safety Alert: Always dispose of automotive fluids and other hazardous materials responsibly. Many auto centers have auto-fluid recycling centers.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Ultimate Auto Detailing
Model: 0879389419
Author: David H. Jacobs
(1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Motorbooks International

Auto Detailing: Step-By-Step Procedures for Complete Automobile Detailing
Model: 0801983940
Author: James Joseph
(1998)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Chilton Book Company
Westchester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-738-9280
Fax: 610-738-9354

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896