Don’t you just love the way your new car looks? It is sleek, shiny, and makes a good impression. Unfortunately, this phase can be somewhat short-lived. Poor maintenance, the weather, and poor driving conditions can leave your vehicle looking worn down within months.
Well, what if it didn’t have to be this way? What if you could prolong the excellent condition of your car? Here’s some good news for you: this isn’t a pipe dream. With a little bit of effort and the right guidance, your vehicle can continue to look brand spanking new long after you have bought it.
If you would like to learn the secrets behind making this happen, here they are:
Prevention is the Best Solution
This should go without saying, but one of the best ways to keep your car in good condition is to be careful. This means that you should be a mindful vehicle owner as well as a driver. For instance, think about how you are driving – are you taking the proper precautions to avoid dings or scrapes? Do you always look before you open the door to minimize scratches?
Although your vehicle may be weatherproof, it doesn’t mean that you should leave it exposed to the elements. This is especially true when the weather is bad. If it is raining or snowing, make sure to cover your vehicle or bring it into the garage. The same should be done when it is windy – debris can scratch the car paint.
Even when it is sunny outside, don’t leave your vehicle out for too long. The harsh rays of the sun can fade the paint, making your vehicle look far older than it actually is.
Make Upkeep a Priority
Do you only wash your car when it is absolutely filthy? This is a bad habit. Understand, if you are driving through a particularly dusty area or if there is salt on the roads, all these particles end up on the surface of your vehicle. And, the longer that they remain there, the more damage that they can do.
This is why you need to clean your car on a regular basis. Now, if your car is regularly coated in dust or salt, you should wash it as soon as you notice these particulates on your vehicle. Otherwise, you should try to wash your car every two weeks. You will be astonished at what a difference this can make.
Use the Right Products
There are some people who will use dishwashing detergent in a pinch. This is something you should avoid at all costs, though. Now, this type of detergent won’t necessarily damage the exterior of your vehicle. Nonetheless, it can strip protective layers such as wax or polish. This leaves your car exposed to weather damage.
This is why you shouldn’t only use high-quality products that have been specifically designed for vehicles. These have been created to clean your car while maintaining protective layers. Not only will your car look as good as new, but it will also be more resistant to future damage as well.
Forego Air Drying
There is no denying that it can be a pain to dry your car. This is because you have to be equipped with special microfiber towels that won’t damage the surface. Despite this, you need to make an effort to thoroughly dry your car. You should never let it air dry.
What you may not realize is that water contains a variety of minerals and other particulates that aren’t always visible to the eye. When you allow the car to air dry, the liquid portion of the water will evaporate. The minerals and other particles, though, will be left behind on the surface of your car. These can damage the paint.
So, use a soft, scratch-free towel to gently but thoroughly dry your vehicle. While it may take some time, it will prove to be an excellent tactic in the long run.
Clean the Interior
The interior of the car can get just as dirty as the outside. However, since not too many people will see the inside, most people are content to not make much of an effort. Well, you want your car to look as good as new on the inside too, right?
So, start cleaning up the inside as well. To begin with, vacuum the rugs and the seats. Buy a suitable cleaner for the seats and make sure to scrub them out once in a while too. Upholster them when needed. Use deodorizers and air fresheners to keep the inside smelling nice and clean.
Don’t Forget About the Shine
New cars are nice and shiny, but this shine can dull after a while. If you would like to bring it back you simply have to use good car wax. According to AutoQuarterly.com, the best car waxes can do an excellent job of restoring the shine to your car. This will help to maintain a lustrous and gorgeous paint job.
Wax isn’t just for aesthetic purposes, though. It is also an important protectant. Once applied to the surface of your car, wax works to keep grime, sunlight, and lots of other damaging elements at bay. So, it works extra hard to keep your car in excellent condition.
Watch Where You Park
Last, but certainly not least, always be careful where you park. Bird droppings are incredibly damaging to car paint. This is why you must never park under a tree, if you can help it. In general, though, park your vehicle in a covered spot. Therefore, you can protect it from birds that may be flying over the vehicle as well.
If you will be gone for a while, consider throwing a car cover on top. There’s no need to worry about this problem. In the event that droppings do land on your vehicle, make sure to clean them off immediately. The longer that they set, the greater the damage.
So, there you have it – your ultimate guide to keeping your vehicle in tiptop shape. If you make an effort to follow these guidelines, you can virtually guarantee that your car will continue look amazing long after you have driven it off the lot.
