Car owners will want to keep their vehicles looking fresh out of a car dealership. Many want this for aesthetic purposes because no one really wants to ride a car that looks unmaintained and may break down anytime. Your car also says a lot about you as a person, whether you give enough time to care for your possessions and how you value the comfort and safety of your passengers.
Others do it with reselling in mind to attract more buyers when they decide to sell the vehicle. Whatever reason you have, a pristine car is worth having, so you definitely have to maintain it in the best possible condition. The following tips should help to prevent it from much wear.
Regular cleaning
Regular car cleaning should be on your schedule if you care a lot about the appearance of your vehicle. Cleaning your car with soap and water is the usual practice, at least every two weeks or when it gets dirty. You get your sponge and rub away the dirt and grime. But it is important to replace your sponge after a few uses. This material will start becoming crusty and hard when used a couple of times, which can scratch the paint job of your car.
The soap you use can also affect the overall shine of your car as some detergent products are harsher than others and can damage the exteriors as well. Car soaps are sold for car use specifically, so these should be used instead of detergent or dishwashing soap, as some car owners do. And don’t forget to clean the interiors. Vacuuming and wiping everything should help get rid of dust, prints, and leftover food residues that can cause stains and attract pests to live in your car.
Remove exterior stains immediately
Stains like bird poop, sap from trees, and even watermarks seem like easily removable blemishes that will do no damage to your car. But these substances can become leave permanent marks on your vehicle if left on there long enough, so you have to remove them immediately.
Some of them can contain acids and minerals that can dissolve the coating of the body, leaving more serious damage that will cost you some hard cash. Removing them should also be done carefully. Especially for tree sap, avoid spreading it around as it can stick to other surfaces that might be harder to clean.
Park inside your garage
One of the biggest factors that make a car look old quickly is color fading. Your car’s paint job fades because of too much exposure to the sun. So you have to park your vehicle in your roofed garage to preserve the color longer. This also applies to when you are applying wax to the body. The sun can set and harden the wax unevenly, creating ugly lumps that may discolor over time. So keep your car away from the sun as much as possible to avoid fading.
Install window tint
Related to the previous tip, the sun can also penetrate the glass of your car and discolor the interiors of your vehicle, so you may benefit from having a good car window tint film installed. A tinted window and windshield can help to protect the inside of your car from discoloration even as you drive. The tint should also dim direct sunlight to protect your eyes from glare, just like sunglasses, and partially prevent UV rays from getting through.
Try car seat covers
Seat covers protect leather seats from getting scratches, stains, and other damages. They can also add a certain “new” look to an older car depending on the style that you get installed. Many will have built-in lumbar support cushions to help you get comfortable while driving. But car seat covers meant for infants and young children have to be selected carefully as they can compromise their safety if not secured well.
Protect your tires
Lastly, your car’s tires also add to the new car aesthetic. This is why you should try to maintain the shine and blackness of the tires to make them appear brand new. Tire dressings or protectants are available in the market to lessen the dirt, dust, and grime that can stick to your tires as you drive.
Keeping your car in good condition will make it look good and be safer for use. Of course, your vehicle will deteriorate with time and usage. Some damage will be obtained and will have to be repaired to keep it functional. But the aforementioned tips should help prolong the life of your vehicle, all while keeping it beautiful to look at. Regular maintenance with the help of your auto mechanic should further ensure your safety while driving.
