Let’s face it, vehicles aren’t cheap. As such, we want to do everything that we can to keep them looking like new. Not only will maintenance of your vehicle make it look good, but it will also improve performance, decrease repair bills, and increase resale value. If you perform small maintenance tasks regularly, keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition will be easy. Here are a few things that you may want to consider doing on a regular basis if you want to keep your car looking like new:
1) Clean and wax the exterior – Cleaning the exterior of your vehicle won’t just make it shine, but it will also help to prevent the paint from rusting. To clean your vehicle properly, start with a good wash and scrub to remove any built-up dirt or grime. In addition to washing the body of the car, also be sure that you remove any dust from the wheels. Once washed, give your vehicle time to dry. Then, wax it. As you go about cleaning and waxing, be sure to pay attention to areas that might often be neglected (such as the trim).
2) Vacuum once a week – Every time we step into our vehicle we load it with dirt from our shoes. If we don’t clean it regularly, this dirt can quickly build-up until our vehicle becomes almost unbearable to sit in. Always be sure to vacuum the seats, the floors, and spots that are difficult to reach (in the seats, under the seats). In addition, pay close attention to the floor mats which accumulate the greatest amount of dirt.
3) Wash your headlights – If you don’t wash your headlights, they can quickly become a victim of oxidation. When this happens, they can become foggy and dimmed, failing to do their job properly. And while they can be cleaned after becoming discolored, headlights are much easier to clean if maintained regularly. Before wasting any money on headlight cleaner, try toothpaste – it works wonders!
4) Clean the inside – Clean the inside of your vehicle just as often as you clean the outside. Use a damp cloth to clean seats, dashboards, and paneling. In addition, use protectant to help preserve your fabrics.
Not only should you follow the tips above, but you should also have your upholstery detailed one or two times each year. In addition, use engine shampoo every few months to remove any grime that is built-up on engine parts.
If you want to keep your vehicle looking and running like new, you need to treat it good. Keeping it clean is just one of the many ways that you can help preserve your vehicles youthfulness and beauty.
See our post about Preventative Maintenance for your Vehicle.