There’s nothing quite like that new car smell. Now they even have air fresheners with that new car scent. But how do you keep the rest of your vehicle looking like new? Here are four ways to help you keep your car looking its best.
1. Wash and Wax Your Vehicle Regularly
Many people ignore washing their car on a regular basis. Dirt and dust can build up. Pollen is another culprit that can sneak up on you, coating your car with a yellowish film. If you park in the shade of a tree beware of the sap and the bird droppings. Both leave ugly marks, but the sap can actually leave a nasty stain.
Wash your car every week and you’ll keep it looking new longer. A good tip is to use soft sponges and a soap designed for cars. Your vehicle’s paint is different than most other paints and needs special care.
Another good tip is to dry your vehicle with a soft terrycloth or microfiber towel. Water can collect in unexpected areas, leading to rust over time. Drying it thoroughly can help prevent the corrosive effects of standing water.
While you don’t need to wax your car every time you wash it, you should do so every month or so. Waxing will leave your car looking shiny and new. It also creates a barrier between your car’s exterior and the elements.
2. Park in the Garage
Leaving your vehicle outside exposes it to the sun. The sun can fade your paint over time, but that isn’t the worst thing that can happen if left outside. That cool moist dew you find on your vehicle can be harming your car.
The pollution in the air from all the vehicles on the roads, factories, and more all floats up in the hot air during the day. At night, the air cools and these pollutants are carried down again in the dew. These pollutants can eat away at your paint, chrome, and rubber on your car.
If you have a garage, park your car there. Covering your vehicle with a car cover is the next best thing. A carport can help to some degree but it still leaves your car susceptible to pollutants.
3. Don’t Park Under Trees
If you’ve ever parked beneath a tree you’ve probably had sap and leaves and twigs fall on your vehicle. Maybe even a branch or two has fallen onto your car, possibly leaving a scratch or dent.
The shade might be nice when you get into a cooler car, but the inevitable risk from above isn’t worth it. If your driveway is beneath a tree you should consider trimming it back or cutting it down.
4. Tint Your Windows
Window tint not only adds a certain stylish look, but it also protects the car’s interior from the sun. The sun’s rays are often magnified by the glass on your car, causing the leather, cloth, and plastics within to fade.
You don’t have to buy a new car every three years to drive one that looks new. Just follow these four simple steps and your car will look like new for a long time.
Image via Pixabay.com
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