Aside from your home, your car is probably one of the biggest investments you make. If you spend a lot of time driving, whether that be commuting or traveling for work or shuttling your kids to school and sports, your car can take a beating. From dead bugs to bird droppings to windows covered in sticky fingerprints, your car can look like a mess quickly.
If you want to keep your car looking like new (or at least looking its best), follow these tips. You’ll get your car back in decent shape in no time.
1. Wash It Regularly
This should be a no-brainer but think back to the last time you washed your car. If you can’t remember or it was weeks or months ago, it’s time to head to the car wash. This is especially important in areas where there is snow and salt on your vehicle or if you have a lot of dead bugs or bird droppings stuck to it.
Bird droppings can do a lot of damage if you don’t remove them quickly, as they begin to etch the paint the longer they sit on your car. If you live in a southern state, like Florida, you may experience love bugs twice a year. These bugs also do a lot of damage to your car and should be washed off as soon as possible.
2. Don’t Forget the Interior
When you wash the exterior, you should take a few minutes to vacuum the inside, wipe down the steering wheel, dashboard, door handles, console, cup holders, and door frames. If you do this often, it won’t take much time at all.
Rather than waiting until it’s really bad and you have a several-hour project, wash your car regularly and wipe it down every time. A quick regular cleaning is much more efficient than trying to clean a filthy car with months of trash, grime, and buildup in it.
3. Use the Right Products
Most household cleaning products are too harsh for your car and can damage the paint or the interior. Pick soap that is meant for cars and use a soft, microfiber mitt to wash your car to prevent scratches.
After you dry, use a chamois cloth to dry it. This helps prevent mineral or water spots that can stain the paint.
You can also get a ceramic coating for your car to protect your paint. Learn more about these coatings to see if they might be a good choice for you.
Keep Your Car Looking New
Even though you drive your car daily and it often takes a beating, you can keep your car looking like new with our tips. Make sure you regularly wash it, don’t neglect the interior, and spend a few extra dollars to get cleaning products that are meant for your car. A yearly detail by a professional wouldn’t hurt either.
If you found these tips useful, be sure to check out some of our other automotive articles before you go.