Proud automobile owners will do everything that they can to keep their vehicle looking new. Aside from taking proper care of something that you paid a lot of money for, car care will also boost its resale value. Let’s take a look at 5 things that you can do to keep your car looking fresh, shiny and clean.
Tend to the Interior
You should consistently have your car’s interior detailed to keep your vehicle’s seats, dash, doors and other interior spaces clean. Stained, smelly and dirty seats are depressing and they will severely damage your vehicle’s re-sale value. We recommend detailing your vehicle’s interior once every two months. At the least, make sure to condition the seats three times a year. If they are leather, it is important that the service you choose uses a leather conditioner that moisturizes, fights fading and protects against the sun’s UV rays. Typically your door panels, console and dash are covered in these services as well.
Paint Protection Film
To keep your car’s finish looking perfect, apply a paint protection film along the hood edge, rocker panels and fender. It will maintain your car’s finish and helps protect against stone chips, bug damage, abrasion and weathering. Paint protection film is practically invisible and will not change your car’s look in the slightest, although you can choose to get a glossy, satin or matte finish if you prefer. Even professional NASCAR drivers use paint protection film on a regular basis to keep their cars looking brand new.
Wash It Properly
Most Do It Yourself (DIY) car washes leave the vehicle scratched. Some of the scratches go deep into the paint and are difficult to remove, even when tended to by a professional. It is important to wash your car at least once every few months but you should do it the right way. That means taking it to a professional car wash. Opt for a car wash that will air dry the vehicle instead of using harmful brushes. Also, pick a car wash that cleans the car’s undercarriage, not just the vehicle’s sides and top. Dirt, dust, tar and other harmful materials can stick to the bottom of the car and won’t come off unless properly cleaned. A quality car wash will clean the entire vehicle and keep the paint in good condition.
Wax
To keep your vehicle looking shiny and new, wax it periodically. Aside from making your vehicle look good, a wax will protect the vehicle’s paint from harmful debris that might chip or scratch it. The debris will end up stuck in the wax and will easily wash out the next time you take the vehicle for a wash. Some types of wax will even protect your vehicle’s paint from fading due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Tires
Dry, faded tires that are full of dirt will make the rest of your vehicle look old and unremarkable. Be sure have your tires conditioned on a regular basis. After a car wash, a generous coat of tire conditioner should be applied to your tires. This will make the tires appear rich, shiny and lustered.