If you’re going to keep your car for a long time, you’ll want it to age gracefully. This will be a boost to your morale and will motivate you to give it the care it deserves. Here’s what recommends to keep the exterior fresh:
- Give it a Wash. Even during the winter, rinse off your car regularly to prevent paint wear, and remember to spray the undercarriage, too. Remove bugs, tree sap and bird poop that can eat through the paint.
- Wax on. Yes, there’s a clear-coat layer, but even that needs protection with a twice-a-year wax job.
- Care for the armor. Touch-up paint is inexpensive and, properly applied, can prevent a paint chip from starting a rust spot.
- Clear visibility. Most insurance companies will pay for a replacement of a windshield that is cracked or chipped. This is important for proper visibility, but the windshield also adds to the structural integrity of the car.
Inside, you’ll need to:
- Clear spills early. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen or they’ll become harder to remove. Avoid strong cleaners, such as bleach, that could damage the fabric.
- Shampoo seats and carpets. Steam cleaning, or even a DIY shampoo, will make your car smell and look newer. The steam kills most of the bacteria and viruses sitting on the surface of the car. Professional steam clean has many benefits in the wake of the current COVID-19 situation to keep your and your family healthy.
- Vacuum often. This is a small step with big results. Buying an inexpensive car vacuum makes it easier to spot-clean your car and saves money in the long run.
- Professional clean. Regular visit once in a month or once in 6 weeks will keep your car looking great and will keep the spots which you have missed during your regular clean and maintains the value of your asset in these hard times.
