Wax On, Wax Off—Tips to Keep Your Car Looking New
Wax On, Wax Off—Tips to Keep Your Car Looking New
For some of us our car can be a part of our identity. It may even feel like we spend more time in our car than at home. We drive to and from work or school, we take trips, we shop and eat, and we may even have to take naps in our car. Even if we only use our car to move around town, we want to keep it looking and smelling new for as long as possible. You don't need to spend an entire weekend detailing your car every week. Many car owners find that a few minutes of cleaning regularly is easier than one huge cleanup later. Here are some tips you can follow.
Keep the Outside Looking Sharp
Wash it regularly — Dirt, road salt, bird droppings, bugs, and other debris can build up on your paint. Regular washing helps keep these contaminants from sitting on the finish. In areas with snow and road salt, paying attention to the underside of the vehicle is especially important because salt and moisture can contribute to rust.
Use the right products — Dish soap and household cleaners may seem convenient, but they aren't made for automotive finishes. Use a car-wash soap and soft microfiber towels or wash mitts instead. Rinse away loose dirt before wiping the paint, and rinse your wash mitt often so you aren't dragging grit across the surface.
Don't forget the wheels — Wheels, tires, and wheel wells collect some of the dirtiest material on the road. Give them their own cleaning tools rather than using the same mitt or sponge you use on the paint.
Protect the finish — Wax or another paint-protection product can help maintain the shine and provide protection from the elements. How often you need it depends on the product, weather, and how much your vehicle is exposed to the road.
Treat the Inside Like Your Home
Clean regularly — Keep small trash bags in the car, and regularly remove trash, food, bottles, and anything else that doesn't belong in the car. Shake out the floor mats, and vacuum the seats, carpets, floor mats, and the areas underneath the seats. Those hidden areas are easy to overlook, and they're common places for crumbs and dirt to collect.
Use automotive interior cleaners that are appropriate for your seats and surfaces - A clean microfiber cloth works well for dashboards, doors, and other surfaces. Be careful with touchscreens and don't spray cleaner directly onto them.
Don't forget the small stuff — Cup holders, door pockets, steering wheels, shifters, buttons, and the area around the center console can collect a surprising amount of dirt. A small detailing brush or soft brush can help reach those tight spaces.
Keep your Car Smelling Fresh
Be proactive — Don't leave food, gym clothes, wet towels, or other odor-producing items in the vehicle. Clean up spills as soon as possible and let damp carpets and upholstery dry completely. Moisture that stays trapped inside the vehicle can contribute to musty smells and mold. It's good to keep in mind, while air fresheners can make a car smell nice, they don't solve the source of a bad odor.
Do regular maintenance — If your car suddenly develops a strange smell that cleaning doesn't fix, it may mean your vehicle needs some maintenance. A clogged A/C drain, water leak, dirty cabin air filter, or another mechanical issue could be responsible.
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