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Nothing beats the feel of a brand new car. The sleek glimmer of the paintwork, the pristine interior simply can’t be matched. And you can’t forget about that new car smell. It’s inevitable that the shine will wear off eventually, but there are a few simple and easy ways to stave off the wear and tear and keep your motor looking as good as the day you bought it for as long as possible.
Here are five tips to keep your car looking like new.
Clean And Organize
Get in the habit of doing a few simple things to keep your car clean and organized. Throw away the trash every time you get out. Give the interior a dust every month or so and wash the exterior every couple of weeks. Treat it to a wax and polish once a year, and keep your wheels well cleaned (strange as it sounds, a toilet brush is a great tool for this!).
Beyond that, here are a few simple cleaning hacks:
- A paintbrush or foam brush is the perfect tool for dusting your air vents.
- Olive oil is excellent for polishing the leather on your dash or seats.
- A spray water bottle and a window cleaning squeegee will quickly banish pet hair.
- Buff the clouds out of your headlights with a little water and toothpaste.
- Remove any residual grime that washing doesn’t shift with a clay bar.
Clean Or Replace Your Floor Mats
Nothing makes your car look shabby more than worn out floor mats. If they’re past help, replace them with new ones for an instant refresh. Alternatively, spray them with stain remover and put them through a washing cycle, or scrub them using upholstery cleaner.
Consider getting weather-resistant rubber mats; they’ll protect your carpet and prevent mold growth.
Clean Your Windows
Keep your windows clean inside and out to keep your visibility high and the exterior sparkling. Roll the windows down before you start to ensure you get the grime off the top, where it tends to build up.
GooGone and a microfiber cloth is a great way to remove sticky stains and the goop that comes with having kids!
Repair Any Dents and Scratches
It’s important to keep on top of any dents, dings, and scratches, especially if your car is made of metal. Repairing them promptly will prevent the buildup of rust and any further damage.
Scratch repair pens are useful for touch-ups, but they will only work on the top layer of protective coating. If the scratch is in your actual paint, you may not have good results.
Start A Regular Maintenance Schedule
While car maintenance doesn’t directly contribute to your car’s appearance, a well-running motor is essential. By keeping your car in perfect working order, you will avoid accidents that might cause damage and other issues that can contribute to wear and tear.
Change your oil regularly and replace your filters, brake discs, and tires. If you have an older car, you may also need to perform belt checks.
A regular maintenance schedule will keep everything in tip-top condition, preserving the value of your car, while these simple cleaning tips will keep everything looking shiny and new.
Photo by Paulo.hvo | Licensed under cc0 1.0
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