With ever increasing car prices, for most of us our vehicle is our most expensive possession, second only to a house or condo. How can you protect your investment? How can you keep your car looking like new even when vehicle maintenance isn't your thing? Simple car maintenance and upkeep tips will keep your car showroom ready.
Some people maintain their vehicles meticulously. Their cars have that fresh from the showroom feel long after they bought. If you're not quite so careful or your car has taken lots of abuse from passengers and pets, your car will be looking like new with a few new habits and inexpensive purchases. Whether you're leasing or own, these easy car maintenance and upkeep tips will ensure that your vehicle maintains its value.
Vacuum your car regularly. It seems that every season brings challenges. Mud, leaves, and slush get tracked into your car. Regular vacuuming is essential. Keep a stash of quarters in your glove compartment and stop by the vacuums at the car wash every week. Consider buying an auto vac or a wet-dry vacuum with crevice tools to clean your car. With the right tools you'll be able to clean out the crumbs and debris that slip into the tight spots in your car.
Install floor mats. Installing rubber floor mats will extend the life of your automobile. The mats will protect your car from mud and snow and the raised ribs will collect the grit that inevitably is brought inside on passengers' boots and shoes.
Wash your car. If you chose the color of your automobile thinking that the dirt won't show it's time to visit the car wash. In fact, a weekly car wash is essential for keeping the finish on your vehicle looking like new. You can do it yourself with a hose, soapy water, and terry cloth towels or cloth diapers. For the less ambitious, get a book of tickets for the car wash and pay a weekly visit. In between washes carefully remove any bird droppings, squashed bugs, or tar.
Wax your car. Waxing your vehicle is essential for maintaining the finish. Ideally you should get your car waxed (or do it yourself) every month. At a minimum, plan to wax the car three or four times per year, perhaps once per season. If you're waxing the car yourself follow directions carefully and plan the job for a shady spot on a cool day.
Fix scratches and chips. Buy some automotive touch up paint in your car's color from your dealer or from an online merchant. Inspect your car regularly for any scratches or chipped paint. Carefully clean the area before repairing. Follow manufacturer's directions which may suggest sanding before painting. Don't let time pass or the ding may begin to rust.
Refurbish your steering wheel. If you've got a lot of miles on your car chances are your leather steering wheel is showing its age. You can pick up a kit that will bring back a shiny finish or you can get your steering wheel refinished by an auto detailer.
These simple car maintenance and upkeep tips will keep your car looking like new long after it leaves the showroom. You'll feel better, your passengers will appreciate the ride, and your bank account will benefit when it's time to go back to the dealer.
Keeping your vehicle looking like new will help to maintain its value. If your vehicle is in great shape you may be able to make money renting your car with several new car sharing services.
By Elizabeth Bolton
Some people maintain their vehicles meticulously. Their cars have that fresh from the showroom feel long after they bought. If you're not quite so careful or your car has taken lots of abuse from passengers and pets, your car will be looking like new with a few new habits and inexpensive purchases. Whether you're leasing or own, these easy car maintenance and upkeep tips will ensure that your vehicle maintains its value.
Vacuum your car regularly. It seems that every season brings challenges. Mud, leaves, and slush get tracked into your car. Regular vacuuming is essential. Keep a stash of quarters in your glove compartment and stop by the vacuums at the car wash every week. Consider buying an auto vac or a wet-dry vacuum with crevice tools to clean your car. With the right tools you'll be able to clean out the crumbs and debris that slip into the tight spots in your car.
Install floor mats. Installing rubber floor mats will extend the life of your automobile. The mats will protect your car from mud and snow and the raised ribs will collect the grit that inevitably is brought inside on passengers' boots and shoes.
Wash your car. If you chose the color of your automobile thinking that the dirt won't show it's time to visit the car wash. In fact, a weekly car wash is essential for keeping the finish on your vehicle looking like new. You can do it yourself with a hose, soapy water, and terry cloth towels or cloth diapers. For the less ambitious, get a book of tickets for the car wash and pay a weekly visit. In between washes carefully remove any bird droppings, squashed bugs, or tar.
Wax your car. Waxing your vehicle is essential for maintaining the finish. Ideally you should get your car waxed (or do it yourself) every month. At a minimum, plan to wax the car three or four times per year, perhaps once per season. If you're waxing the car yourself follow directions carefully and plan the job for a shady spot on a cool day.
Fix scratches and chips. Buy some automotive touch up paint in your car's color from your dealer or from an online merchant. Inspect your car regularly for any scratches or chipped paint. Carefully clean the area before repairing. Follow manufacturer's directions which may suggest sanding before painting. Don't let time pass or the ding may begin to rust.
Refurbish your steering wheel. If you've got a lot of miles on your car chances are your leather steering wheel is showing its age. You can pick up a kit that will bring back a shiny finish or you can get your steering wheel refinished by an auto detailer.
These simple car maintenance and upkeep tips will keep your car looking like new long after it leaves the showroom. You'll feel better, your passengers will appreciate the ride, and your bank account will benefit when it's time to go back to the dealer.
Keeping your vehicle looking like new will help to maintain its value. If your vehicle is in great shape you may be able to make money renting your car with several new car sharing services.
By Elizabeth Bolton
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