No one wants to drive around in a car that looks like it has been around for a long time. We want our cars to continue looking as fresh as the day we first drove them off the lot. Unfortunately, time and other circumstances have a way of diminishing the appearance of our cars. But with a few simple tricks, you can keep your car looking like new.
Regular Washing
Perhaps the best thing you can do for your car is to regularly wash it. Washing will remove dirt and other grime from the outside of the car, which harms the appearance. And if you leave dirt on the car for too long, it can eventually scratch away some of the paint.
When washing your car, proper technique is important. You don't want to bring your car to just any car wash, as not all are created equal. Some use better products than others or charge too much for the services they offer.
Go to a business you trust or purchase some cleaning solution that is safe for cars, then wash the car yourself by hand. This will ensure that the job gets done right and that you know exactly what's going on your car.
Occasional Waxing
In addition to washing, you should also occasionally add a coat of wax to your car. You don't need to do this as often as you wash. Every few months is likely okay. Waxing your car will help to protect the paint color from fading and against scratches. It will also give your car a nice sheen that will resemble the first time you got it. Waxing your car yourself is a bit of a tiring process, so consider taking it to a trusted car wash for this process.
Inside Vacuuming
Looking like new includes both the exterior and the interior of the car. So, when you're taking care of the outside of the car, don't forget to do the inside. Use your vacuum from home, or find a car wash that cleans the inside of your car. Be sure to get the entire floor area and in between the cushions of the seats. The more often you vacuum, the more your car will look like new.
You should also take that time to give the inside of your car a more thorough cleaning. Wash out the floor mats, dust off the dashboard, throw away the trash, and clean the inside of the windows. Spending a few minutes doing this every few weeks goes a long way toward making it feel like you're driving a new car.
Careful Parking
Besides cleaning, you can do a few other things to keep your car from getting banged up. The first is watching where you park. Whenever you park, you should make sure there is enough room between you and other cars. You should also check your surroundings, including above you, to make sure there is nothing that can scratch up your car while you're away.
Protective Covering
If you really want to keep your car looking like new, consider getting it a protective covering. This is a piece of fabric that you can throw over your car when it's parked to protect it from outside elements. This is especially useful if you don't have a garage to park in.
Professional Service
Finally, if something does scratch or mar the outside of your car, take it to a professional auto body service. They'll be able to remove any scratches or dents on the car to make it look like nothing ever happened. Find an auto body shop that has strong reviews from past customers, knowledgeable staff, and reasonable prices.
To learn more about how to keep your car looking like new or how Olson's Auto Body can return your car to its former glory, please contact us today.
