When you first buy a car, it looks fantastic. And it should – it just came from the showroom!
But over time, it eventually degrades and starts to look worse for wear. And that can leave you feeling short-changed. Your new car was fantastic when you first bought it but leaves a lot to be desired today.
The trick is to protect it. Understanding how to stop time from ravaging your vehicle can make it last longer and look better. Here’s what you need to do:
Wash And Wax Regularly
The first step is to wash and wax your vehicle regularly. Taking proper care of it every couple of weeks or after bad weather will keep it looking its best for longer.
Washing under the car is essential for removing salt and grit residues that could accelerate rusting and metal corrosion. You also want to apply a wax every month or so to protect against minor scratches and UV light that might damage the paintwork.
Park In The Shade
Another pro tip to keeping your car looking its best is to park it in the shade. Keeping it out of direct sunlight will reduce UV damage further, helping you avoid pesky problems and issues, like fading.
At home, keep your car in a garage or wrap it in a bag if leaving it outdoors. When going out during the middle of the day, try to hide the car under a canopy or in indoor parking to prevent damage to paintwork on the roof and hood.
Add Protective Films
You can also try adding a ceramic coating or protective films to the vehicle, particularly in areas most prone to damage, like the hood, bumper, and side arches. Proper protection can prevent scratches from causing damage and making your vehicle look worse for wear.
Don’t underestimate the damage rock chips can do when kicked up from the road. These can scuff paint if it doesn’t have any barrier or protection stopping stones from doing damage.
Vacuum The Interior
On the inside, you’ll want to ensure you vacuum regularly to remove debris. Stopping dirt from building up prevents them from grinding inside fabrics, keeping interior fabrics looking new and vibrant.
At the same time, it is also worth investing in leather care. Adding conditioner to your vehicle’s seats prevents the material from drying out and cracking (a common occurrence for people living in hot areas).
Clean Spills Straight Away
You also want to clean spills immediately with a damp cloth and stain remover. Leaving them might cause them to incorporate into the materials in your car’s interior, making them far harder to remove in the future.
Touch Up Missing Paint
Finally, it’s a good idea to touch up the missing paint on your vehicle. Covering bare metal prevents corrosion from becoming established, ensuring the car doesn’t end up becoming a rust bucket before its time.
So there you have it: some of the ways you can protect your pride and joy from the ravages of time.
