It makes sense to want to keep your vehicle looking new for a longer. After all our cars are some of the most expensive purchases we will ever make, and the better the condition that is kept in the more they hold their value over the long term.
Happily, there are arranged actions that you can take to ensure your car stays looking for caught you for the longest time possible. read on to find out what they are.
Hand-wash only
One of the golden rules of keeping your car looking like new is only ever hand wash it. This is because automatic car washes often used abrasive equipment and chemicals to give you an impressive looking clean. Unfortunately, these supplies also remove protective layers from your paintwork and damage it in the form of micro abrasions which over time can add up to your car looking more aged and worn than it needs to be. Sometimes even professional hand washing can be too aggressive depending on the kind of finishes you have on your car.
Also, remember that no one will ever take quite as much care of your vehicle as you will. Therefore, it’s much better to invest in a power washer and proper car washing equipment like microfiber cloths and do it yourself than it is to hand the responsibility to others. If you want your car to stay looking new for the longest time possible, that is.
Protect your paint
If you keep your car looking new for longer is to use a paint protection service. Paint protection products or films (PPF) as they are often known are an ideal way to protect the finish of your car and you sure it looks fresh and new for the longest period. This is because paint protection film creates a defensive barrier that stops rock chips, scratches, and other damage to your vehicle from happening.
Indeed paint protection film is a great investment for those with brand-new cars and luxury vehicles as it will help maintain that new look for longer. It’s also ideal for those driving performance vehicles which need additional protection due to the High speeds at which they operate.
Invest in a clay bar
If you want to keep your car looking new for longer, another essential item is a clay bar. Clay bars are used to give your car a particularly deep clean and remove debris that other types of cleaning usually cannot.
The first thing to recognize about clay bar treatments is that they do not have to be done every month. Instead, because they are so so intense it’s the best idea to only perform a clay bar clean once to twice a year.
To effectively use a clay bar when cleaning your car you will need to wash and dry it as usual. Then apply a small amount of lubricant spray to the area of the car you are looking to clean. You can now break off a small part of the clay bar and start to manipulate it in your hands so it becomes softer and malleable.
Once the bar is malleable you can then use it to remove impurities from the surface of your vehicle. To do this you just need to press the clay bar against the surface of your car where it should pick up the impurities, remembering to fold it to create a new clean surface every so often. Once this process is complete you can wipe the car down with a microfiber cloth and then apply a wax, which should help further protect your paintwork.
Be mindful of where you park
Another important factor you need to consider if you want to keep your car looking shiny and new for the longest time possible is whereabouts you park it. In particular, you need to make sure that your vehicle is well protected from the elements, prangs from other vehicles, and theft and so parking in a secure garage is always preferable.
However, if you do not have access to a garage and need to road park your vehicle there are some crucial things you need to remember. The first is that while parking under trees can provide some much-needed shade, it also increases the risk of bird droppings and tree sap, both of which are notorious for eroding the finish from your car.
Parking on busy roads and streets is also a bad idea if preserving your car’s aesthetics is important to you. This is because such spaces are likely to have a much higher risk of accidents and scratches. With this in mind always look for spaces away from busy main roads or in spacious car parks where possible.
Don’t forget your interior
When you aim to keep your car looking new for as long as possible. Paying attention to the interior is crucial. After all, if your vehicle looks brand new on the outside a faded, and worn interior will instantly let it down.
To that end be sure to regularly remove any rubbish from inside your car. You may wish to buy an in-vehicle bin for this specific purpose. Also regularly deep cleaning the upholstery in your vehicle will be necessary to keep it supple, clean, and looking new.
For cleaning upholstery, specialized shampoo and brushes will be needed to ensure you do not harm the fabric or leather. Be sure to spot-treat stains with vehicle-safe stain remover before you apply any shampoo, and be ready to give your seats a good scrubbing if you want them to come up as clean as possible.
Once you are satisfied that they are clean, it’s a good idea to wipe away any excess moisture with a towel or microfiber cloth. Finally, make sure that you allow your seats to thoroughly dry before using them as well.
Spot clean as you go
Last of all if you want your car to stay looking like new for longer, then keeping an eye out for any stains, chips, or scratches and dealing with them immediately is the best policy. The good news is you can now buy all sorts of products like bird-dropping remover wipes that you can keep in your car at all times for such emergencies.
