When's the Last Time You Waxed Your Car?
We put our cars through a lot of bad weather and driving over potholes and through big, dirty puddles. We lose that new car look pretty soon after driving off the lot. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help your car regain its original shine. Here are 20 things you need to do to keep your car looking brand new.
1. Wash Regularly
Washing your car regularly will remove all the dirt, dust, and grime that keeps it from looking its best. These pollutants can also damage the paint over time. Make sure you use car-safe soap instead of household detergents and cleaners.
2. Wax Every Few Months
By waxing your car, you will give it a protective layer against UV rays, grime, and rain. Waxing also helps preserve paint and delivers a shine that every car owner wants. Use paste, liquid, or spray wax.
3. Clay Bar Treatment
Clay bars remove bonded contaminants effectively and in a way that normal washing can't. It also leaves the paint looking as smooth as glass and as if it's still in the dealer's showroom. Use this treatment before waxing your car for a better finished product.
4. Polish the Paint
By polishing your car's paint, you can remove fine scratches and swirl marks. It also brightens the color of your car's paint and provides a gloss that will be the envy of your neighbors.
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5. Detail the Interior
Detailing your car's interior is the process of vacuuming the carpets, cleaning the vents, and wiping the dashboard. This will make the inside of your car sparkle and smell new again. Use products that are designed for the material of your car's interior, and avoid harsh cleaners.
6. Condition Leather Seats
Leather needs to be hydrated, which means you need to condition your leather seats if you want your car to look new. Apply leather conditioner every three to six months to protect the seats from wear and tear. If you keep up with it, your seats will look luxurious for years.
7. Shampoo Carpets and Mats
This one takes a little work but is worth it. Shampooing your carpets and mats will clean any spills and messes that have seeped into the fibers. Your car will smell better and won't look old and stained.
8. Protect Fabric Upholstery
Spray a fabric protectant on your car's upholstery to repel stains, spills, and messes. These fabric protectants add an invisible layer that makes cleaning your car's interior much easier.
9. Clean the Windows
Nothing makes a car look older than dirty and smudged windows. Use ammonia-free glass cleaner to not damaging the tint and to avoid streaks. Don't forget to clean the inside of the windows to remove that haze that builds up from air conditioning and heating.
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10. Detail Door Jambs
Door jams can get super dirty, but people often forget to clean them. Door jambs are dirt and dust magnets, and need to be wiped down to give your car that "new car" look. Use a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
11. Tire Shine
Apply a tire dressing to help your tires regain that deep black finish that caught your eye at the dealership. Use a water-based tire dressing, and avoid any products with silicone.
12. Undercarriage Wash
Sure, a car's undercarriage isn't visible, but road salt can accumulate and cause corrosion. Perform a thorough undercarriage wash periodically to prevent rust, especially after winter.
13. Headlight Restoration
Since they are exposed to the elements, headlights can become cloudy and grimy over time. You can purchase a restoration kit that will improve their brightness and clarity. It will also make the front of your car look brand new.
14. Use Paint Sealant
A synthetic paint sealant can provide a long-lasting shine that's sometimes even better than wax. These sealants can protect paint for six months to one year and give a strikingly glossy finish.
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15. Avoid Automatic Car Washes with Brushes
Car washes with brushes can leave swirl marks or scratches. Opt for touchless washes, which are safer, or if you want to be extra cautious, go for hand-washing to get a flawless finish.
16. Park in Shade
UV rays can fade paint and damage an interior, making your car look years older than it is. Try to always park in a shaded area or garage. If you are often forced to park under the sun, then use a windshield sunshade.
17. Invest in a Car Cover
If you don't have the luxury of parking in a garage, you should buy a car cover to protect your car against rain, bird droppings, and UV rays. Make sure the cover is breathable, so that it doesn't trap moisture.
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18. Rain Repellent on Windows
Buy a hydrophobic coating and apply it to your car. This makes rain bead off, improving your visibility and keeping the glass clean. Apply this coating monthly for the best results.
19. Replace Windshield Wipers
Old and worn wiper blades can scratch glass and leave unsightly streaks. Consider replacing wiper blades twice a year to maintain optimal visibility and prevent your windshield from getting damaged.
20. Keep Interior Smelling Fresh
That "new car" smell won't last forever, but you have to try. Nothing makes a car feel older than a bad scent in the interior. To keep your car smelling fresh, you should replace the cabin air filters and use neutral air fresheners. Avoid overpowering scents, even if they do mask odors.
