A new car is thrilling, but keeping it looking showroom fresh takes some work. Here are 5 tips for maintaining your car’s exterior:
Wash Regularly
Aim to wash your car at least once a week, more often if it gets very dirty. Use a soft sponge and a mild soap made for autos. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth or chamois to prevent water spots. Don’t use dish soap or laundry detergents – they can strip protective coatings.
Wax Quarterly
Waxing your car every 3 months will protect the paint from UV rays, contaminants, and minor scratches. Use a high-quality paste or liquid wax made for automotive finishes. Apply with a foam applicator and buff off completely with a microfiber towel.
Inspect for Chips
Carefully go over your car looking for any stone chips or scratches in the paint. Use touch up paint to quickly fill in any problem areas before they lead to bigger issues. Addressing them now prevents rust and peeling.
Clean Headlights
Cloudy, oxidized headlights drastically reduce nighttime visibility. Restore clarity by using a headlight restoration kit with wet sanding pads and polishes. For light dullness, a headlight cleaner wax may do the trick.
Detail the Interior
To freshen things up inside, consider professional car detailing St George Utah services. Their intensive cleaning and conditioning restores that new car vibe.
Practice Preventative Maintenance
The right routine servicing helps your car last and saves you money. Follow these 5 tips:
Stick to the Schedule
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. This details needed service at certain mileage and time intervals. Stay on top of oil changes, filter changes, belt replacement, etc.
Check Fluids
Periodically pop the hood and check fluid levels – oil, transmission, brake fluid, coolant, windshield washer, etc. Top them off as needed with the proper fluid. Don’t let them get too low.
Inspect Battery and Charging System
A weak battery is the #1 cause of car trouble. Have the battery, connectors and alternator tested at every tune up. Watch for corrosion on terminals and signs of leakage.
Rotate Tires
For maximum tire life and safety, rotate your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles. This ensures the wear is even across the tread. Get alignments done at the same time.
Address Strange Noises
Unusual sounds warn of problems brewing. Don’t ignore noises like squealing, grinding or whining – have a mechanic inspect it pronto. It’s likely a belt, pump or other component on the brink of failure.
Keeping that new car smell and performance requires some regular attention and care. But taking good care of your auto from the start pays off for many years down the road! Follow these exterior, interior and maintenance tips and your new ride will stay looking and running like new.
