Your car is an investment, regardless of the initial sticker price or any upgrades you have put into it. It is a significant expense, and even though vehicles depreciate the moment you drive them off the dealership lot, you still need to take care of it so it looks great and lasts for a long time. This short guide will touch upon what you can do to protect your car.
Protect the Exterior
If the thought of taking your new car out for a drive both excites and pains you because you know that the dangers of road debris, rocks shooting up from the semi speeding in front of you, and the elements in general all have the capacity to damage your pristine new car, then you need to take action so you can enjoy driving it.
Schedule an appointment to have PPF, or paint protection film, applied to the exterior of the vehicle. Paint protection film is a clear, long-lasting, thermoplastic urethane layer that is professionally applied to a vehicle’s exterior. It helps repel dirt and debris, prevents UV damage, resists chemicals, and keeps your car looking newer longer.
You can choose from four coverage options:
- Partial PPF – Half Hood, Front Bumper, and Partial Fender
- Full Front – Full Hood, Front Bumper, Fender, and Mirrors
- Track Pack – Full Front Coverage, Rocker Panels, A-Pillars, and Roof Edge
- Full Body PPF – Full Body Coverage, including Doors, Rear Bumper, and Trunk
Keep it Clean
One of the best ways to protect your car is by keeping it clean. Making an effort to clean it regularly will protect it by removing chemical build-up, dust, and dirt from every surface, inside and out.
Starting on the outside, once you have had the paint protection film applied, you still want to wash it regularly. The experts recommend washing it every two weeks to remove accumulation from dead bugs, tree sap, and road buildup. Make sure you wash the underside, too. While you can take a DIY approach to cleaning the exterior, sometimes a professional cleaning is necessary to ensure all areas receive a thorough and proper cleaning.
On to the interior, the inside of your car can become just as dirty as the outside if you let it. You can prevent this from happening by cleaning it weekly or as needed. It only takes a few minutes and can save you a big headache later on. Start by dusting the surfaces from top to bottom. Use a microfiber cloth and a mild spray specially formulated for car interiors. Next, clean the interior windows with another clean microfiber cloth and window cleaner. Finally, vacuum up any rocks and dirt on the seats, in the crevices and cupholders, and on the floorboards. Remember to vacuum the trunk, too.
Cleaning the inside of your windshield can be tricky. To make it easier, watch this short video.
Final Thoughts
You can use these easily accessible and affordable tips to protect your car. Through proper cleaning, care, and attention, your vehicle will look as good as new on the inside and the outside.