Every car owner knows the feeling of joy you get when your vehicle is spotless and looking sharp with every twist and turn. But keeping your car looking like you just drove it off the lot may be easier said than done. After all, you do drive the car, which means it’s at risk of minor wear and tear. However, no matter how old your vehicle may be or what make and model it is, you can still keep it looking brand new without spending a fortune or taking up too much of your free time. Check out these five simple ways to keep your car looking like new.
- Have it detailed.
The first thing on this list is to ensure you have your car professionally detailed at least once every few months. Professional detailers treat your vehicle in ways you may not know how to, which ensures you get top of the line care for your car. Find a local car detailing shop and let them treat the outside and inside of your vehicle so you can have peace of mind it’s been treated right. And if there’s something specific you want for your vehicle, be sure to talk to them so they can address any issues you may have.
- Use a car cover.
When it comes to protecting the paint of your vehicle, using a car cover is a great way to do so. Car covers are a good idea even if you keep your car in a garage, as there are many ways an uncovered car could suffer from dings and scratches. Car covers come in all shapes and sizes, so be sure to do your research and find the cover that is best for your specific vehicle. Then, be sure to use it any time you are not using your vehicle, as this extra set of material and coverage can help keep your vehicle looking brand new no matter its age.
- Be a defensive driver.
Driving defensively is important if you want to keep your vehicle looking good for years to come. There are plenty of ways to drive defensively, but some of the most common include:
- Leaving a good distance between you and other vehicles: Following too closely not only puts you at risk of rear-ending another vehicle, but it also makes it easier for debris to fly up from their tires and hit your car.
- Pay attention to road conditions: Whether it’s due to road construction or weather, a change in driving conditions can have an impact on your vehicle. Be sure to adjust your driving to ensure these conditions are not doing any damage to your vehicle.
- Monitor your surroundings: One of the biggest ways to be a defensive driver is to pay attention to what’s going on around you. While you cannot control the way other people drive, you can control how you drive and how you react to specific situations, and this can help keep your vehicle looking good while keeping you out of harm’s way.
- Park far away.
Instead of finding the closest parking spot and parking around other vehicles, make it a point to park your vehicle far away. This not only keeps your vehicle from being surrounded by other vehicles that could ding your car when doors open, but it also gives you an extra set of exercise to get to the door! You should also try to avoid parking under trees or near areas where debris could fall on your vehicle and cause damage.
- Treat your vehicle right away.
No matter how careful you are, dings, scrapes and damage will happen. However, if you want your vehicle to keep looking its best, the right thing for you to do is have your vehicle treated immediately. If you wait to have these dings or scratches repaired, you could put your vehicle at risk for even more damage, and that’s the last thing you want to do. So as soon as you see any type of issue with your vehicle, be sure to bring it into your local shop and have it looked at and treated.
Your car is a major investment, so it makes sense to want to keep it looking great at all times. No matter the age or make and model of your vehicle, you’ll be able to keep it looking sharp and brand new if you follow these easy tips.
