The right car can be love at first sight, but that love won’t last if you don’t protect your car’s exterior from the elements. Preserve your car’s appearance and value with these exterior care and protection tips.
Block Sunlight
Over time, the sun can damage a car’s clear coat and paint job, even in less hot and sunny climates. If at all possible, park your car inside a garage or in places that get less sunlight throughout the day. If that’s not an option, consider buying a car cover, which also helps protect against the elements.
Wash and Wax
Using a soft, plush sponge or washing mitt, wash your car by hand at least once a week, and do not allow dirt, grime, pollen, etc. to sit and erode the paint. Use automobile care products and not harsh home products like detergent. You can also enhance the paint’s shine and make washing easier with the occasional wax.
Fix Small Blemishes
Inevitably, your car will get little nicks and scratches in the paint from mistakes, fallen branches, or any number of things. The key is to fix them quickly because the longer they remain, the greater chance they have to absorb debris, grow deeper, and cause more damage. A very light scratch can be buffed or polished out sometimes, but a deep, long-forgotten scratch will almost always require re-painting that area.
With these tips, you can keep your car’s exterior looking as good as the day you bought it, or maybe even better. A little forethought and maintenance will go a long way and give you that new-car look for as long as you want.
Connect with us
