There are many reasons to try to keep your car looking like it just rolled out of the dealership lot. It’s a point of pride for some to drive a car that looks nice. Others want to maintain its value by trading in or selling to get the maximum amount they can. Also, when your car starts to look old, it’s not just embarrassing but it can also take years off of the life of the car.
Whatever the reason you have for wanting to keep your car looking new, you’ll need to know how to go about it. Having a plan of action for the life of your car is the only way to make sure it stays looking new. Otherwise, your car will look old and lose its value. In this article, we will go over several strategies to use to keep your car bright, shiny, and looking great.
1. Paint protection
It costs a lot to give your car a new paint job so it makes sense to preserve the paint that it has so it doesn’t fade or get patchy. Using a car cover is a simple yet effective way to protect your car’s paint from the elements. A car cover protects from sun damage, bird droppings, tree sap, and dust. These are the most common things that can fade paint, cause scratches, and even lead to rust over time.
Another great option to protect the paint on your car is to wrap it in paint protection film. These films such as Tap And Wrap Paint Protection Film protects against scratches, sun damage, and more.
It excels at protecting vulnerable areas of your vehicle, such as the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors, where it offers protection during both driving and outdoor parking. Since it is transparent and integrated onto the surface of the car you’ll get protection as you drive unlike with a car cover that only protects when it is parked.
2. Regular washing
Regularly washing your car is a good habit to get into for preserving its appearance and protecting the paint. Over time, dirt, grime, and contaminants accumulate on your car’s exterior. Leaving this dirt and grime will not only dull its appearance but can also contain abrasive materials that, if left unchecked, may result in tiny scratches or swirl marks on the paint.
Knowing how to wash your car is important since you can do more damage by improperly washing it then by leaving it alone. Start by using a high-quality car wash soap that is pH-balanced. This ensures effective removal of dirt and contaminants without stripping away wax or harming the paint.
Then apply wax or a paint sealant after washing to provide an extra layer of protection and enhance the car’s shine.
3. Prevent Rust
Preventing rust will not only keep your car looking great, but it will also keep it working properly. A rusty car will start having problems and the structural integrity of the car will be compromised if it gets out of hand.
If you spot surface rust, it’s important to take care of it right away. You can remove surface rust by gently using a wire brush or sandpaper on the affected area. Afterward, applying a rust converter helps stop further corrosion.
To make sure rust doesn’t get a foothold, you need to be proactive. After washing, applying wax or a dedicated paint sealant creates a protective layer on the car’s exterior. This layer acts as a barrier against moisture and harmful substances that would cause rust to start growing.
If you’re able to keep your car parked in a covered area this will help. When it’s out of the rain and snow, it will be able to resist rust much easier.
4. Mind your parking
Where and how you park your car has an effect on its looks since you risk it getting damaged with poor parking practices.
One of the key things to look for when parking is shade availability. Shade serves as a shield against the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause paint fading and interior damage over time.
Suggestion: 6 Easy Steps To Buying A Brand-New Car (Experts Guide)
Another aspect to consider when selecting a parking spot is avoiding high-traffic areas. Parking away from bustling zones reduces the likelihood of accidents or damage from nearby vehicles. Door dings, scratches, and minor collisions can be common in busy parking lots, so opting for quieter spots can protect your car’s exterior.
Covered parking options, such as garages or carports, offer the best protection, especially if you park away from other vehicles and far from high traffic areas. You’ll get protection against the elements as well as from other drivers.
5. Take care of dents and scratches
Dealing with scratches and dents on your car should be a priority as soon as they appear, and some DIY tips can help you with minor repairs. For minor scratches that haven’t penetrated the clear coat, you can try cleaning the affected area, then apply a scratch remover or polishing compound.
For those who own a Mazda car, using a specific Mazda touch up paint can be beneficial for slightly deeper scratches that expose the bare metal or primer. After cleaning the area, apply the touch up paint following the manufacturer’s guidelines and allow it to dry. Then, gently sand and polish the area to blend the paint with the surrounding surface.
For slightly deeper scratches that expose the bare metal or primer, you should use a touch-up paint. After cleaning the area, apply the paint following the manufacturer’s guidelines and allow it to dry. Then, gently sand and polish the area to blend the paint with the surrounding surface.
When it comes to minor dents, you can use tools like a plunger or a dent removal kit. In some cases, using hot water can help remove minor dents. Heat a pot of water until it’s nearly boiling, pour it over the dented area, and then use a plunger to pull the dent out.
Conclusion
Now that you have some strategies to use, you can keep your car looking brand new for years to come. As long as you stick with these tips you’ll manage to maintain its look. Then when it comes time to sell, you’ll get top dollar to get you the next car.
