Your car is an investment that is meant to last for many years. However, that requires a certain level of activeness to ensure that your car is well cared for. By consistently making sure that both of the interior and exterior of your car receive consistent care, you can ensure that your investment pays off and that your car retains decent resale value. Here are some tips to keep your car looking brand new. 

Don’t Use a Car Wash 

Car washes should not be used to keep your car looking brand new. In fact, letting your car glide through an automated car wash is one of the worst things you could do to your car’s paint job. Most people who drive their car through a car wash do so because their car desperately needs a wash. So, you can imagine all the cars that came before you and all the gunk, pebbles, mud, and sand that will be passed onto your car like high-pressured sandpaper. 

Instead, consider giving your car a quality hand wash. By cleaning your car by hand, you’ll be able to focus on doing a thorough job. Instead of an automatic process where you won’t be able to see the result until the end when you hand wash, you’ll be able to check your work as you continue. Not only is a hand wash more thorough, but it’ll also protect the surface paint of your car. If you combine the extra care with polish and wax, you’ll ensure that your car receives quality protection from the environment. 

Do Prevent Sun Damage 

The excessive heat and UV rays can severely damage both the interior and exterior of your car. Seats can crack, age, and fade in color very quickly when exposed to excess heat. Dark color exterior paint jobs will be more affected by the heat than their lighter color counterparts. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to minimize the damage. Car cover, seat covers, and window shields offer some protection. Storing a car in a garage can prevent paint fading due to sun exposure. 

Don’t Forget the Interior 

A sparkling exterior cannot hide a messy interior. To keep your car looking brand new, you’ll want to devote some attention to upkeeping your car’s interior. This is extremely important if you enjoy keeping your windows open or if you have a convertible or a sunroof. Remember to wipe down your seats with an interior spray detailer to remove dust, particularly if you have leather seats. 

Do Clean Up Bird Droppings 

Bird droppings are the number one enemy to car surfaces. Besides making a mess, they can be impossible to clean off completely if left unattended for long periods of time. You can protect your car by using car covers and avoid parking underneath trees, lamp posts or street signs. In case some birds still decide to target your car, consider keeping a bottle of detail spray and some microfiber towels in your car for a quick clean up. 

Don’t Spray Cleaners Directly on the Car 

When applying cleaning or finishing products onto your car, make sure you apply the product to a towel instead of onto the car itself. Some products are meant for specific surfaces and may damage or be impossible to remove if sprayed onto the wrong surface. 

Do Start with Clean Equipment 

There is nothing worse when cleaning your car to find that the microfiber cloth, sponge, or bucket you were using was filthy, and you have been adding more grime onto your car. Always make sure you are using the right tool for cleaning, waxing, or detailing your car. Be certain to clean the equipment you used to wash your car after each use. A lot of the damage you do to your car when you clean at home is caused by old cracked sponges or towels that have accumulated years of coarseness, grime, and leftover solvents. 

Don’t Forget to Apply Wax 

Car wax is a blend consisting mostly of solvents, oils, and waxes that are primarily used to add a layer of protection and shine over your car’s surface. When used properly, car wax is an effective deterrent against the sun’s UV rays, excessive heat, environmental pollutants, high humidity, and paint oxidation. It is recommended to reapply a fresh coat of wax every three to four months. 

Your car is an investment that deserves a certain level of care so that it can live its full lifespan in good condition. While the good condition of a car means more than just its cosmetic appearance, the surface of the car is also the part that receives the most day to day wear and tear. If that surface wear and tear is not dealt with swiftly, chances are that it’ll be even harder to fix as time goes on. Making sure that your car looks brand new is as cosmetic as it is a practical investment. 

Long trips put a lot of wear and tear on your vehicle. If you want to keep your car in the best condition possible, be sure to ship your car over long distances instead of driving it.