How to keep your car looking brand new

Why is it important to keep your car clean?

Your car is like a trusty friend that takes you wherever you need to go, so it's important to take care of it! When you keep your car in top condition, not only does it run better, but it can also maintain its value over time. But it's not just the engine that needs attention - the appearance of your car is just as important. A car that looks new not only turns heads but can also protect your investment and prolong its lifespan.

Benefits of maintaining your car's appearance

When it comes to keeping your car looking new, the benefits are plentiful! For starters, a spick-and-span ride is sure to impress anyone who catches a glimpse of it. Whether you're rolling up to a hot date or a big job interview, your car can say a lot about you, so it's important to keep it looking sharp. Plus, let's be real, who doesn't feel like a winner cruising around in a freshly washed car?

But the perks don't stop there! By keeping your car in top shape, you can also help to protect its resale value. A car that looks great on the outside is more likely to hold its value, which means you could get a better price when you're ready to sell or trade it in. And with all the cash you'll save, you could finally afford that sweet pair of kicks you've had your eye on.

Finally, did you know that maintaining your car's appearance can actually help to extend its life? It's true! By regularly washing and detailing your car, you can help prevent rust, corrosion, and other types of damage that can shorten its lifespan. So, in a way, keeping your car looking like new is like giving it the fountain of youth!

Speaking of youth, here's a fun fact for you: did you know that the first car wash was invented in 1914 by two Detroit brothers? Apparently, they got the idea while watching a street sweeper clean the roads and decided to adapt the technology to wash cars instead. Talk about a lightbulb moment!

Now that we understand the importance of keeping your car looking new, let's dive into some practical tips to help you achieve this goal.

Wash your car

How often should I wash my car?

One of the most important things you can do to keep your car looking new is to wash it regularly. Why, you ask? Well, for starters, your car is exposed to all kinds of dirt, grime, and pollutants on a daily basis, not to mention the occasional bird droppings or splattered bugs. These contaminants can not only make your car look dirty and unappealing, but they can also eat away at your car's paint and cause corrosion over time. So, if you want to protect your car and keep it looking like new, regular washing is key.

We recommend washing your car once every fortnight should be more than enough to help prevent a build-up of dirt and grime.

Now that we know why washing your car is so important and how often we should wash our cars, let's talk about how to do it right. Here's a quick overview of the steps involved:

1.     Gather your supplies: You'll need a bucket, a good car wash soap, a wash mitt or sponge, and a hose or pressure washer. If you want to get fancy, you can also invest in a foam cannon to apply soap and a microfiber towel to dry your car.

2.     Rinse your car: Before you start washing, give your car a good rinse with a hose or pressure washer to remove any loose dirt or debris.

3.     Apply soap: Fill your bucket with water and add your car wash soap according to the instructions. Use a foam cannon or sponge to apply the soap to your car, starting at the top and working your way down.

4.     Wash your car: Use a wash mitt or sponge to gently scrub your car, being careful not to apply too much pressure or use circular motions that could scratch the paint. Rinse your mitt or sponge frequently in the bucket to remove dirt and grime.

5.     Rinse your car again: Once you've washed your entire car, give it another good rinse with a hose or pressure washer to remove all the soap.

6.     Dry your car: Use a microfiber towel to gently dry your car, starting at the top and working your way down. Be sure to remove any water from the cracks and crevices around your car's emblems and trim.

And there you have it - the basics of washing your car like a pro. Now, let's move on to some more tips and tricks to help you keep your ride looking like it just rolled off the showroom floor!

Wax your car

How often should I Wax my car?

Waxing your car is another important step in keeping it looking like new. Waxing not only makes your car look shiny and new, but it also provides a protective layer that helps to prevent damage to your car's paint. By filling in small scratches and forming a barrier against dirt and debris, waxing can help extend the life of your car's paint job and keep it looking great for years to come.

We suggest waxing your car about 3-4 times a year, we find this to be a sweet spot as it is not a lot of effort for many benefits.

Waxing your car might seem daunting, but it's actually a straightforward process. Here's what you need to do:

Get your supplies ready: You'll need car wax, an applicator pad, and a microfiber towel.

Wash your car: Make sure your car is clean and dry before you start waxing.

Apply the wax: Use the applicator pad to apply a small, even layer of wax onto your car's paint in circular motions, avoiding hard-to-remove areas like handles and trim.

Let the wax dry: Check the instructions on your wax to determine the drying time.

Buff the wax off: Once the wax is dry, use a clean microfiber towel to buff it off in small, circular motions. Flip the towel frequently to avoid spreading wax around.

Repeat the process: If you want extra protection, you can repeat the waxing process 2-3 times.

That's all there is to it! By adding waxing to your car care routine, you'll keep your car looking new, protect it from damage, and extend its lifespan. So don't wait any longer - grab your supplies and get to work!

Detail your car

How often should I detail my car?

Car detailing is a meticulous process that involves cleaning every inch of your car, inside and out. We're talking about the exterior, the interior, and even the engine bay. Nothing is left untouched!

But why go through all that trouble, you might ask? Well, for starters, detailing helps keep your car looking sharp and shiny. Plus, it's good for your car's health. By removing dirt, grime, and other nasty stuff, you're protecting your car's paint and surfaces from damage. And, if you're planning on selling your ride anytime soon, a well-maintained car can fetch a higher resale value.

We recommend 2 times a year should be more than enough. Since this is the most thorough out of all the other options. It is not required as often.

Car detailing involves several steps to thoroughly clean and rejuvenate your car. The first step is to wash and dry the exterior of the car using a specialized car shampoo and a soft wash mitt to gently remove dirt and grime from the car's surface. Once the exterior is clean, a clay bar treatment is used to remove any remaining contaminants such as dirt, tar, or other debris that couldn't be removed during the washing process.

After the exterior is free of contaminants, the paint is polished and waxed to protect it from further damage. A machine polisher is used to remove any swirls or scratches in the paint, and a coat of wax is applied to provide a protective layer.

The wheels and tires are cleaned separately using a specialized wheel cleaner and tire shine product to remove brake dust, road grime, and other debris from the wheels and tires, leaving them looking shiny and new.

Moving onto the interior, it's thoroughly cleaned and conditioned to remove any dirt, stains, or odours. This involves vacuuming the seats, carpets, and floor mats, wiping down the dashboard and other surfaces, and conditioning the leather seats and trim.

Finally, the engine bay is cleaned using a degreaser and pressure washer to remove any dirt or grime from the engine and other components under the hood.

Protect your car from the elements

How to protect your car from the elements?

The sun, rain, snow, and wind can all wreak havoc on your car's appearance over time.

The sun's UV rays are one of the biggest culprits, causing fading, discolouration, and even cracking of the paint. It doesn't stop there either. The sun's rays can also damage the dashboard and other interior components of your car, leading to unsightly cracks and fading.

Rain and snow may seem harmless enough, but they can also cause damage to your car. Water spots, rust, and corrosion of the metal parts can all be the result of prolonged exposure to these elements. And let's not forget about the wind-blown debris, which can leave unsightly scratches and dings on your car's surface.

The good news is that there are ways to protect your car from the elements:

First and foremost, parking your car in a garage or covered area is the best way to shield it from the sun's UV rays, rain, snow, and wind-blown debris. But if a garage or covered area is not available, using a car cover is the next best option. A car cover provides a protective barrier between your car and the elements, safeguarding your paint, trim, and other surfaces.

Regular washing and waxing is another essential step to protect your car's appearance. It's important to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from your car's surface regularly. Waxing helps to provide a protective layer that shields the paint from the sun's UV rays and other damaging elements.

Ceramic coatings are a newer option that's becoming increasingly popular. These coatings form a protective layer on the car's surface that is resistant to UV rays, water, and other contaminants, providing long-lasting protection for your car's appearance.

Window tinting is also an effective way to protect your car's interior from the sun's harmful UV rays. It helps to reduce the risk of fading, cracking, and other damage to your dashboard and other interior components.

By taking these steps to protect your car from the elements, you'll be able to enjoy a car that looks as good as new for years to come. And don't forget, some of these methods, such as ceramic coatings and window tinting, may require professional installation, so be sure to choose a reputable provider.

Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, there are many benefits to keeping your car looking new. A well-maintained car not only looks great, but it also retains its value over time. Regular cleaning, detailing, and protection from the elements can help to prevent damage to the car's appearance, and can also reduce the risk of mechanical problems down the road. By investing in the upkeep of your car's appearance, you can enjoy a more enjoyable driving experience and potentially save money in the long run.

Remember that maintaining your car's appearance is not just about vanity or aesthetics. It's also about protecting your investment and ensuring that your car continues to perform well for years to come. By following the tips and advice outlined in this post, you can help to keep your car looking and running like new, while also enjoying the many benefits of a well-maintained vehicle. If you are looking to sell your vehicle then we are the dealership for you. Click on the link and get your free valuation now!

Alternatively, if you are still trying to decide whether to sell or trade-in your car, then our previous article will equip you with all the knowledge you need to make the best decision.