Getting a new car is an exciting time. The odometer is under a hundred, there’s no scratches or dents on the outside of the car, and the entire inside has that new car smell. Most people who get a new car are eager to keep it looking that way for as long as possible. We all know that eventually time will take its toll on the car and it won’t seem like new anymore. But if you want to prolong that day for as long as possible, here are 4 tips you can use.
Protect the Floors
A part of any car that quickly gets dirty is the floor. The floor is where all the dirt and mud from outside gets brought in. If you’re not careful, one day you’ll look down at the floor of your car and see it’s stained with all manner of things. So, if you want to keep your car looking like new, you need to protect the floors.
A great way to do this is with rubber floor mats. Some new cars come with these standard now, but if yours didn’t you can still add them in. Rubber floor mats are easier to clean and won’t stain. You can use them to cover up your cars floor, so that if you ever decide to sell the car, or if you’re on a lease, the car’s floor will remain in good condition. Just be sure that the floor mats you get fit the floor perfectly, otherwise some stains could find their way underneath.
Set Up Some Rules
To keep any car clean and looking great, you need to set up some rules. These are rules that you follow yourself and apply to any passengers that get into your car. What your rules are will depend on your own habits and what you want to achieve. For example, you could make it a simple rule that everyone wipes off their feet before getting into the car. Or, you could have a no food or drink rule within the car. Think about what it is that made your last car so messy, then put an informal rule in place to protect against it.
Give it Regular Baths
Next up, it’s important that you regularly wash your car. One of the reasons new cars look so great is because they are clean. As dirt and other substances build up over time, sometimes we don’t even notice how dirty our car really is. Make it a priority to regularly head over to your nearest car wash or wash the car yourself. If you live in an area where the roads have recently been salted for bad weather, make sure you have the underside of the car washed as well. Finally, a good coat of wax now and again will give your car an extra layer of protection and make it look even better.
Drive Safely
One of the best things you can do for your car is simply drive safely. If you take too many chances while you’re driving, you could easily end up in an accident which will damage your car. But not only that but driving improperly will cause more wear and tear on your car, which while it may not be visible, is still something you’ll want to avoid.
To protect your car while driving there are a few key things you’ll want to do. First, make sure you’re following all the rules of the road – obeying the speed limit and stopping when required, for instance. After that, try avoiding bad weather. Bad weather makes car accidents more likely, so if you can wait a few hours for a storm to pass, that’s a good idea. Finally, give your car a quick inspection before you drive. See that there’s plenty of tread on the tires, and that there’s no leaks under the car, for example.
If you do get into an accident, it’s important that you have the right insurance. According to this car accident lawyer in Springfield, after you get into an accident you should “Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident occurs. A representative from your insurance company can inform you about the type of plan and coverage that you have.”
Make That New Feeling Last as Long as You Can
If you follow the advice above, you should have an easier time keeping your car looking like new. A time may come when there’s more dirt on your floors or scratches in your car than you may like, but it’s possible to put that day off for a lot longer with just a few small habit changes. Good luck!
