In a world where people are paying as much for their vehicles as they do for their home, many also put as much effort into maintaining them. Keep them looking new, running well, and god forbid if anyone scratches or burns it in the slightest! There’ll be trouble I tell ya.
When leasing them it gets worse, cause in the end you might have to pay even more when returning it. Even when purchasing, you want it to outlast the payment and still look good long after the bank isn’t involved anymore.
Keeping a vehicle like new has a lot to do with it’s cleanliness. When dirt is on the vehicle, the elements often bake it in, or in colder climates, road salt may. The cleaner the vehicle is, the less the elements will have to assist them in wearing your vehicle out. It may sound funny, but this includes the engine and the inside as well.
The best way to keep the outside of your vehicle in great shape is to keep it protected. While some of this is from the people that cant drive (while you can and are) keeping the exterior clean and waxed will further keep it’s good looks in. It’s wise to wash a new vehicle at least once a week. 2 or 3 washings in the same time aren’t a bad idea. Each time you get more dirt that is where you cant see out. Remember to use pressurized water and definitely hit under the vehicle well too to release any dirt and other elements that might be there. And don’t let it dry on it’s own. Hand dry it faster than nature can or you will have streaks.
After it’s well washed, you want to use good quality wax as well. A couple coats, and extensive buffing will make your vehicle look better than it did when you drove it out of the dealership.
For your windows, chrome, mirrors, and light assemblies you will want to use ammonia based cleaner (windex), and make sure to wipe it to dry as well on all of these. Again it will streak if dried on its own. Streaks later tend to pick up dirt. Waxing and buffing the light assemblies and the chrome will make them look new too.
And lastly, good tire and rim cleaner will revitalize your wheels.
On the inside, it’s wise to use a powerful wet/dry vacuum and water on all carpets, then soap and water on nearly everything. After all dirt is washed out, products like armor all will help preserve the plastics and keep it looking new a lot longer. Same applies to the windows on the inside that did on the outside.
Regular maintenance under the hood will make it drive and feel as good as it looks, and very necessary, unless you just want an automotive statue.
There are a number of books you can find on better automotive detailing and maintenance. If you want your investment to last and look great, it wouldn’t hurt to read a few of them. Most supplies you need can be found locally, though you might even find more online. Good luck keeping your new vehicle from becoming an old heap of junk!
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