Are You Doing What You Can To Take Care Of Your Car? Let’s Discuss

WARREN, MI - JANUARY 22: A worker is shown at the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Warren Stamping Plant January 22, 2016 in Warren, Michigan. FCA US officially dedicated the new press line featuring a $63 million high-speed press at the plant today. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

When it comes to car ownership it is most likely those first few weeks and even months you will do all you can to keep it looking its best. A car is an investment, and whether you paid for it in full or pay monthly on a finances agreement, it can be one of the most expensive things you own. But the novelty wears off, doesn’t it? With that in mind, here are some of the things that you could do to help you continue to look after your car and have it looking and feeling brand new.

Have a regular valet

It is important to always keep your car clean as best you can, and while you may not have the time to do that yourself, you could consider booking it in for a regular valet. There will always be somewhere local that could provide you with a machine that you can drive through or simply have your vehicle hand washed. The valet will clean up any mud or residue that could be slowly damaging the paint work, and finally finish off with a polish for added protection and shine. Keep it clean is a great way to keep you inspired to keep it tidy and mess free. 

Invest in protective gear 

Sometimes you need to ensure that you keep things protected, and there are a lot of aftermarket accessories you can buy to help you do this. Seat covers will ensure that no marks or damage happens to the original seats, which could help when it comes to part exchange or selling in the future. Mud flaps can be added to help avoid too much mud getting on the paint work, which in time could damage the paintwork. Even protective covers can be bought for when storing your car for longer periods of time. 

If your car is damaged, sort it out straight away

Sometimes damage to your vehicle is unavoidable, and it is often not your fault. But if you do notice any dents or scratches to your vehicle then the best advice would be to get it sorted at your earliest convenience. A scratch, especially something deep, can start to rust over time and cause more damage if you are not careful. Anything more heavy duty such as being involved in a car accident may be reported on the chp incident page and could be resolved directly with your insurance, so the chances of getting things repaired sooner is more likely. 

Keep up with the good habits you started with

Finally, we all have the very best intentions when we first buy a car. We decide that we won’t eat in the car, drink anything or even put anything mucky or messy in it. But over time the novelty can wear off. If possible, try to stick to original habits. By doing so you have more enhance of keeping the vehicle looking its best, and as a car can be a depreciating asset, you will want to try and obtain as much as possible when the time comes to trade it in or get something new. 

Let’s hope that this has given you something to think about when it comes to looking after your car.

Emily Muelford
Emily is a British writer whose love of car culture is augmented by a fascination with both the European and American automotive markets. Her perspective is uniquely fish and chips.