Are you considering the different options for protecting your car’s interior? If so, you are probably surfing hundreds of different products online. However, until you take a deeper look into what your car’s interior really needs, the products you are looking at will not help you very much. Along with regular engine maintenance, you will need to maintain a schedule to ensure that your car’s interior remains in good condition so that you and your passengers are comfortable, and you feel good about your vehicle. So what should you be looking at? Let’s take a look.
Your Dashboard
Choose a cleaner that protects your dashboard from the sun and heat that comes through your windshield. There are a lot of products available, and the recommended cleaner to remove dust and protect the material will differ depending on the climate and the type of vehicle you drive. If you choose a protection based cleaner that contains glycerin, or anything slippery to add shine, do not use the same cleaner on your steering wheel. Sweaty hands and a slippery steering wheel causes car accidents.
Your Carpet
Make sure to have your carpet cleaned regularly, with the proper type of cleaner, to protect its integrity. It should be vacuumed regularly to prevent snagging and tearing from debris, and floor mats should be in place at all times.
Seat Covers
When choosing seat covers, it may be tempting to choose the same cloth seat covers you always have. However, neoprene covers will ensure that spills and dirt do not make their way into the fibers of your seat, which will leave them dingy and stained. Unlike other types of seat covers, neoprene will provide water protection as well as protect the fabric from physical damage.
Dust Electronics
Just like your electronics at home, your CD player and radio need to be dusted properly. This will ensure that they continue working at peak performance for the life of the system. Follow the manufacturer recommendations to clean your equipment properly and do it regularly.
Don’t Forget the Outside
It may be tempting to allow your car to remain dirty on the outside. However, letting your paint remain dirty can wear away the clear coat faster, leaving your car to age prematurely. Scratches and dings on the paint should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent damage to the layers of paint underneath, as well as the primary material your car is composed of.
Take time to wash your vehicle regularly and check your car’s exterior for damage regularly and take note of any damage that exists. This can be performed at the same regular intervals as you check your tires, which should be often.
Engine Maintenance
Every manufacturer has a different opinion on how a vehicle’s engine should be maintained. Their recommended schedule is based on the way they test their vehicles, so check your car’s owner manual to ensure that you are following the proper routine and timing. This will keep your car running longer than if you only follow the recommendations of your mechanic.
