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Keeping The Family Car Clean

feet hanging out through the window of a family car.

How to Maintain and Keep Your Family Car Clean to Make It Last Longer

Seven useful tips on maintaining your vehicle to keep it looking and running like new.

By Guest Author: Heather Walsh

Mon, May 9, 2022 08:55 PM PST

Featured photo by anja. In-article photo courtesy Tim Mossholder. Both via Unsplash.

Maintaining your car is the best way to keep it clean and running smoothly. Doing this will save you time and money in the long run. It will also help your car last longer. Here are seven useful tips on maintaining your vehicle to keep it looking and running like new.

1) Observe Regular and Proper Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for all vehicles, but especially so for cars. Without frequent oil changes, tune-ups, and other basic maintenance tasks, your vehicle will not run properly or last as long as possible. Regular inspections can help keep your car in top condition, detecting potential problems before they become significant.

If your car ever needs repairs, it's best to have an extended car warranty to cover the costs. An extended car warranty is a service contract that helps cover the repair expenses after your manufacturer's warranty has expired. If you want to acquire the best extended car warranty for your car, you can read numerous online reviews to locate the best warranty provider.

Make sure to keep up with your car's maintenance schedule to ensure that it runs smoothly and lasts a long time. Inspect your car regularly for any potential issues, and get an extended warranty to cover repairs down the line. Your car will serve you well for many years to come with proper care.

2) Don't Eat Inside the Car

Eating in your car may seem convenient to save time, but it can do more harm than good. When food particles fall on the floor or seats, they attract dust, dirt, and other contaminants. Over time, this can accumulate grime and bacteria, making your car unpleasant to be in and potentially causing health problems.

Additionally, eating in your car can be dangerous if you spill food or drinks on yourself while driving. A few crumbs may not seem like a big deal, but they can quickly become a sticky mess that's difficult to clean up. To keep your car clean and safe, you’ll find it's best to avoid eating inside it altogether.

3) Clean the AC Vents

Keeping your car clean can be a challenge, especially with all the dirt and dust accumulated over time. A critical step to maintaining a clean vehicle is to regularly clean the AC vents. AC vents are often overlooked when cleaning, yet they are an integral part of keeping your car's interior looking and feeling its best.

By taking the time to clean out the vents regularly, you can prevent buildup from debris like dirt and dust and improve airflow and circulation. This will help keep your car fresh and free from odors, enhancing your overall driving experience.

young child looking out the passenger window of a classic black family car
Take care of your car, and it'll take care of you.

4) Clean the Car's Mats

Your car's mats take a lot of punishment, serving both as protection against stains, dirt, and debris and as the main point of contact between your feet and the floor of your car. Because they are so heavily used, mats need extra tender loving care to stay looking their best.

Some easy steps you must take to protect your mats include vacuuming them regularly, using a damp cloth or sponge to remove stains, and using high-quality floor mats for cars. With proper care, your car's mats will look fresh and clean for many years, ensuring a comfortable driving experience every time you climb behind the wheel.

5) Always Dispose of Trash

It is vital to always dispose of trash from inside the car. Leaving it on the floor or in the back seat can result in a messy and unsanitary driving experience. Firstly, old food wrappers, beverage bottles, and other scraps left strewn around your vehicle's interior are not only unpleasant to look at but can also attract pests like mice and cockroaches.

Furthermore, if these unwanted critters start making their homes in your car, you may be exposing yourself and others in your car to harmful germs and bacteria. In addition to keeping your car clean, disposing of trash inside is also a safety measure that can prevent injuries from sharp objects falling or slipping out from under the seat.

By following this simple rule of always disposing of trash inside your car, you will have a safer and more sanitary ride every time.

6) Clean Your Car's Headlights

If your Toyota Mirai’s headlights aren't performing up to par, it could be time to give them a thorough cleaning. This is important to make sure you can see the road clearly and safely. Dim, yellowing headlights can significantly impair your ability to drive at night. Several different factors can cause your headlights to lose their brightness or clarity, such as dirt, dust, and debris getting baked onto the surface of the glass over time.

The best way to remove these contaminants and restore your headlights' original shine is to use a specialized headlight cleaning kit. This kit contains everything you need, including a powerful cleaner and microfiber towels that won't scratch or harm the surface of your headlights. So if your headlights start looking worse for wear, don't wait; take action right away by cleaning them with a good headlight cleaning kit.

7) Polish Your Vehicle's Interior

Keeping your car's interior clean is essential for both appearance and functionality. A spotless interior makes for a better driving experience. It also protects your car from damage caused by dirt, dust, and other materials that can build up over time.

If you want to give your car's interior a thorough cleaning, start by polishing all the surfaces that come into contact with your hands regularly. These include the steering wheel, gear shift knob, door handles, and any other parts that might need extra attention.

Once these areas have been thoroughly wiped down, go over the carpets with a high-quality vacuum cleaner. Finally, use specialized products to help revive plastics, steering wheels, and other tough-to-clean surfaces. With these easy yet valuable tips in mind, you can keep every inch of your car looking new for a longer period.

8) Cover Your Car

Whenever you find yourself no tusing your car for extended periods, you should probably consider covering it up. This serves as your first defense to make sure the car stays clean on the outside. There are plenty of car covers that will do the trick, these covers will protect your Corvette for example.

The Bottom Line

By following the tips outlined above, you can keep your car clean and make it last longer. Your car will look better, and it will also be more functional and safe to drive. So don't wait; start taking care of your vehicle today and enjoy its benefits for many years.

About The Author

Heather Walsh

Guest Contributor

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