With the price of the average new car now over $30,000, even a basic set of wheels is now a major investment. With so much money on the line, it just makes sense to keep your current car looking new as long as possible. You may not be able to stop your brand new car from depreciating, but you can slow the depreciation process with the right care.
Keeping your car looking like new year after year is not as difficult as it seems, and in the end, it boils down to common sense. Here are some simple ways to keep your current set of wheels looking new and shiny long after you have driven it off the lot.
Apply a Quality Wax
If you want to keep your car looking like new, it all starts with protecting the paint, and that means applying a top quality wax. A quality wax will protect the paint from the elements, helping it stand up to rain, ice, snow and other inclement conditions.
Keep an eye on your car each time it rains to see if it is time to reapply your favorite wax. If the water is not longer beading like it should, it is time to get out your buffer and your can of wax.
Wash Your Car Frequently
Waxing your car is important, but so is washing it and keeping it clean. Washing your car frequently will whisk away the surface dirt and prevent it from getting into the paint and dulling the finish.
You can wash your car yourself, or you can take it to a commercial car wash. No matter which option you choose, regular washing is one of the best ways to keep your old car looking like new.
Watch Out for Winter Damage
Ice and snow can be hard on your car, and not just on the parts you can see. If you want to protect your undercarriage from damage, you should seek out an automatic car wash after every winter snowstorm.
When the roads are clear, the car wash should be one of your first stops. Once there, the high-pressure spray of water will wash away the road salt, brine and other materials that would otherwise promote rust and shorten the useful life of your car.
No matter what kind of car you drive, keeping it clean inside and out is one of the best ways to make it last. Driving a clean car feels good, and when you drive down the street in your beautiful set of wheels, heads are sure to turn.
