1. Clean Your Car Regularly

Regularly cleaning your older car will make it look and feel newer and will help protect the car’s paint and finish.

If you don’t have the materials to do this at home, don’t worry. Your local car wash will likely provide several different options for cleaning your car, including:

Touchless Wash
Soft Touch
Self-Service

Many people prefer touchless wash because it cleans thoroughly without the harsh scrubbing required by other cleaning methods. If your vehicle has a lot of caked dirt and mud clinging to its panels, then Soft Touch might be the way to go. Of course, the self-service option is the most cost-effective of the three.

2. Protect the Paint

Regular Waxing

Waxing protects the finish from dirt and debris that can be difficult to remove by washing alone. It will also make the car shine. And that fresh, clean look will last even longer. How often should you wax your vehicle? It depends on where you live and the climate, but many people recommend applying wax every five to six months.

Touch Ups

Your car’s paint job will be easier to maintain if scratches, nicks, and dents are quickly repaired or concealed. You can do this yourself or take it to a professional, but it’s an important step. These minor damages can rust your panels if left unaddressed for too long.

3. Keep Up with Routine Maintenance

Oil Changes

Oil changes are essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and improving its fuel efficiency. The manufacturer commonly recommends oil be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles depending on driving conditions. But if you live in a temperate environment where the roads aren’t as salted throughout the winter months, your mileage may be able to increase by several thousand miles. Regardless, if you want to slow down your vehicle aging, wheel maintenance is key.

Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is another highly important facet of routine maintenance. Neglecting it can shorten your tires’ lifespan dramatically. It also helps ensure even wear on the tread. This means more traction and control for drivers, especially under dangerous road conditions like rain or snow. By keeping up with this aspect of your vehicle’s health, you’ll have less repair work to do in the future. Plus your tires will last longer.

4. Interior Cleaning

Your car’s interior is full of different surfaces, including leather and fabric. Keeping these clean may take a few more tools than the ones you would use to wash your exterior, like sponges and brushes. But it is just as important in protecting the health of your vehicle.

Regular vacuuming will help remove dust and dirt that accumulate over time. Wiping down vinyl and plastic surfaces with a water-dampened cloth can help remove dirt and grime more effectively than vacuuming alone.

You should address spills as soon as they happen. Leaving stains or spills in your car for too long can damage the interior surfaces. Once these substances have been allowed to sit for a period of time, they can harden and attract dirt.

5. Windows and Headlights

Keeping the windows clean and clear helps improve visibility inside and outside your vehicle. Washing your car’s headlights regularly will also ensure that they are shining brightly at all times.

5 Ways to Keep Your Car Looking New