Owning a car is fun until it breaks down or starts failing. It is not necessary to wait until something bad happens to take it to the mechanic, but with small hacks, you can keep the appearance and operation of your car up to date. Some of the ideas and tips on this list may seem obvious, but some people often need to pay more attention to them. Pay attention and start giving the best care to your car.
Protect the Paint
Sunbeam remains of insects, bird droppings, and more. All of this damages the painting on a daily basis. Apply a layer of wax for more excellent protection; Ideally, you should do it a couple of times a year since a coat of wax prevents moisture from penetrating.
Try to wash your car regularly, which will also keep the paint free of dust or stains. You can pay for a subscription to a car wash like sparkcarwash.com and take your vehicle to the car wash whenever you need it. Remember that lousy paint will affect the price of your car when you try to sell it on the second-hand market.
Use Home Remedies to Make Old Leather Shine Like a New One
Opinions on the most effective way to clean leather seats differ widely, especially among car enthusiasts. Not surprisingly, leather is one of the most delicate areas of the car. If you want your leather seats to stay soft, supple, and clean for longer, the ideal is to care for them at six-monthly intervals. Many drivers opt for home remedies like dish soap, baby lotion, olive oil, or castor oil.
On the other hand, specialists offer a wide range of unique products for each type and color of leather. First of all, make sure to brush the skin well before applying the product you have chosen. Apply just a little bit of the liquid to a cotton pad, then clean the skin carefully, allowing it to dry independently. You can clean superficial stains on the seats with a damp cloth, but it is best to consult a specialist in the case of more stubborn stains, such as grease or chewing gum.
Use Coffee Beans to Combat Bad Odors
Home remedies are an excellent alternative to neutralize foul odors inside the vehicle. One way to do this is to place a jar of coffee beans inside the car overnight. Coffee beans absorb moisture and neutralize odors, although it doesn’t have to be just coffee: rice or flour work too.
Clean the Air Conditioning and Ventilation System
Narrow, tight crevices, such as those in the air conditioner, are often a problem when it comes to cleaning the interior of the car. Dusting here with an ordinary rag is almost impossible, so it is better to use a foam brush, preferably a narrow model, to remove dust in the crevices of the ventilation system.
Graphite for Old Wipers
Simple graphite is what you need, which you can buy as powdered carbon black at a hardware store for less than $5. This investment is far more worthwhile compared to newer wiper blades, which start at around $30. Apply the graphite to a washcloth and rub the rubber on the wiper blades with it. The graphite makes the blades flexible again and works like the first day.
How to Remove Tough Stains from Your Windshield
Those streaks of dirt left by the windshield and which are so difficult to remove can be removed, for example, with antifreeze fluid. This product is effective against tree resin, pollen, bird droppings, insects, and much more. However, you should use antifreeze fluid only in an emergency and not too frequently, as it contains many chemicals and, while not explicitly toxic, pollutes the environment.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste for Small Details
Have you already tried all the remedies but still cannot get rid of the dirt? Then try using toothpaste, distributing it evenly with a damp cloth on the plastic of the headlights. Let it act for a few minutes, and remove the paste. The headlights of your car will shine like new again. With an old toothbrush, you can clean hard-to-reach areas inside and outside of the car, such as the wheels or hubcaps.
Keep in mind, though, that the toothpaste trick only works with new plastic headlights. Glass spotlights can best be cleaned with glass cleaner.
Keep the Rubber on the Doors Firm
The plastics in your car age due to the influence of the environment and do not withstand the use of inappropriate detergent. Be careful when using products with solid abrasive properties, as they can damage rubber or plastic parts. Many external factors can crack rubber. If this happens, your car will not only look run-down; but it could let the water through in case of heavy rain or when passing through a puddle.
It is better to apply a little horse or deer grease to keep the rubber on the doors of your vehicle tight and flexible, which you can find in shoe stores. This trick also works with petroleum jelly, a helpful ally in frost. As a result, the car doors will remain sealed and better protect the interior from noise and moisture.
Wait for the Engine to Warm Up
Demanding too much of an engine during the first kilometers will significantly increase the wear. It is convenient to let the water reach a temperature of 90 degrees and the oil about 75 degrees. Just keep in mind that the engine takes time to warm up. The downside is that many cars no longer have a water or oil temperature indicator.
Conclusion
Being careful with your car will extend its useful life and ensure you can sell it for a reasonable price when you want to. Applying the hacks on this list will help you keep your car in perfect condition without spending too much money. And in case you want a specialized service, you can always go to an expert.
