How to Care for Your Car's Exterior

Taking care of your car involves more than changing the oil and maintaining the transmission. You also have cosmetic issues to attend to. Your car's exterior - including not only the paint job but also the finish of the car's body and the quality of the undercarriage - plays a big role in the overall value of your vehicle. Keep these factors in mind as you work to care for your car's exterior:

• Cover it up There is possibly no better way to protect your car's exterior than to cover it properly when it's not in use. Good car covers can protect cars from the elements - such as when you're at work and your car sits in the sun all day. And if you store your car or drive it rarely, an indoor car cover can protect your car's paint job from dust, debris and other fibers that can cause microscopic chips in the paint.
• Wash it: Wash, wash, wash your car. There is no better way to stay on track with maintenance than to stay on a schedule for washing. Many carwashes offer multi-wash deals to reduce the overall cost. Plan on washing your car at least once a week. This will keep dirt, chemicals, waste and other particles off your car. And better yet, your windows will be clean of debris and thus safer when you take the road.
• Wax on, wax off: Not only will it help you become a pro at martial arts, but waxing your car will also protect its finish for the long term. Waxing is like giving your car an extra layer or two of protection from the elements - this means the sun, rain, snow, bird droppings and a variety of other materials that can chip away at and diminish the luster of paint job of your car. Waxing your car will take approximately a half-hour to an hour - you can also take it to a detailer or a car wash and pay for the labor. Depending on your climate, you'll probably want to wax your car every four months.
• Think about the undercarriage: Sure, we can see the car's paint job, but there's more to the exterior than meets the eyes. Your car's undercarriage can be a victim of rot and rust - and you might not even know it. This is particularly true for people who live in cold climates where the roads are salted during snowstorms. Salt can eat away at your car's exterior, and can make it age rapidly.
• Detail it: As needed, you can also make an investment in your car by having it detailed. You can do this yourself, or take it to a dealership. When your car is detailed, it is carefully inspected and gradually restored to a near-perfect look. Your paint is matched with the original color, and all chips and scratches are cosmetically repaired. This means that any slight cosmetic imperfections are addressed, and your car gets a pseudo-facelift. Most experts recommend that, if you are intent on preserving the look and value of your vehicle as best as possible, you detail at least once every 18 months.