Sometimes, taking care of your car or truck leaves your wallet a little lighter than you’d like. Fortunately, there are several inexpensive ways to improve the look and operation of your vehicle. Simple cosmetic improvements will make the interior and exterior of your car look showroom-ready. While regular do-it-yourself maintenance will keep your car running smoothly and prevent costlier maintenance issues down the road.
Drive Beautifully
A clean car is a happy car – and safer, too. All responsible car owners should invest time to ensure their vehicle remains neat and tidy, which helps to increase its visibility and prevent accidents.
The following tips will help you get started:
- Hand wash and dry your vehicle’s exterior with a chamois for a spot-free sparkle.
- Clean the inside of your windows with products that are safe to use on tinting.
- Vacuum the interior of your car, and treat any upholstery or carpet stains. (Getting rid of the reminder of The Great Coffee Spill of 2013 or a PB&J smear from the kids will help your car look new again.)
- Place a couple of dryer sheets under the seats to perk up the scent of your vehicle.
- Clean out any bits of trash you may have stuffed in your center console or in the door pockets, as they may roll under your brakes at the wrong time. Wrangle all the kids’ travel activities and toys into a small storage bin or over-the-seat bag.
- Cover up small chips and dings in your paint by using a touch-up kit.
- Get more visibility out of your headlights by polishing them with toothpaste. The same micro-abrasive substance that removes plaque from teeth performs just as well on the foggy grime. Simply squeeze a quarter-sized amount of toothpaste onto a clean rag, buff it into the headlights, and rinse everything clean.
Under the Hood
The best mechanical care comes from automotive professionals, but there are steps you can take to keep your vehicle safely and smoothly.
- Keep your tires properly inflated for a smoother ride and more even wear. All gas stations have air pumps. You can also purchase a portable pump for less than $20 that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter. This is also beneficial item for your vehicle’s emergency kit.
- Stay current with your oil changes and filter replacements. Be sure to regularly check fluid levels, including power steering and brake fluids and coolant.
- Check your car regularly for any suspicious-looking changes, including corrosion to parts under the hood and your spare tire. If these aren’t parts you can remove and replace yourself, then it’s time to call a specialist.
Automotive Care in Katy, TX
Making your vehicle look and perform its best can seem like a costly task, but with a few DIY improvements you can do at home, and the help of the professionals here at Dillon’s, you can get big results without breaking your wallet. Contact us today to schedule a routine maintenance check.
