New year, new you — new car care goals.
How many of us make resolutions to “get organized” or “kick the clutter” when that calendar switches over? This year, set yourself up for success by rolling into the new year with a fresh and clean ride that stays that way.
Maintaining a clean vehicle is more than just a sign that you have good car care habits, it’s an investment in the future health of your ride, not to mention your driving experience and mental health. (Really, science says that clutter can have a negative impact on a person’s ability to focus and process information – not exactly something you want to risk while maneuvering a two-ton weapon down the road.)
So, let the crack team at Parts Via add some new tools to your old car care routine and help you start the new year off right. From professional-grade cleaning tips and product recs to DIY organizational hacks, we’ve got everything you need to freshen up for another 365 days on the road.
Wash Your Ride Often
This is the most basic first step to keeping up with car maintenance, especially in the winter. In addition to the dirt, dust, and questionable road debris your vehicle sees on the daily, the winter season adds snow, slush, mud, and – perhaps worst of all – road salt.
Aim to give your baby a bath every two weeks to keep those corrosive elements at bay, but keep it to the days when temperatures are above 32°F. Otherwise, you risk water droplets freezing on important components or in hidden areas.
During the rest of the year, a monthly wash is a good rule of thumb. Many car washes have started to offer affordable monthly membership plans that allow you plenty of visits for a low fee, making it easier to keep your car clean. If your New Year’s resolution is to develop better car care habits, this is a good way to stay on track.
Step Up Your Car-Care Game
If you’re more of the DIY type, then consider kicking things up a notch this year with a few key products and tools.
Consider incorporating a ceramic coating or spray from Meguiar’s, Mothers, or Turtle Wax into your car-care routine. These products bond with the vehicle's factory paint, providing a better level of protection against environmental hazards and harsh UV rays. (They also deeply enhance your paint’s gloss for an enviable shine.)
For an enhanced washing experience, invest in a foam cannon that attaches to your pressure washer. This tool generates a thick, clinging foam that not only speeds up the car-washing process but also makes for a really fun way to blast dirt and grime off your ride. Griot’s Garage and 303 Products both make great cannons for under $100, but if your New Year’s resolutions include a tighter budget, check out Armor All. For less than $50, you can walk away with a convenient and versatile cleaning tool.
While your tires will get a decent base cleaning during the overall car wash, you may also want to consider a dedicated tire cleaner to lift dirt and grime from the rubber surface. Hot Wheels Pro Tire Cleaner is easy to apply and helps make black walls black and white letters white.
Over time, headlights can become hazy or discolored, affecting visibility. A headlight restoration kit, like as those from 3M or Meguiar's, can efficiently restore clarity and improve overall appearance.
Refresh Your Interior
A nice way to kick off the new year – regardless of your resolutions or car care promises – is by giving the interior of your vehicle a really good cleaning. We’re talking a thorough vacuuming of carpets and upholstery, wiping off that dusty dashboard, and scrubbing out those nasty cupholders. Don’t forget about the inside of your windshield; the winter months still bring shorter days, and headlight glare can make it near-impossible to see if you have greasy swirls on the window.
Consider adding in some preventative care, too. Got leather seats? Check out some of the high-quality conditioning treatments available from suppliers like Meguiar’s and Turtle Wax. Even if you’re rocking a lower-trim ride, a black plastic restorer can make dull dashboard components shine while a quick pass of a steam cleaner will have cloth upholstery looking (and smelling) like new.
A good set of floor mats can provide full-scale protection and they’re super quick and easy to remove and wash without having to wait for long drying times. Parts Via has a wide variety of customized rubber floor mat solutions with something to fit every budget.
Other interior upgrades that can help you keep your vehicle looking fresh all year include cargo liners, stain-resistant seat covers, sturdy kick matts, and windshield covers. We often don’t think about the damage that UV rays can do to a vehicle’s interior, but all that hot sunshine pouring through the windshield can cause dashboard and console elements to fade and even crack.
Check Your Shoes
While wheel and tire maintenance might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about cleaning and detailing, it's an important part of vehicle ownership – and good car care habits.
Remember, your tires serve as the sole contact point with the road. So, in addition to keeping them properly inflated and rotated, you want to wash off corrosive elements that can degrade the rubber over time. Additionally, give them a regular visual inspection; a quick once-over can help you identify potential issues like nails, screws, or other puncture-causing debris.
Your wheels deserve some TLC too. Keep an eye out for any visible bends, dents, or cracks as well as pitting -- small, shallow holes that look like dimples on a wheel’s surface. These issues can lead to rust or corrosion, and can even affect the wheel’s integrity and balance in some cases.
If your wheels are looking a little worse for wear, consider CCI wheel skins. Constructed of durable automotive-grade ABS, these unique custom wheel covers clip into place, installing in seconds and allowing you to easily freshen up the look of your ride. Try out a new style or simply cover up minor cosmetic damage like paint scratches or curbed wheels. You can even practice a little prevention. Adding CCI wheel skins before any damage occurs can actually help nip any chips, dings, or corrosion in the bud.
Better Habits for the Year Ahead
Even though a lot of people work from home these days, folks still manage to practically live out of their vehicles – and that means they get very gross, very fast. Here are some practical tips to curb those bad car care habits and keep a more comfortable interior.
Keep a package of car cleaning wipes in the console for quick and convenient cleanups.
Combat clutter by adding a mini garbage can to the back seat.
Make it a weekly ritual to clean out the cup holders, so this often-overlooked area remains crumb-free and functional.
Opt for air fresheners that not only add a pleasant scent but also serve a purpose, like neutralizing pet smells or lingering food odors.
Utilize organizers or storage bins in your trunk to keep items neatly arranged.
Take a moment at the end of each month to do a quick purge of unnecessary items.