Car Care: It’s What’s On the Inside that Counts!

April 28th, 2011

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There’s certainly a lot of focus on the mechanical maintenance of your vehicle when it comes to car care, but the interior of your vehicle also deserves a little TLC from time to time. As the weather gets warmer, the opportunity arises to get outside and do some tidying up in your car.

Chances are the cold weather of winter encouraged you so stay in your car as long as possible before having to emerge to make the slick, and often swift, trek back inside to your destination. On the other hand, some people may have avoided being in their car all together, as weak heating systems made your vehicle more of a sub-zero igloo than a transportation device.

Either way, the interior of your car has surely lacked some attention, so here are some tips and product suggestions if you’re looking to give your interior a fresh pick-me-up.

Carpet

Matted, dirty and stained, carpet and floors in your car can look good as new if you follow a few simple guidelines. First, vacuum your carpet and floors to remove all of the loose-sitting dirt. Then beat the carpet (there are free floor mat “beaters” at most car wash facilities) to free that extra dust, and vacuum again.

As far as stains go, there are a lot of carpet stain removers out there, and sometimes a degreaser may be necessary. Always be sure to read the labels carefully, as to avoid further staining your carpet. Some helpful tools you may want to implement include a cloth towel, a stiff scrub brush and carpet shampoo. Be careful: a common mistake to be aware of is using too much water when cleaning carpets! The excess water can take a long time to dry, and end up leaving things moldy and smelly if the water lingers.

Leather

Well-maintained leather can make or break your car’s re-sale value. On the surface, leather is generally an easy fabric to care for, but you need to first determine what kind of leather it is. Drop a small amount of cool water onto an area of your choice, and see if the leather absorbs it. If the water is absorbed, the leather is not coated. If the water is not absorbed, it is vinyl-coated leather. Once you have deciphered the type of leather, use a cleaner specified for that type of fabric.

Leather can line everything from car seats to steering wheels, so just work through one section at a time. Be sure to get in the stitching of the leather, as dirt and dust can accumulate in those areas more easily than others. Brushes, soft cloths and leather conditioners are all great tools to have on hand.

Wood

If you have wood detail inside your vehicle, it should not be overlooked! Rather than using a harsh cleaner, simply use a damp, clean cloth and a dash of wax to make it shine.

Dashboard and Console

It is the area of our car that we look at the most, so there’s no excuse for your dashboard and console to be looking dirty. The harsh affects of sun exposure are especially noticeable on the areas under your windshield and back window. To keep these areas from cracking a fading, care for them on a regular basis. There are a variety of auto-detailing wipes you can buy to clean all around the flat surfaces, and there are also some great vinyl protectant sprays out there. Some special cleaners even have a UV-sunscreen in them like to protect your interior. Items like a cotton swab, Q-tip or toothpick may come in handy when working into those hard-to-reach areas of your dash.

If you’re not in the cleaning mode, or have little time to get a task like this completed, your local Performance Auto Dealer has a knowledgeable and friendly staff that is always available to do the dirty work for you. Call, click online or stop by one of our Service Centers near you today!

Posted in Car Care & Vehicle Maintenance, Tips & Tricks

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