Oct 11, 2019
A clean Mazda CX-9 on the street in Wichita, KS

When you get a new car, whether it’s brand new off the lot or just new to you, it’s important to do what you can to keep it looking its best both inside and out. From washing it using the right tools to waxing it regularly, there are many things you can do to take care of it. Check out these tips for keeping your Mazda looking brand-new.

1. Washing It Correctly

When you wash your car you need to use the right soap and the right towels. Microfiber has soft synthetic fibers that not only attract dirt and soak up moisture; it is also gentle on the paint. Make sure you have several clean microfiber cloths when you wash your car so you can continuously use a clean one. After you use them, wash the towels separately using a mild detergent. It is also important to use an automotive soap. Don’t use dish soap. It is a degreaser and it will strip the wax from the paint. Automotive soaps have more lubricant, and they create a foam that will help keep the dirt from scratching the car.

2. Waxing

Waxing your vehicle on a regular basis is just as important as washing it. Even a new car needs waxing since most automakers don’t wax them. If you live in an area where it is warm year-round or you can keep it covered you can wax twice a year. If you drive in conditions where it gets snowy, and the roads get treated with sand and salt, you should wax it three or four times throughout the year, especially in the winter.

3. Keep The Food And Drinks Out

One of the easiest ways to ruin the inside of your car is by spilling food or drinks. If you do spill something, you want to make sure to clean it up as soon as you can. For wet spills, use a paper towel to blot it dry, so it doesn’t sink into the upholstery or carpet. After you blot, spray it with a foaming carpet cleaner and blot again with a microfiber cloth. If the stain has a chance to dry, use the foaming carpet cleaner and then start the blotting. 

4. Think About Parking

If you can, always park under some kind of cover. This will keep the things that fall from the sky from hitting your car. Whether its bird droppings, sap from a tree, or other debris that is floating in the air, you don’t want it landing on your paint. Parking undercover will also keep the sun from damaging the paint. Avoid parking on the street when possible. This lowers the chances of it getting hit whether it’s by another vehicle or even a kid on a bike. If you can’t park in a garage or undercover, avoid parking under power lines or under tree branches where birds perch. 

Follow these tips and your car will stay looking brand new for a long time. 

Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ