1. Scratches are one of the biggest enemies to your car’s finish. That’s why you want to avoid them as much as possible. In fact, some people say that minimizing scratches is the biggest key to maintaining your car’s beauty. Because dirt and other filthy particles act like sandpaper when you rub them into your paint, they dull your finish. You’ll always want to use a soft fabric when cleaning your car so that you’re not continuously rubbing in the gunk.

2. Protect your car from the elements as much as possible. If you can, store your car in a garage or a covered area that way you avoid unnecessary damage to the finish. If you cannot store you vehicle in a covered area, you can always purchase and use a car cover. This will avoid having your car constantly exposed to the sun and other elements. Believe it or not, a vehicle that’s continuously exposed to those things will deteriorate more quickly and require more cosmetic maintenance.

3. In order to protect your paint, it’s always helpful to keep a good coat of wax or paint sealant on your car. In addition to providing gloss and depth, wax will also protect your car from the elements, including sunlight and many other circumstances that you will encounter like dead bugs and other nasty little things encountered during drive time or simply from being parked.

4. Always pay attention to your car’s finish. If you make a habit of giving your car a once over frequently then you’ll catch flaws sooner. For example, a regular inspection might reveal a small spot of rust or a ding that needs repaired. The sooner you repair the issue, the less money you will probably have to spend fixing it.

5. Make a habit of detailing your car. In most cases, washing your car once a month is adequate. Once every two weeks is better and necessary if the car is subject to harsh conditions. Make sure you clean the interior, exterior, wheel wells and any other areas that may not be exposed to the naked eye.

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