Signing the papers for your dream car is a moment you’ll never forget. Today’s most popular dream car is the Ford Mustang, with other frontrunners being Tesla, Camaro, and Mercedes. Or you might be someone who prefers the nostalgic look of a classic car. Either way, keeping your luxury car in good order means putting in the time and effort.
Related: 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic SUV
How do you keep an expensive car looking luxurious for the long haul? Here’s your guide to keeping your luxury car as good as new.
Engine and transmission care
Luxury cars are no different from other cars in terms of what makes them run. Therefore, regular inspections are just as relevant to your dream car as your first car.
Taking your car to a professional is crucial to prevent problems like radiator leaks, worn-out brake pads, and tire misalignment. Some basic maintenance can be done at home, such as oil changes and managing your tire pressure, but experts recommend taking your car for an inspection every three to six months.
Basic engine and transmission care will ensure your car continues to run long into the future and doesn’t break down by the roadside.
Check the tires
Worn-out and dirty tires can make even the best car look terrible at first glance. As a result, luxury vehicles tend to have a short list of recommended tire brands to fit their overall aesthetic.
The best way to ensure you have the right tires is to talk to a professional. They’ll be able to give you a set of recommendations. Try not to stray too far from their recommendations.
The same basic maintenance rules apply regardless of which tires you settle on. Ensure that your tires have the following:
- Correct air pressure
- Tread depth
- Pristine hubcaps
You’ll soon know if your tires are reaching the end of their lifespan. Older tires are more prone to punctures and low pressure. A professional can take care of your tires as part of your regular inspection schedule.
Tesla, photo by Charlie Deets on Unsplash
Protect the paint job with ceramic coating
Ceramic coating is one of the best possible upgrades for a luxury car. These coatings provide an added layer of protection for your paint job.
Opting for ceramic coating in Charlotte, NC, will require a significant investment, but it’s an upgrade that will last for years. These coatings are highly durable and protect against everything from minor dents to lousy weather.
Plus, ceramic coatings leave an extraordinary candy-like gloss and eliminate the need to take your car to the car wash. If you hate washing your car regularly, this is an essential upgrade.
Maintain the seats
The interior of your car is just as important as the exterior. For example, how to maintain your seats depends on the material.
Vinyl and faux leather can be cleaned with plain water and a microfiber cloth. Sticky spots can come away with mild dish soap without damaging the material.
If you have nylon or polyester seats, you’ll need to purchase special fabric cleaners recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
On the other hand, genuine leather will require you to follow some extra steps, such as applying a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and reduce the chances of cracking.
Avoid ignoring seam damage or fabric scuffs by throwing a seat cover over the top. Little problems with the upholstery get worse over time, which could lead to an expensive repair job.
Camaro, Photo by Tom Blackout on Unsplash
Clean the interior regularly
First impressions are everything. Even the most beautiful car in the world can look haggard if you open the doors and a bunch of candy wrappers falls out.
Dirty cars aren’t just unsightly and unhygienic; they can lead to infestations from bugs and rodents. So get into the habit of cleaning as you go. Add an in-car trash can for those wrappers and receipts.
Vacuum the floor every week, including under the mats. Keep a box of microfiber towels on hand to clean up those spills and messes.
For your dream car, give it some TLC with a specialized car cleaner for its interior trim. Then, follow the instructions to give it some extra shine.
Finally, take your car to a professional for interior detailing once or twice a year. Interior detailing is a more thorough cleansing of the interior you can’t get with at-home products. Additionally, you’ll get that classic new car smell back.
Wash the exterior
Luxury cars differ from everything else on the road because of their sleek designs. However, the minor details are what sets them apart from inferior vehicles.
Failure to clean and protect problem areas can damage the paint or even the metal itself. Begin with a thorough wash, including car wash soap and a soft car washing mitt. Start at the top and work your way down to the bottom.
Avoid scrubbing or using any brushes. Even soft-bristled brushes can cause little scratches to the paintwork.
Related Posts
- FERRARI 296 GTS IS A THRILLING RIDE LACED WITH TECHNOLOGY
- THE NEW FERRARI ROMA SPIDER IS AN EXQUISITE BEAUTY WITH ALLURING LINES (VIDEO)
- THE LAST GREAT ANALOGUE CARS: KOENIGSEGG, BUGATTI AND LAMBORGHINI
- ASTON MARTIN VALKYRIE IS JUST TOO EXTREME FOR THE ROAD
- PORSCHE 911 DAKAR IS A RALLY WINNER DESIGNED FOR OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Polish and wax
Waxing and polishing should happen after your car has been cleaned. Preferably, you should polish and wax the same day you wash your car to stop any additional dust and debris from building up. Never drive your car until it’s been fully polished and waxed.
Polish is an excellent short-term option for obscuring minor, shallow scratches. Anything deeper will need the attention of a professional.
With waxing, the correct type of wax depends on the car in question. Consult the owner’s manual or ask a professional for advice. Liquid wax is usually recommended because it’s the most long-lasting.
Once you begin waxing, do it in small sections and rub with a back-and-forth motion. Cover the whole car and take your time.
Contact a professional if you plan on applying a sealant or any other long-lasting treatment. Mistakes with these commercial-grade products can ruin your dream car and cost you thousands in resprays.
Conclusion
Your dream car deserves the utmost care and attention to ensure it continues looking its best well into the future. The key to keeping your car looking great is dedicating time to making it happen. You don’t need to do anything, particularly taxing.
Most people forget about regular maintenance, which is why their cars don’t look their best. Set aside a few hours every month to spend on your car, and you’ll reap the rewards.
What is your dream car?
Top image Ford Mustang, by Demian Tejeda-Benitez on Unsplash
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
