Keep Your Car Looking Great: Inside, Outside, and Underneath

You spend more time looking at your car’s interior than its exterior. Which is why it should be clean, comfortable, and clutter-free. 

1. Clear out the clutter: Start by removing any clutter in your vehicle. Old receipts, water bottles, and drive-through packaging can pile up quickly in a space as busy as your vehicle. A clean cabin instantly feels fresher and more spacious.
2. Wipe it down: Door panels, dashboards, and centre consoles collect dust, fingerprints, and grime. Use microfiber cloths or shop towels: choose ones tough enough to scrub without scratching surfaces and pair with a gentle all-purpose interior cleaner. Fingerprints—and other dirt—be gone!
3. Condition surfaces: Choose the right product for your seats and other surfaces. For leather seats, it’s best to use a leather conditioner to prevent cracking and fading. For fabric upholstery, a spray-and-brush upholstery cleaner eliminates stains and odours. For a boost of freshness, keep a portable air freshener or cabin deodorizer in the glove box.
4. Don’t forget the glass: Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner and a clean towel to wipe the inside of your windows and windshield. This helps to reduce glare and improve visibility. 

Bonus Tip: A portable handheld vacuum can speed up interior touch-ups, especially if you have pets or kids. 

Aside from the benefit of riding in a sparkling vehicle, exterior maintenance is an incredibly important aspect of protecting your vehicle’s paint job. 

1. Wash regularly: Use the method that best works with your exterior, For example, regular car washes can be harsh on your exterior, whereas touchless car washes use chemicals that may affect more delicate surface. A DIY car wash is best: use a pH-balanced car shampoo, a microfiber mitt, and the two-bucket method. 
2. Dry with care: Air drying can leave unsightly water spots. Use a clean, absorbent towel to gently remove excess moisture. 
3. Wax or seal the paint: Protect your paint job with a coat of wax every few months. This not only gives your car a shining finish, but repels water, salt, road grime, and other contaminants. 
4. Mind the details: Don’t neglect areas such as your headlights and trim. Use a plastic restorer for faded black trim and polish headlights to remove cloudiness. Clean the wheels with a dedicated rim cleaner to get brake dust and dirt from the grooves. 

As an added bonus, try a rain repellent glass cleaner on your windows and windshield to help improve visibility regardless of weather conditions. 

It’s easy to forget about the undercarriage, but it faces some of the harshest conditions. Road salt, dirt, mud, and moisture collected here can cause corrosion. 

1. Rinse it out: Particularly in winter, or after off-roading, it’s crucial to rinse the underside of your car. Many self-serve car washes also have an undercarriage spray setting. If you’re cleaning your undercarriage at home, use a hose with a dedicated undercarriage cleaning wand or spray attachment. 
2. Inspect for rust and damage: Look for signs of rust, particularly around wheel wells, the exhaust, and frame rails. If you spot trouble areas, use a rust converter or inhibitor to prevent spread and further damage. 
3. Apply protective coating: Undercarriage protectants such as rubberized sprays or oil-based rustproofing formulas can provide a long-lasting barrier against moisture and salt. A reliable rust inhibitor offers durable protection and can be reapplied seasonally for maximum effectiveness. 
4. cMaintain wheel wells and mudguards: Scrub them with a stiff brush and degreaser. Follow with a plastic or rubber protectant so stay clean and continue to repell dirt. Ensure mudguards are secure and clean, too, to keep the sides of your vehicle safe from stones and slush. 

Go beyond aesthetics and give your car a little TLC beyond the regular car wash. If you need the right tools and tips to get your vehicle looking great inside, outside, and underneath, visit your local NAPA Auto Parts store and chat with our experts.