Cheap, Easy Ways to Keep Your Interior Looking New

Guest Article by Don Elfrink *

When most people think about cleaning and maintaining their automobile, they think of washing and waxing the exterior. That�s certainly important � a lack of maintenance can lead to paint oxidation and other problems that detract from the beauty and the value of your ride. However, maintaining the interior is just as important. If you�re struggling in this area, here are some cheap, easy ways to keep your interior looking brand new for as long as you own your vehicle.

Vacuuming Is Essential

It might seem like a no-brainer, but one of the most important and effective ways to maintain the interior of your car is to vacuum it regularly. Dirt and debris can quickly build up in your floorboards, turning your car�s carpet into a disaster. Consider investing in a portable vacuum for quick cleanups, and make sure to vacuum your car thoroughly every time it�s washed. Most car washes have commercial strength vacuums that perform quite well.

Replace Your Floor Mats

Most cars come with floor mats from the manufacturer. These mats serve many roles, including minimizing wear and tear to the carpet under them. However, over time, your floor mats are going to wear out. Most OEM mats aren�t particularly durable, and it�s a very good idea to consider investing in an upgraded set. You�ll find several options out there, including carpeted mats and thick rubber or plastic ones that offer much longer lifespans. Make sure that you get a set that�s designed to fit your vehicle.

Sunshades Help

Sunshades help keep the interior of your car cool. However, they also serve another important function. They prevent the damaging rays of the sun from scorching and ruining your dashboard. Over time, the UV rays from the sun will dry out the material of your dash, leading to cracking and discoloration. Use sunshades any time your car will be exposed to direct sunlight, and you can make sure that your dash lasts much longer.

Dust Regularly

Dust gathers quickly in most automobiles. Over time, dust will settle into every tiny crack and crevice, turning your pristine interior into an eyesore. Regular dusting will help to minimize this, and keep your car�s interior looking great for years to come. While there are specialized products on the market for this, you can do a lot with just some auto cleaner and a few Q-Tips. Make sure that the cleaner you choose is actually manufactured for automotive interiors (don�t use Pledge, for instance), and dust on a regular basis.

Don�t Eat or Drink in the Car

This is both one of the simplest, yet most difficult things to do. Sometimes, eating and drinking in the car is unavoidable, but make sure you limit this as much as possible. Food and drink can lead to foul odors, stains and sticky messes, and it can be almost impossible to prevent those problems from happening. This is particularly true with children, but even the most astute daily driver knows firsthand how easy it can be for mustard, ketchup, soda and other elements to make their way onto the interior.

If possible, don�t eat or drink in the car at all. If you find that it�s unavoidable, keep it to a minimum. Clean up any spills as soon as possible, and make sure you do a thorough job. In the case of things like mustard that stain fabric, keep a can of upholstery cleaner handy for spot cleaning.

These simple tips will help ensure that you keep the interior of your car clean to avoid problems that might cost you an arm and a leg.

* About the author: Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore.com, that sells auto mats throughout the nation. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on logo, carpeted, molded and all weather floor mats. He has previously contributed to our website with some valuable guest article which you can find by using the search tag 'don elfrink'.

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Protecting Your Car in the Dog Days of Summer

Guest Article by Reggie Sizemore *

There are many things that go hand-in-hand with those long, hot days of summer. Sunscreen, cool drinks, plenty of vacation time, the list goes on and on. When it comes to those gruelingly hot mid-summer days, there is really only one thing that matters the most and that is keeping cool.

Not only is it important to keep one�s person cool, but maintaining your car during the extreme heat can prevent a tremendous amount of hassle down the road. The last thing anybody wants is to be broken down in 100+ degree weather with no A/C. After months of battling the elements of winter your car is most likely in need of some service, that is why I have compiled a checklist for preparing/maintaining your car for the grudgingly hot days of summer.

1. Remove winter tires
a. This should be a given once spring arrives
b. If you do not have seasonal tires, it is still important to have your all-season tires either rotated or changed.

2. Brake check
a. Winter can take quite a toll on your vehicle�s brakes.
b. Warning signs include: grinding, squealing, screeching.

3. Coolant
a. Consider running 5 miles without any water in 100 degree weather� That is how your car feels without adequate coolant.
b. Be sure to check/maintain coolant levels at the beginning of summer, as well as before leaving on any extended drives.

4. Wipers
a. Like the brakes, wiper blades take a beating during the winter months.
b. Be sure to change blades out when spring comes around to ensure clear vision on those beautiful summer days.

5. Air Condition
a. Most likely you�re A/C has been out of use for the past 6 or 7 months.
b. Get your air conditioning serviced before first use to ensure it is prepared to work hard throughout the summer months.
c. A malfunctioning A/C can cause the car the heat up and ultimately lead to further problems.

6. Tires
a. Hot surfaces like asphalt can increase the possibility of flats.
b. The hot air causes expansion and can lead to excessive tire pressure.
c. Check tire tread and pressure thoroughly and frequently.
d. Always have a spare (make sure it�s not flat as well)

7. Battery
a. The cold of winter results in a higher likelihood of corrosion of auto parts, including the battery.
b. Before getting your summer started, be sure to get your car batter cleaned and tested.
c. Have an expert check all batter cables and points.

8. Oil
a. Like all times of the year, it is important to frequently check and top off your car�s oil.
b. During the hot months it is vital that your vehicle is a well-oiled machine to ensure a smooth ride all summer long.
c. Fully synthetic oils are specifically designed to protect your engine in hot weather.

9. Lights
a. Longer drives are more prevalent during the summer, that is why it is important to be prepared for traveling at night.
b. Replace any headlights/brake lights that are not working.
c. Clean all lenses to ensure optimized vision while driving at night.

10. Clean!
a. The most important of all preparations is of course making sure your car looks good, right?
b. Clean out the underbody to rinse away any salt build-up to avoid erosion.
c. Wash the exterior regularly to keep your vehicle looking fresh.
d. Wax regularly to protect your car�s shine.
e. Apply a protectant to interior surfaces to avoid sun-damage and cracking.

After carefully going through this checklist, your car is sure to beat the heat year after year and bring you countless memories without fail. Don�t let the hot weather bring you down because your car can�t handle the heat. Instead be on top of your preparation and maintaining to ensure a smooth ride all summer long.

* About the author: Reggie Sizemore is a self-proclaimed road-warrior hailing from the Pacific Northwest. After developing an affinity for the open road over the past decade, Reg has taken part in numerous long-distance drives both international and domestic. Mr. Sizemore works as a freelance writer in the automobile industry, specifically for companies dealing in auto transport services.

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.