The next time you are driving around I would like for you to look at the vehicles around you. Pay close attention and you will see way too many cars or trucks that have been neglected. Next to your house a vehicle is for most people the second most expensive purchase they ever make. And yet many people don't know how to take care of their cars. Here are some very simple "Rules To Live By" when it comes to taking care of your vehicle:
1. Avoid automatic car washes - instead opt for hand wash facilities or do it yourself at home. Not all car washes are good so you may need to try a few until you get a good one. At least once a year I recommend getting a "Clay Detail" which will remove contaminants from your paint. Two or three times a year I suggest a hand wax. Every time you wash the car you should vacuum the interior, wipe down all surfaces and clean the windows. If you do these things your vehicle will look great and last much longer.
2. If something happens to your car such as a minor fender bender or a parking lot door ding. FIX IT! If you wait longer than a week or two the odds of you fixing it go down. Some people say they will fix it when they are going to sell it or trade it in. Those people often never make the repairs and the result is this: They drive a car that is an eyesore and when they go to sell it it is worth much less money because of the damage.
3. Always properly maintain your vehicle. This means following the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance. Don't procrastinate and never miss regularly scheduled maintenance appointments. If you intend to keep your vehicle for a very long time I suggest using synthetic oil which is a little more expensive but will keep your engine running smoother and longer. Always rotate your tires which keeps all 4 tires wearing evenly. Far too many people ignore their tires and end up destroying the front tires by not rotating them. The result is your car is probably unsafe and the driving experience is not what it should be. Proper maintenance means better gas mileage, a better driving experience, a safer vehicle and much higher resale value.
4. Some people like to keep their cars fully stock and other people like to customize their cars. If you want to customize your car there are so many things that you can do. You can upgrade your tires/wheels. If you have stock silver hubcaps you can upgrade to a custom chrome hubcap set or even a O.E.M. chrome replica style. Chrome accessories such as grilles, door handles, mirror covers and more will set your vehicle apart. The possibilities are endless. One word of caution if you want to customize - don't overdo it. If you put too much stuff on your car it can quickly start to look bad. A good supplier will not try to sell you everything they have. Ultimately it is your car and if it looks good to you then go for it!
Take pride in your car or truck. A few simple things can make a huge difference and definitely enhance the vehicle ownership experience.
Mark Williams is the owner and President of Suburban Wheel Cover which is a brick and mortar store as well as an online dealer www.suburbanwheelcover.com of hubcaps, wheels, center caps and accessories. He has an automotive background and has worked in the wholesale automobile trade, automotive reconditioning as well as his current position.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.