We spend a ton of time inside our cars. These interior spaces deserve attention and upkeep, but rarely get as much love as the exterior of the car or other interior spaces at home. Too often, we see the inside of cars being treated more like a storage locker, change room or cafeteria.
It’s worth adding that a finely cared for interior works wonders on the resale market. Not only is it important for the inside to look and smell great, but the level of cleanliness indicates to potential buyers just how well the car was (or wasn’t) cared for.
In this article, we’re sharing tips for preserving the longevity of your car’s interior:
Protect Against UV
The UV rays from the sun are powerful enough to break down the chemical bonds in materials like upholstery, plastics, fabrics and leather. This erosion of chemicals can lead to fading, discolouration and warping of materials. Once that begins happening in the interior, it’s hard to save it.
To protect against UV, the best thing you can do is keep your vehicle parked undercover. An underground parking lot will keep your vehicle safe from all the elements, but even parking it under a tree or in the shade will save it from the UV.
Some UV exposure is unavoidable. One way to shield your interior from the UV is window tinting, which is highly effective for long-term protection. Some people may use sunshades, seat covers and wheel covers. You can also use specialized interior protectant products that are designed to protect materials from UV.
Prevent Wear and Tear
Over the course of a vehicle’s lifespan, a certain level of wear and tear is inevitable. But a lot of damage can be avoided with diligent care. Probably the number one thing you could do to prevent wear and tear over time is to not eat in the car. Not many will be happy to hear that, but it’s true. Think about all those coffee drips, sticky spills and chip dust making themselves at home in your vehicle right now…
Seat covers are a solid option for protecting the seat materials from wear and tear like spills and sun. The only trade-off is their appearance.
If you do spill something in the car, immediate action is important. Getting to a spill quickly could help you avoid permanent damage – if you let it sit, that’s where you’ll run into staining issues and bad odours. Keep some microfiber clothes, paper towels and interior cleaner on hand in your vehicle.
Remember, you car isn’t a storage locker. If you need to eat in your car, do your best to immediately remove garbage and containers to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold. And bring your clothes inside! Especially if they’re wet or sweaty…
Using harsh cleaners over time will also speed up the wear and tear inside a vehicle. Be sure to use gentle products that are pH-neutral when possible, and water-based products rather than the oily stuff.
Keep Odours Away
It’s hard to sell a car that smells bad. And cheap air freshener products won’t help you past a certain point, as odours tend to embed themselves deep into interior materials and the air conditioning system.
To prevent the buildup of odours, the best things you can do is avoid smoking in the car. The smoke particles will make quick work of any neutral smelling vehicle, permeating all kinds of materials (and the ventilation system), causing some pretty harsh odours.
Pets are another big source of odours. Leaving the dog at home may not be a long term solution for many, but consider portioning off the back of the car for your pet, or investing in seat protection for when they’re riding along. That fur, dander and fluid from accidents will leave lasting odours.
Another quick maintenance strategy to keep the car smelling fresh is to stay up to date with regular air filter changes. These filters clog up with dust, pollen and pet hair, and will start to smell musty if they aren’t changed enough.
Invest in Regular Cleaning
Investing in regular cleaning of your vehicle’s interior is the best way to stay on top of cleanliness and preserve the resale value. Regular upkeep will keep stains, sun damage and odours at bay in the long-term.
A lot of this regular upkeep can be done with a little investment of time. To start, make sure to clean as you go and keep your vehicle clutter free. Then once a week or so, wipe all the surfaces down and run a vacuum around the inside to keep things looking sharp.
An auto detailer will help you take interior cleanliness to the next level. It’s an investment that’s well worth the cost every so often. Take your vehicle to Mill Bay Auto Spa for a luxury, spa-like treatment. With meticulous attention to detail, we’ll clean the entire interior including the vents, door jambs, windows, vinyl surfaces, foot pedals and leather. We can even remove the seats to ensure nothing is neglected.
Request an interior detail service at Mill Bay Auto Spa today and experience that just-like-new feel once again.