Taking care of your car also means taking care of its exterior. If you're not sure how to do this, these simple tips can help you keep your paint job in top shape for longer.

6 Tips to Make Caring for Your Car's Exterior Easy

When it comes to car care, it's easy to forget about your car's exterior. After getting an oil change, checking the brakes, and taking care of all that maintenance, you may not be up to washing your car. It's important that you don't skip this because it is really important. To keep your car's exterior happy, use these tips.

Regular Car Washes

The first step to keeping your's exterior in great shape is giving it regular car washes. You may not have a ton of time to do this, but do try to give your car a wash about every two weeks. This will ensure the dust and other grime on its surface will be removed before it has a chance to damage your car. Regular car washes can add up, so a great alternative is to do it yourself. The job isn't hard, so there's no reason not to give it a shot.

The Right Car Washing Supplies

If you decide you want to wash your car yourself, you first have to make sure you have the right supplies for the job. Look for a car detergent that is made specifically for use on car exteriors. Avoid using anything that isn't made for cars because this can be corrosive and damage your paint. You will also need the right sponge or washing mitt. Using the wrong sort of sponge can scratch your car, so look for one that will keep your car's exterior scratch-free. When you're getting ready to wash your car, it's important that you first check that its surface is cool to the touch. Keep your car out of the sun so that the suds don't dry on its surface before you have a chance to rinse it off.

Dry and Wax Your Car

After your car is washed and clean, there's still a bit more work to be done. You may be tired and tempted to allow it to air dry, but this will just lead to unsightly marks, undoing all your hard work. To prevent this from happening, use a drying chamois to get your car dry. A chamois will ensure your car's paint doesn't get scratched as you dry it. Once your car is dry, don't skip the wax. Giving your car a new layer of wax will keep your paint protected. It may not seem like a lot, but the wax works as a barrier between your paint and harmful UV rays, dust, and the elements. After caring for your car's exterior, don't forget to also take are of its insides. To keep your engine in great shape, give it a synthetic oil change in Hagerstown. An oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil can help your engine run stronger for longer. To find more great products like this, contact the friendly oil pros at ALF Marketing. Give them a call at (301) 416-0575 to learn more or to place your order.

Store Your Car

After washing your car, the last thing you want is for your hard work to go to waste. To keep it protected from rain, birds, tree sap, and everything else outside, park your car in an indoor space. Your garage is the perfect spot to store your car, but if you don't have a covered space, a car cover is a great alternative. Look for a cover that keeps out moisture, dust, and UV rays. Even if you park your car on the street, a car cover should keep it protected from the elements.

Invest in a Detailing

Getting your car detailed can sound pricey, but you don't have to do this often. A detailing once a year can be enough to keep it in great shape. During a detailing, a professional will give your car a thorough cleaning inside and out. This will keep your car looking great and in the best shape year after year. Since a professional is doing the work, you just have to sit back until your car is ready.

Spot Check Your Car Regularly

Finally, it's never a bad idea to spot check your car for damage. Make it a habit to quickly check your car's paint for scratches, dents, and debris when you get home in the evening. If you notice things like bird droppings or tree sap, clean them off as soon as you can. If you see chipped paint, make a note of it so you can fix it before it gets worse.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Hagerstown

Give your car a synthetic oil change in Hagerstown to ensure your engine stays at its best. Contact the friendly oil pros at ALF Marketing for help finding the right oil for your car. Give them a call at (301) 416-0575 to learn more or to place your order.