How to make your car always look like new?

How to make your car always look like new?

Did you know? There are simple ways to take care of your car both inside and outside to always make it look like a brand new one. Let’s follow these tips together!

1. Wash your car regularly.

Washing your car is an easy way to take care of and make your car's paint shine like new all the time. You can do so yourself by simply washing the car with water thoroughly, then using a car wash soap or shampoo with a sponge to rub in a straight line and wash the dirt out again with water. The most important thing is to wipe the car until it completely dries. Do not let the car dry on its own because it will leave water stains on the car. Additionally, it is best to dry the car with a microfiber cloth.

2. Avoid parking in the sun

One of the easiest ways to protect your car is to park it in the shade as UV rays from sunlight can affect the paint of the car, making it pale and look old faster. The heat from sunlight also affects the interior materials of the car, especially the parts that were made of leather. If you park your car where it’s exposed directly to sunlight for a long time, these parts can become dry and crack. 

3. Check tire pressure regularly

As wheels are an important part that keeps your car moving smoothly, it is recommended to take care and check the tire pressure regularly. Make sure to inflate the tires at least twice a month for safe driving and saving fuel as well.

4. Don't forget to clean the cabin

When the outside of the car looks good, you must not forget to take care of the inside of the car as well, whether it's dirt stains or dust that sticks in the parts of the car. You can sanitize the inside of your car by using a damp cloth to wipe it clean and using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust in the narrow spaces. Use leather and plastic cleaning products to increase shine and prevent drying or cracking from sunlight. You can also take the car to get a full cleaning service at the service center. With this, the car will be just like new!

5. Wipe and clean the outside of the engine

Another way to keep your car looking as good as new again is to wipe the exterior of the engine and parts under the hood. You can easily do this yourself by just opening the hood and wiping the exterior of the engine as well as other parts under the hood with a specially formulated cleaner at least once a year.

6. Replace the parts at the specified intervals

Maintaining car parts in a ready-to-use condition is something that should not be overlooked. When the specified distance and/or time period is reached, it should be replaced with a new one. For example:

• Oil filter: Replace every time when you have the engine oil changed
• Brake pads: Replace at every 50,000-70,000 kilometers or assess it by the thickness of the brake pads
• Air filter : Replace at every 2 years and clean every 1 year or assess it by filter condition/dirtiness.
• Transmission oil filter : Replace at every 80,000 km or 4 years, depending on the model of the car and the instructions in the car manual
• Fuel filter: Replace at every 40,000 km or 2 years, depending on the car model and the instructions in the car manual, or assess it from the filter condition/dirtiness
• Light bulbs : Replace when the filament is broken or assess it by the intensity of light
• Timing belt : Replace at every 100,000 km or assess it by the stretch of the belt
• Spark plugs : Replace at every 100,000 kilometers or assess it by the condition of the spark plugs
• Wiper blades : Replace every 1 year or assess it based on wiper rubber condition/wiper performance

Note: The replacement intervals as stated herein are only general recommendations for passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and PPVs. You can refer to the periodic check and replacement of parts as specified in the manual for each car model and type.

7. Change the lubricating oil and fluid at the specified intervals

Always check the distance and use of your car so that you will know when it’s time to change the lubricants and fluids. This is to make sure that the car can work at full capacity and has longer service life. The lubricants and fluids that should be checked and changed are as follows:

• Engine oil : Change at every 7,000 to 15,000 km or 4 months to 1 year, depending on the grade of the engine oil and the conditions of use
• Automatic transmission fluid : Change at every 40,000 km or 2 years for 100% synthetic grade and 20,000 km or 1 year for semi-synthetic grade
• Manual transmission oil : Change at every 60,000 km or 3 years for 100% synthetic grade and 40,000 km or 2 years for general grade
• Differential oil : Change at every 60,000 km or 3 years for 100% synthetic grade and 40,000 km or 2 years for general grade
• Power steering fluid : Change every 3 years for 100% synthetic grade and 2 years for general grade
• Clutch oil (manual transmission): Change every 2 years
• Brake fluid : Change at every 40,000 km or 2 years
• Coolant : Change at every 100,000 kilometers or 5 years
• Grease : Assess it properly by the condition of the part 

Note: Consult the manual for the period of checking and replacing parts, lubricants and fluids as each vehicle type, brand, or model may have different recommendations.

Simply follow these methods and you can easily transform an old car into a new one, both inside and outside!

And don't forget to take care of your car's engine with high quality products from PTT Lubricants, available today at any stores near you!.