Keeping your SUV looking like new isn’t as challenging as it seems. The right maintenance tips will ensure that the paint on your vehicle stays glossy and that any signs of wear are kept to a minimum. It won’t take much effort, but the results will be well worth it. Plus, keeping your car looking its best means you won’t have to worry about getting unwanted attention from others when you want to drive it out for a spin.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
The air filter in your vehicle is an important component. It cleans the air that passes through it and feeds the engine with clean air. You can also equip yourself with a quality indoor air purifier to ensure a healthy environment. However, you need to change the air filter regularly in order to keep your engine running at its best. The best time to change your air filter is when you replace your air filter with a new one. But, if you wait for the old one to completely clog up your engine, you’ll be replacing it too often and wasting money. That said, it is true that some vehicles and engines require a new air filter every year. However, most SUVs and trucks can go for at least six months between changes. The best way to know when it’s time to change your air filter is to listen for the sound of your engine. When it sounds raspy and restricted, it’s time to take your filter out and get a new one. When you change your filter, make sure that you change it out while it’s still warm. This will make it easier to get it into your engine. After that, close your hood and make sure that your engine isn’t running while you’re doing this. You also want to make sure that your exhaust isn’t being restricted by the filter. This can cause a back-up and could damage your engine.
Check Your Tires Regularly
While you want to stick to the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle’s tires, you also want to make sure that you check them regularly. The tire pressure on your suv tires should be checked at least once a month or when you change to a new set of tires, whichever comes first. You should also check your tire tread depth, sidewall cracks, and alignment periodically. At the bare minimum, you should have your tires aligned once a year so that your vehicle is driving level. If you know that you drive on rough terrain, you may want to have them checked and inflated every few months. There are many different ways to check your tire pressure, from handheld gauges to tires’s built-in computers. Which method you choose is up to you, as long as it’s done at least once a month. If you drive on rough terrain or drive in dusty conditions, you may want to check the pressure more often. If you drive on smooth roads, less often than that is fine.
Keep Your Windows and Lights Clean
Windows are one of the easiest places to keep your vehicle looking new. If you don’t clean them, they tend to get clogged up with dust and debris. This will damage your windows and reduce their lifespan. It’s important to clean your windows regularly to reduce the risk of this. You can use a simple method that won’t damage your car or truck. You’ll want to get a soft, lint-free cloth. Also, don’t use any liquid cleaners or abrasives. Instead, use a diluted windshield wiper solution or a mild soap and water. Make sure not to wet the interior of your vehicle. It’s also a good idea to clean your headlights and the headlights on your high beams regularly.
Wax Your Car Regularly
Most car manufacturers recommend that you have your car waxed every six months. It’s also a good idea to have it done more often if you drive in particularly dirty or oily conditions. When you wax your car, you’re removing the protective layer that covers the paint. This makes it more likely that scratches will show up and damage the paint when you drive. Because of this, it’s important that you wax your car carefully and follow the manufacturer’s directions. The best wax for your car will come with a wax applicator. These can be messy and time-consuming, but they’re the best way to ensure the best possible finish. When you wax your car, make sure to wax the same section of your vehicle every time. This will help to ensure that the paint is getting the same treatment and that it’s not getting damaged.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals When Washing Your Vehicle
It’s tempting to skip washing your car when you’re in a rush, but you’re actually doing your vehicle a disservice by doing this. It’s important that you wash your car every time you drive in it. This removes all the dirt and grit that are on the outside of your vehicle and on the inside. You should also try to avoid using harsh chemicals whenever possible. These tend to damage the vehicle’s paint and clear coat. Instead, use a pH-balanced soap or diluted windshield wiper solution. You should also try to avoid skipping the hose or sponge when washing your car. This will help to reduce the risk of scratching and damage to your paint.
Stay Away From the Dry Cleaner
If you’re like many people, you’ll often take your car to a professional car wash. However, this isn’t necessary. It’s possible to wash your car at home with a bucket of water and a sponge. When you take your car to the car wash, you’re also likely to get your paint cleaned and waxed. This isn’t necessary, so you can save money and avoid damaging your paint by doing it yourself at home. It’s best to look after your paint at home while you have the chance. That way, you’ll avoid the risk of damaging your paint when it’s done to your vehicle at an unqualified location.
Wrapping It Up
Keeping your SUV looking like new isn’t too difficult. The right maintenance tips will ensure that the paint on your vehicle stays glossy and that any signs of wear are kept to a minimum. It won’t take much effort, but the results will be well worth it.
