Automotive Journal

Believe it or not, some people really enjoy gettin down on their knees and clean and scrub at each part of their cars with tiny brushes. Other like really work at their cars and change the oil, remove air filters and check the fluids on all the holes they can find in their engines

Maybe you don’t relate to this people and haven’t washed your car since you got it out of the agency. If you are all about cleaning and scrubbing, little brushes and dental instruments for your car, maybe this article is not for you. Oh well, we still got a couple of point we can make about you.

Are you in the group of people that own grimy, clunking vehicles? This article is written just for you. I really want to scare you and hurt you where it hurts more. No, not there. Worse, it’s about your wallet.

Do you know how much your lack of car care is going to cost you in money? Maybe you know about those Blue Book Values that sound so good when trading in or selling your car. Well they are only true for well cared vehicles. Not changing your oil counts as neglecting it, so less money. Every time you neglect your car, it goes down in price. The good news is that if you routinely take care of your car and make some minor tweaks your car can be back to a good shape in no time.

Be warned: this suggestions are not the best practice, but what will work for those of us that can’t really devote ourselves to vehicle maintenance. First, let’s do a little cleaning. Take your car to a car wash. Touchless is the best option, but if your car is in really bad shape, any gas station wash will have to do. It just to get the first layer of dirt off it.

Ok, now find a parking lot detailer. He can get your car looking pretty good for some $10-$40. You can also get some extra services like clay bars, rubbing compunds and touch-up paint if your car shows oxidation, fading or swirling. It would cost a little more, but can make the difference.

And, don’t skip the interior, your friends and family will thank you. By the time the work is done, you’ll be amazed at what your car is capable of looking like. So far, you haven’t lifted a finger, other than pressing the car wash button and pulling a few bucks out of your wallet.

Next, the big step in the car care conundrum - going under the hood. Of course, you’re not going there, and here’s why, it’s cheaper and easier to pay the guy at the quick change oil place to do your dirty work. If you find a reputable place, they’ll get you fixed up in a jiffy (no pun intended). They can perform many services at a reasonable cost.

You can be sure they’ve seen worse, so don’t be embarrased whey they show your battery terminals reduced to some flaky, white gunk. They may offer to change your air filter (good for improving gas mileage), or they may offer to “flush the cooling system” or “replace the transmission oil”, etc. Your car may need it, but be careful you don’t spend a lot here because they see you as a sucker. Just my experience.

Now, with a little car car your ride is looking and running like you never thought it could. You will no longer be embarrased to be seeing in it. Your next date will be surprised and you will be proud.

How cool is that? You think it may be worth keeping it that way? Just keep doing the same steps, changing the oil and washing yoru car once in a while. It’s that simple. Once you start, you will see it’s really not that bad. Maybe you will like to venture into something more like adding custom aftermarket accessories like seat covers, air intakes and exhaust systems.

Whatever the outcome, just remember that a little car care goes a long way.