Protecting New Car :

New Car Protection

By Danny Argent

There is nothing quite like the feeling of getting a new car, it would be really nice if your car could be new the whole time you own it, not least because a few years down the line when you come to sell it you will sell it quicker, easier and get more money for it. You are probably agreeing with me, yet so few people do anything much to keep the car in it's current condition. You will probably run it through a car wash once in a while, maybe get it detailed/valeted once a year but that's it... what else is there you can do?

The first thing you should always do is look at your old car with a critical eye, work out what is wrong with it. The chances are that unless you change your habits then your new car will end up looking much like your old one. For example, are there scratches down the sides? What caused this? Was it the kids trying to squeeze past with their bikes? Was it caused by overhanging bushes on your driveway?

What about scuffs and wear on the seats? Kerb marks on the wheels? Stone chips on the front? Now is your chance to play at CSI. If you can figure out the cause of the wear or damage, there is a fair chance you can change your ways and prevent it happening again to your new car.

Protective Coatings

You can now get protective coatings for just about every part of a car. You wouldn't think about running your engine without oil because you know that the moving parts need the oil's protective qualities to prevent wear, so it makes sense to apply a protective sacrificial barrier to the parts of a car which make up its general appearance. These days cars are very reliable so when buying a used car the expectation is that it will be mechanically sound, this means that the value will be judged mainly on cosmetic appearance.

Wheels

I'll start off with the wheels (not bodywork) because no other singe factor can make or break a car's overall appearance. Tatty wheels add years to a car. There are now a number of wheel protectors on the market that are really effective. They are much like a car wax but especially designed to protect alloy, painted and chrome wheels which are closer to the road and take more punishment than any other part of the car. 

These wheel protection products will make your wheels easier to clean and prevent stains (but they aren't bullet proof, so don't bump your car up and down kerbs. Scuffs and kerb marks are to be avoided at all costs). Ensure that you clean your wheels often to prevent a build-up of brake dust which harbours corrosive contaminants, re-applying your wheel protector each time. One final word on wheels. If your dealership offers you an alternative to chrome wheels - take it! This 'bling' may look good on a new car but chrome wheels are murder to keep clean and free of stains. And should you kerb your wheels they are very expensive to refurbish.

Bodywork

Paint protection technology has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. Not only does this mean that your paintwork can stay fresh looking, but you have to put in less work! You no longer have to wax and polish your car every couple of weeks, the 3, 5, and 7 year paint protection packages offered at the dealerships are very effective. 

The market leaders in the UK are Supagard and Diamondbrite and although they can be quite a lot of money, they are worth every penny -- not only will you gain this money back when you sell, but you will spend far less of your precious free time cleaning, waxing and polishing your car.

As good as they are, you still have to clean your car, and this is where most people hit problems. Don't use an automated car wash if you value your paintwork. The brushes used are far too harsh and scratch your paintwork, the touchless washes are not as bad but don't get your car very clean. All-in-all just stay clear of them.

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