Get Expert Luxury Car Care at Home
- Luxury vehicle owners know the value of maintaining their car investments over time, but how do you put this into practice?
- Learn proper car care techniques, including the benefits of high-quality aftercare products and ceramic automotive coatings that enhance the appearance and longevity of your luxury ride.
Those scenes in movies and TV shows where the guy kisses his car goodnight or looks at it longingly before turning off the garage light aren’t just Hollywood tropes. Luxury car owners have something to be proud of, and those warm, fuzzy feelings last longer when you prioritize car care.
It’s estimated that the quality of a car’s exterior can impact its worth by as much as $2,000. Your vehicle will last longer and maintain its value with proper care, and these are the five areas of car care you should prioritize.
1. Regular Washing and Drying
Routine washing and drying removes dirt, debris, and contaminants that can damage the car’s exterior. Things like bird droppings, acid rain, hard water deposits, and tree sap can eat through the paint if they linger too long.
Dealers recommend washing your car every two weeks, on average. However, if it’s a daily driver, you may want to wash it more frequently.
When it’s time to wash, use a pH-balanced car shampoo and microfiber towels to prevent scratches and wear marks. Using a soft, clean microfiber towel to dry your car will help you avoid water spots and streaks.
2. Protecting the Paint with Ceramic Coating
Ceramic automotive coating provides long-lasting paint protection, making it easier to clean your car and preserve its appearance and value. Cilajet Ceramic uses graphene, the hardest material on earth, to form a clear, protective shield on your car’s exterior.
As a result, you get:
- A hydrophobic coating that doesn’t harbor dirt and contaminants—they rinse off easily!
- Enhanced gloss to maintain a showroom finish
- Resistance to UV rays, environmental contaminants, oxidation, and corrosion
Ceramic coatings also reduce the need to wash, wax, and polish your car. This means less maintenance, less effort, and less money spent to care for your car.
3. Interior Detailing and Protection
A big part of caring for your car is maintaining its interior. This is where you spend most of your time with your car, so naturally you want to keep it clean and in good condition.
The cleaners you use make a difference in your interior’s appearance. Harsh cleaners can leave residues and odors behind, plus they might cause leather to dry and crack. The best way to protect your interior is to apply products to protect against common mishaps BEFORE they occur, such as spills, staining, leather seating drying/cracking/fading from UV Rays, etc. Ideally, you’ll use cleaners for specific auto interiors, like wood, leather, and upholstery.
Beyond cleaners, use these tips to keep your car’s interior in tip-top shape:
- Regularly vacuum your car, including floor mats, cup holders, and seats.
- Use a soft dry cloth to wipe down surfaces in between cleanings to remove excess dust and debris.
- To keep fabric surfaces clean, you can also use a soft towel slightly dampened with water and finish by drying with a clean towel.
- Use special brushes to get into small crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
- Try a cleaning putty to reach places where brushes fail, such as the air vents.
A good rule of thumb is to do a thorough interior cleaning every time you wash your car. Removing trash and doing quick cleans in between will make a big difference in between cleanings.
4. Tire and Wheel Maintenance
Clean tires aren’t just for looks—they also affect your safety while driving. Your life is riding on four wheels, and you want to ensure your tires are always in good condition. A rock in the tread, low tread, or minor damage easily go unnoticed.
As part of your car cleaning routine, make sure to give your tires some tender, loving care. We suggest using non-acidic wheel cleaners to avoid damaging the wheels’ finish. Tire and wheel cleanings are a good time to check your tire pressure to ensure even wear.
5. Professional Detailing and Inspection
Caring for a luxury car takes a village. It’s wise to occasionally invest in professional detailing services to address stubborn stains, swirl marks, and other imperfections. Professional detailers have access to higher-end equipment and products that can take care of small issues you might struggle with on your own.
Trained technicians can also apply ceramic coatings to preserve your vehicle’s appearance and make it easier to care for. Unlike waxes and polishes that have to be applied frequently, ceramic coatings last for years when applied correctly.
Working with professional detailers and trained technicians gives you an opportunity to get a second set of eyes on your vehicle. They can conduct thorough inspections and point out underlying issues that need to be addressed, as well as recommend solutions to fix any problems
Caring for Your Car Like a Pro
Taking care of a luxury car isn’t a task to take lightly. Luxury cars can better maintain their value compared to non-luxury cars simply by having a strong brand and a beautiful appearance—age truly is just a number.
To maintain appearance and value, plan to put a little extra effort into your car’s care and maintenance. Prioritize regular washings, hand-dry it to preserve your hard work, clean and detail the interior, pay special attention to the tires and wheels, and enlist the help of professionals who know how to keep your ride looking its best.
Using these tips in your car care routine will help you enjoy a pristine and well-maintained luxury vehicle for years to come.