In the colder months of a Northeast winter, ice, wind, and snow really do a number on the cars we drive. But while attention is always given to maintaining the exterior of a vehicle from the damage of weather and salt on the roads, it should be noted that the inside of your car needs to be cared for too…after all, that’s where you and your loved ones are spending time.
Prepare ahead of time
This means investing in good quality rubber mats that fit your car. Cutting corners in this area could really be a mistake down the line, when matts that are too small fail to protect the floor of your cars and mats that are too large make navigating in and out a hazard. Many of these mats can be cut down to suit the dimensions of your vehicle but making that extra effort to fit them properly only protects your investment. Mats protect the carpeting in your car from mud, slush, and any other environmental contaminants as well as from food and children's spillage. Rather than having to vacuum and scrub the carpeting when these things happen, you can simply remove the mats, shake them out, and hose them down if necessary.
Take out the trash
This may seem like common sense all year round, but when trash is left to accumulate in the car during winter, the smell has no where to go. Everybody loves that new car scent, but it would last much longer without the fast-food bags and dirty napkins marinating in a heated car during the winter, when all the windows are likely to be closed. Make it a habit to give your car a trash check at the end of every night and take it out of the car instead of some random bag on the floor of the back seat.
Wipe down EVERYTHING
Ideally before the temperature drops below zero, treat the interior of your car by applying a protective conditioning treatment to the leather surfaces. This should include the following
Dashboard
Center Console
Steering wheel
Leather seats
Interior car doors
This will stop all the staining and discoloration that the cold weather brings, while also protecting the leather surfaces from drying and cracking that running the heater causes.
Whether your car is brand new or previously owned, you want it to last you as long as possible, and you want it to provide a clean and tidy ride. Preparing before and maintenance throughout the year can ensure that you aren’t scrambling to fix a problem during the middle of a snowstorm. So much damage can be avoided by simply preparing your automobile ahead of time.
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