Whether you’ve just bought your Kia or you’ve owned it for a while, you can keep it looking brand new just by giving it a good cleaning. Let’s discuss the steps you can take to make your Kia look like it just came off the showroom floor.
- Start With a Proper Wash
While washing your car might seem like an obvious way to keep your car clean, how to wash your Kia might not be so obvious. Many car owners use liquid dish soap, not knowing that this can strip the oil out of their car’s finish. These oils play an important role in protecting your Kia’s paint job. Instead of using dish soap, you should consider a cleaner that’s specifically intended for use on vehicles. This type of cleaner can be purchased at any auto parts store, mass retailer, or even online.
It’s just as important to use the right cleaning tools as it is the right cleaning fluid. You’ll want to use a wash mitt that won’t scratch your vehicle. Rinse the mitt out beforehand to make sure it’s clean. Doing so will ensure that there aren’t any materials stuck to the fibers that could damage your car. After use, toss the wash mitt into the washing machine. After you’ve thoroughly washed your Kia, make sure it’s completely dry by wiping it down with towels. Any excess water left on the car can cause rust.
- Wax Your Car
After you’ve made sure that your Kia is completely dry, give it a good waxing. Wax can prevent your paint job from fading. It can also reduce scratches caused by grit and other road debris. While you don’t need to wax your car after every washing, it’s a good idea to use a simple trick to see if your Kia does need waxed. If you spray the car with water and the water doesn’t bead, it’s time to apply wax.
- Don’t Skip the Interior
Cleaning out the inside of your car is another important component of maintaining a brand-new appearance. Start at the top and work your way down to the floor. That way you won’t get the floor dirty from any debris you clean off from the dashboard and seats.
A major source of dirt and debris is from the air conditioning vents. You’ll need to clean them out so that when the AC is on, dirt won’t blow all over your clean interior. A small brush, like a makeup applicator, can easily clean out the vents. Proceed with wiping down your dashboard with a suitable cleaner, removing trash from the floor, and vacuuming your seats and floors.
Moving forward, keep a small trash bag in your car to collect trash. You can also put cupcake liners in your cupholders. These steps can help reduce the time you have to spend on future cleanings.
Hopefully, you’ve found these tips to be helpful. By properly maintaining your Kia, you can enjoy it for years to come.
Image via Flickr by thomaswanhoff used under CC By
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.