Are you a car lover who wants to keep your car looking shiny and new, but also worried about the cost of car maintenance? If yes, then this blog is for you. In this blog, we will share some tips and tricks on saving money on essential car maintenance services such as paint protection film, ceramic coating, car detailing and more.
Table of Contents
- Why is Car Maintenance Important?
- Keep a trash bag in your car
- Keeping up with oil changes
- Getting your coolant fluid flushed
- Cleaning your battery
- Detailing the interiors and exteriors
- But what if I own an expensive or high-end car?
- Some basic tips all must follow, irrespective of the car you own.
- Dry your car properly
- Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
- Vacuum your car frequently
- Avoid abrasive and acidic products
- Give your car windows some special care
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Car Maintenance is Important?
Car maintenance is not just a luxury, but a necessity. Car maintenance can help you:
- Preserve the value and appearance of your car
- Enhance the performance and efficiency of your car
- Prevent costly repairs and breakdowns in the future
- Ensure the safety and comfort of you and your passengers
- Reduce the environmental impact of your car
However, car maintenance can also be expensive, especially if you want to protect your car from the harsh weather, pollution and road conditions in India. That’s why we have compiled some ways to help you save money on essential car maintenance services without compromising on quality.
Keep a trash bag in your car
One of the easiest and most helpful habits that you can follow to keep your car clean is to keep a trash bag in your car and use it to throw away any rubbish, such as wrappers, bottles, cans, tissues, receipts, etc. This will stop your car from getting cluttered, messy and smelly and also stop any stains or spills on your car’s interior. You can also empty and change your trash bag regularly, to avoid any build-up or overflow of rubbish in your car.
Keeping up with oil changes
With our busy work schedules, it’s a hassle to remember to change the synthetic oil and filter in your car, costing around Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000. This may sound like an expense, but it will almost certainly save you money in the long run. Oil lubricates your engine and keeps it from overheating. And, replacing the whole engine will cost a whole lot more.
Getting your coolant fluid flushed
Another important fluid to keep an eye on is your coolant protects your engine from overheating, as well as offering more lubrication for certain engine parts. It usually needs to be changed out every 16000 to 80000 km (you can find out in your manual) and failing to do so can lead to rust and dirt blocking up the system.
Cleaning your battery
You may not think about your battery very much…until the morning your car doesn’t start. To keep your battery in good working order and avoid surprises, it can be good to occasionally clean the corrosion off the terminals using a small brush, some water and baking soda.
Detailing the interiors and exteriors
Your car’s interior is also prone to staining and residue build-up that can lower your car’s overall value. At many car washes, you can access a powerful vacuum that can get rid of loose debris, but giving your car’s interior more thorough attention every few months may help you resell it for a higher price later.
But what if I own an expensive or high-end car?
Get professionals to do the job
If you own a luxury car, you may want to get professionals to do the job, as the parts can be costly and can get damaged. Professionals can ensure that the parts are cleaned and maintained in the right manner, using the best products and equipment and the most advanced techniques.
Get your car ceramic coated
To ensure the new-like shine of your luxury car, you may want to get your car ceramic coated. Ceramic coating can form a hard and durable layer on your car, which can repel water, dirt, dust and other contaminants, making your car easier to clean and maintain. Ceramic coating can also increase the shine and depth of your car’s paint, as well as prevent fading, oxidation and corrosion.
Get your car installed with PPF
To ensure the paint is protected from minor scratches, chips, dents and scuffs, you may want to get your car installed with PPF. Paint protection film is a thin, transparent and self-healing film that can shield your car from various environmental factors, such as UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings and more. It can also enhance the appearance of your car, by giving it a glossy and smooth finish.
Some basic tips all must follow, irrespective of the car you own.
Dry your car properly
After washing your car, it is important to dry it well, using a soft microfiber cloth or a blower. This will stop watermarks, streaks and stains from appearing on your car’s paintwork, windows and shiny bits. It will also stop rust and corrosion from forming on your car’s metal parts.
Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
After giving your car a detail, you need to keep your car away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as much as you can. Sunlight and heat can make your car’s paintwork fade, go dull and crack, as well as dry out and ruin your car’s interior. Cold and damp can also cause rust, corrosion and mould on your car’s metal and fabric parts. So, you need to park your car in a shady, covered or garage area, whenever you can. You can also use a car cover, a sunshade or a window tint, to protect your car from the harmful effects of the sun and the weather.
Vacuum your car frequently
After giving your car a detail, you need to vacuum your car frequently, using a handheld or cordless vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming your car frequently can get rid of the dust, dirt, crumbs and other rubbish that can build up on your car’s interior and stop them from making stains, smells or attracting bugs. Vacuuming your car frequently can also make your car more hygienic and comfortable and make your car detailing last longer. However, you don’t need to vacuum your car every day, as it can wear out and damage your car’s upholstery, carpets and mats. You can vacuum your car once every week or two, depending on the condition and usage of your car.
Avoid abrasive and acidic products
After getting your car coated with PPF or ceramic coating, you need to avoid using abrasive and acidic products on your car, such as brushes, sponges, towels, detergents, cleaners and waxes. These products can scratch, dull or erode your car’s coating and spoil its protection and appearance. Instead, you need to use soft and pH-neutral products on your car, such as microfiber cloths, pads, towels, shampoos and sealants. These products can gently and safely clean and protect your car’s coating and improve its performance and durability.
Give your car windows some special care
Your car windows take a beating from the sun’s rays, rain, dust and even occasional bird droppings. While regular car washes help, for superior protection and lasting clarity, consider investing in a high-quality car window film like Aegis window film
Aegis window films come in two varieties: Carbon (K70) and Ceramic (CX70). Both offer exceptional heat rejection, keeping your car’s interior cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. They also block up to 99% of UV rays, protecting you and your passengers from harmful sun exposure.
Car window tint film also enhances driving safety by reducing glare from the sun and headlights, improving visibility. Additionally, car windshield protection film can add an extra layer of security against minor chips and scratches. By caring for your car windows with Aegis window film or a similar high-quality product, you’ll ensure a clearer, cooler and more comfortable driving experience for years to come.
Conclusion
Car maintenance is important, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. By following the tips and tricks we shared in this blog, you can save money on essential car maintenance services such as paint protection film, ceramic coating, car detailing and more. We hope you found this blog useful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between paint protection film and ceramic coating?
Both paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating safeguard your car’s paint but with key differences. PPF shields against physical damage like scratches and chips, even self-healing minor ones, while boasting a high gloss finish. Conversely, the ceramic coating protects from chemical damage like stains and fading, repelling water, dirt and dust and offering extended longevity compared to PPF.
2. How often should I get my car detailed?
The frequency of car detailing hinges on various factors like your car’s condition, usage and the environment it encounters. Generally, twice a year is recommended, ideally before and after the monsoon season, to prevent and address any damage caused by rain, dust and sun. However, if you drive frequently, park outdoors or live in a polluted or humid area, more frequent detailing might be beneficial.
3. How often should I get my car washed or coated?
The ideal frequency for washing, detailing and coating your car depends on several factors, including its condition and usage. As a general guideline, consider washing your car every 1-2 weeks, detailing it every 6 months to a year and getting it coated every 2-3 years. Remember, this is just a starting point and you may need to adjust it based on your car’s specific needs.
4. How much does it cost to get my car washed, detailed or coated?
The cost of car washing, detailing and coating services can vary depending on the service provider, the quality of the products used, the size and type of your car and the level of service you choose. Here’s a rough estimate: car wash – ₹200-500, car detailing – ₹2000-5000, PPF coating – ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 and ceramic coating – ₹10000-30000.
5. How can I find a reliable and professional car detailing service provider in India?
For a reliable and professional car detailing experience in India, consider CarzSpa Detailing Studio, the leading car detailing franchise, offering a wide range of services, from car washing to PPF and ceramic coating, using top-quality products and employing highly skilled and trained technicians. Visit the website, www.carzspa.com, to find the nearest CarzSpa outlet and book your appointment online.
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