• Keep your new car looking good.car wash image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
  
  Keeping a brand-new car looking good is a top priority for most car owners. There are many steps you can take to protect the condition of your vehicle's interior and exterior. From cleaning methods to protecting the seats from children, you can keep your new car looking good for as long as possible.
  
  

Exterior Cleaning

• Hand wash your car at home to maintain the paint. Or, use a touchless car wash. The bristles and cloth in automatic car washes can damage paint. For dark-colored cars, buffing, waxing or using the wrong cleaning tools cause swirl marks and light scratches in the paint's clear coat. Use a soft sponge to wash at home or in a car wash area--you can find a sponge at any auto supply store. Also purchase a vehicle-specific squeegee to remove water and a gentle, lint-free cloth to dry up excess water spots. Keep the items clean to use again. Non-abrasive soap is also available at auto supply stores. Wash your car often in the winter at a touchless car wash to remove salt if you live in a snowy area.
  
  

Interior Tips

• Flip your floor mats upside down so that the carpet is against the interior carpet--this keeps your mats clean. Purchase clear, plastic floor mats to put over your carpet mats, or purchase all-weather mats for ultimate protection from snow, rain and mud. For car seats, purchase a clear floor mat to put upside down beneath the seat. The underside of the floor mat is textured and catches food, candy or messes. If you have leather, purchase a leather conditioner to keep the leather protected from sun and heat exposure. Leather should be moistened periodically. Use an all-purpose interior cleaner to do the same for plastics, which show age over time. Keep your interior smelling and looking fresh--do not eat, drink or smoke in your car.
  
  

Parking Tips

• Protect your car from dings and dents by parking away from other cars. Many people carelessly open doors into other people's cars, but you can try to prevent this. Rather than finding a parking spot closest to the store, park alone by a curb. Of course, if you can keep your car in a garage at home, you are more likely to keep the exterior in mint condition. Do not place items on your car hood or roof--this scratches. Do not allow people to lean on your car, either. Park your vehicle in a tree-free area for even more exterior protection. Consider using a carport at home to keep sap, branches, twigs and animal droppings off of your new car.