There’s That Mustang

Let’s face it, some folks derive immense pleasure from getting down on their knees and scrubbing away at their wheels with a toothbrush. What’s more, there are people who actually get into changing their own oil, swapping out air filters and even think it’s cool to add fluids to those enigmatic holes positioned all over their engines.

If you are in the other side of this crowd, you don’t give a second thought about car care and can’t wash your car if your life depends on it. You really like taking care of your car? maybe this article is not for you, but take a look at the offers we give you to keep up with your hobby.

However, if you’re in the later group of grimy, clunking vehicle owners, this article is written to scare you clean and tune you up. To get your motivation running, let’s hit you where you’ll feel it the most. No, not there, get your head out of the gutter. We’re talking about your wallet.

Do you realize that your lack of car care is going to cost cash money? Those Blue Book values that you drool over at trade-in or selling time are based on vehicles that have not been neglected. Not giving your car a bath on a regular basis is neglect. Not changing your oil according to a schedule is neglect. And, “neglect” translates to less money when it time to move on to a new ride. The good news is, with a few minor tweaks to your regular car care routine, you can whip your vehicle into re-sale shape in no time.

Be warned: this suggestions are not the best practice, but what will work for those of us that can’t really devote ourselves to vehicle maintenance. First, let’s do a little cleaning. Take your car to a car wash. Touchless is the best option, but if your car is in really bad shape, any gas station wash will have to do. It just to get the first layer of dirt off it.

Then, find yourself one of those parking lot detailers. For $10-$40, you get your vehicle looking pretty sharp. Plus, if there is a real problem with your exterior, such as paint oxidation, swirling, or fading, the detailer may have a solution like clay bars, rubbing compounds and even touch-up paint. Keep in mind, those extra services will cost a bit more.

Also, remember to clean up the interior a bit. Beleive me, your friends and family will thank you. When you are done, you will be pleseantly surprised how good your car can look. So far no work. Just getting to the car wash and spending a little to get your car looking in a good shape.

Next, the big step in the car care conundrum - going under the hood. Of course, you’re not going there, and here’s why, it’s cheaper and easier to pay the guy at the quick change oil place to do your dirty work. If you find a reputable place, they’ll get you fixed up in a jiffy (no pun intended). They can perform many services at a reasonable cost.

You can be sure they’ve seen worse, so don’t be embarrased whey they show your battery terminals reduced to some flaky, white gunk. They may offer to change your air filter (good for improving gas mileage), or they may offer to “flush the cooling system” or “replace the transmission oil”, etc. Your car may need it, but be careful you don’t spend a lot here because they see you as a sucker. Just my experience.

Now, with a little car car your ride is looking and running like you never thought it could. You will no longer be embarrased to be seeing in it. Your next date will be surprised and you will be proud.

Do you like that? Would you like to keep it that way? It’s really quite simple, just follow the steps mentioned earlier, wash it and get the oil changed every-once-in-a-while. Once car care becomes a regular practice and then a habit, it’s not so bad. You might even start venturing out by adding custom aftermarket accessories such as an air intake, seat covers or even an exhaust system.

Just remember that a little care care will pay for itself.