Similar to looking after our bodies, we must take good care of our cars' interiors and exteriors in order to preserve their value and functionality. 

Exterior Auto Parts

First impressions last. For your car, first impressions come from its exterior. But you don’t need the newest, top-of-the-line luxury car to make a great first impression. A shiny, well-maintained car will go a long way.

Apart from regular usage, being exposed to sun, rain, wind, and storms can leave your car’s exterior looking rough. That’s why regular care and maintenance is important to keep your vehicle in good condition and at its peak functionality.

Interior Auto Parts

Your car’s interior says a lot about your personality. You could have the most expensive car with the shiniest exterior, but if you have floor mats that are dirty and smell, or leather car seats that are flaking or scratched, then it’s a major turn-off.

Consider your car’s interior like a second home. Apart from your house and workplace, it is likely where you spend most of your time. It’s a personal space you have to maintain. Otherwise, you’ll be compromising its functionality and your comfort when driving.

Filthy shoes, food crumbs, spillages, slamming car doors, the number of times you get in and out of the seats, all these things take a toll on your car’s interior. Upkeep can be as simple as regular cleaning and periodic car detailing, but these may only go so far. Like most car parts, time can make interior parts vulnerable to wear and tear. Replacing your car’s interior parts, in the long run, is inevitable. 

Tips for Car Exterior & Interior Maintenance

Wash your car regularly

The best and cheapest way to maintain your car is to wash it regularly. Letting dirt and grime sit on your car’s exterior will eventually make its paint job duller. Stains are harder to remove the longer they stay there too. A car wash not only removes dirt but also gets rid of harmful debris and prevents the car from rusting. Washing also cools down the exterior when it has been exposed to the sun for a long time. Regular cleaning and vacuuming the interior stops bacteria, mould, and mildew from breeding. It also prevents bad odours and keeps insects and rodents at bay.

Use car-friendly cleaning products 

All-purpose cleaners and other household solvents may be too harsh for your car’s paint job and leather. Opt for cleaners specially designed for cars. They’ll do a great job cleaning, and you don’t need to worry about fading or stains. Be careful when scrubbing as paint scratches off easily and leather could tear. For washing hard surfaces, we recommend using terry detailing cloth or microfiber, while chamois is perfect for drying off. Don’t skip wiping your car dry as this prevents mineral spots from appearing.

Don’t skip on protectants

Applying vinyl and rubber protectant on vinyl, plastic, and rubber surfaces helps preserve your car's interior and exterior components, like window and door mouldings, door handles, gas struts, antennas, mirrors, and more. These products are designed to clean, condition, and protect your auto parts from cracking, fading, and UV damage. Make sure to follow the application instructions for optimal results.

Wax regularly

Waxing does not only make your car shine, it protects the paint and finish from dirt, pollutants, bad weather, insects, and bird droppings. It also restores your vehicle’s colour and glossy finish. Give your car a wax at least twice a year to keep its exterior shiny and protected. You may have to do this more often if your car is exposed to extreme weather.

Get your car detailed periodically

You’d be surprised by how much dirt and grime a car detailer can remove from your car even if you regularly wash and wax it. Car detailing is a professional and detailed clean to ensure your whole car’s interior and exterior are washed, disinfected, and polished. It’s done by specialists who use the best tools, equipment, and auto products to clean even the tiniest elements in hard-to-reach areas. Car detailing does not only clean, but it also revives your car's interior and exterior so it’s almost as good as new.

Keep your car covered

Having a covered area to park your car helps preserve its paint job. If you don’t have access to a garage or covered car park, a good quality car cover will do the job. Car covers shield your vehicle from dust, UV rays, and outdoor elements that could damage its paint job. It also prevents scratches from bumps and falling debris such as small rocks and branches.

Interior & Exterior Car Parts Replacements

No matter how meticulous you are with preventive maintenance, over time your vehicle’s interior and exterior will need replacing. Original parts are the best but can be expensive. 

Luckily, Machter Autoparts provides a wide selection of aftermarket interior and exterior car parts to suit your needs and preferences. Our replacement parts look and function like the original but won’t break the bank.

Save some money and make your car look good as new by purchasing our exterior and interior auto parts now! If you have any questions or need expert advice on exterior and interior auto parts, you can send us an email or give us a call: (02) 7801 4933.