Whether or not you want to admit it, most of us spend a large amount of time in our cars. Cars aren’t just about regular things like daily commutes to and from work or school. They’re also about getting you places that are out of the way — one car ride could take eight hours, or even longer. As such, it’s important to car for not only the outside and inner workings of your car, but its interior as well. A dirty or damaged interior isn’t only aesthetically displeasing, but uncomfortable and in some cases even potentially unsafe. As a car owner, it’s better safe than sorry. There are several things you can do to keep your car’s interior cleaner, which at the same time ensures that the vehicle itself will last longer.
1. Avoid Outside Pollutants
As strange as it seems, the same pollutants that damage the outside environment can also damage the inside of your car. This is because such chemical pollutants can not only cause a bad smell to “stick” to your car’s flooring and upholstery; it’s also bad for you to breathe in, and can leave a lingering contamination. In fact, the inside of your car could be two to 10 times as polluted as the breezes over the freeway. There are several different things you can do to prevent your vehicle from coming in contact with such contamination. One of the simplest ones involves simply avoiding diesel cars and trucks. Try to stick to carpool lanes, which thanks to their lack of trucks and buses, are usually between 30 and 50% less polluted. You would be amazed by the amount of a difference this small change can make in the quality of your car’s interior and the overall comfort of your ride.
2. Change Your Car Flooring
When you actually stop and think, it may seem obvious that the car you’re driving now will eventually need its auto flooring removed. Car flooring doesn’t last forever, and needs to be changed on a semi-regular basis. A study by GAP Enviromicrobial Services indicates that cars typically have 17,000 times more bacteria than your home. Much of that bacteria can be found in your car flooring. Car flooring needs to be replaced if it’s 10 years or older. Often times, car carpets not only host a lot of bacteria but show the age of your vehicle. An investment in a new replacement carpet could mean adding value to your car. The fact is that though buying a new carpet may seem annoying now, it will ultimately add value to the car in the long term but removing damage and creating a more pleasing aesthetic. Even if your vehicle is an older model — or, for that matter, if you’re trying to restore a model that is classic — you can probably find a carpet matching your car’s original look.
3. Add Auto Mats
The fact is that the above problems with auto carpeting can be avoided, or at the very least postponed. This can be done through a number of means, but the easiest one is an auto mat. An auto mat is simple and cheap, and protect your vehicle’s interior from everything from dirt to spilled drinks. If it seems easy, that’s because it is. By using mats throughout your car, you can even postpone the cleanings your car’s carpet will need. The great thing about using car mats is that they’re discreet as well, and easily washable and reusable. Trunks mats should also be utilized in the trunk of your car. The trunk is where people often place their groceries, as well as things like sports gear and golf clubs. This results in a lot of bacteria collecting there, which means that mats will make them a bit cleaner.
No matter how you end up keeping your car clean, it’s important that you take those steps to do so. Treat the interior of your car with the same care as you would its engine. You’ll be glad you did.
