Autumn Car Care: Protecting Your Toyota’s Exterior and Interior

Many people consider autumn to be their favorite season of the year. However, car owners must prepare for the changing weather. Cooler temperatures, rain, and other elements can put a vehicle at risk of experiencing increased wear. Here are a few tips to help protect your Toyota’s exterior and interior.

Wash & Wax Your Vehicle

Be sure to wash your vehicle regularly. This simple step will help keep its exterior finish looking great for years to come. However, it would be best if you used a high-quality car wash. Harsher household products like dish soap can accelerate the oxidation process. It’s then only a matter of time before the paint begins to look dull.

Ideally, you should also wax your vehicle at least twice a year. This will give the exterior an extra barrier of protection against the sun’s powerful UV rays. Wax also helps remove stains from bird droppings, tree sap, and tar.

Clean the Interior

Although cleaning a vehicle’s interior may take some extra work, it’s well worth it. For starters, be sure to give the entire cabin a good vacuum. Hair, dust, and pollen can all also cause trouble.

You should also lightly brush cloth seats with an upholstery cleaner. Then, simply wipe away the grime using a microfiber towel. If you have neglected cleaning the seats for a while, expect to notice a significant improvement. If your Toyota has leather seats, always wipe them down using a cleaner specially formulated for leather.

Protect the Inside from Sun Damage

Don’t underestimate the amount of havoc that the sun can do to a car’s interior. Even during the peak of winter, sun damage can occur. Applying a conditioner with UV protection to the various vinyl and plastic components is a good idea. This will ultimately help prevent them from drying out and cracking.

Replace Windshield Wiper Blades

Most windshield wiper blades typically begin to deteriorate after about six months or so. For this reason, autumn is the perfect time to install a new set. The last thing you want is to be caught in a downpour with impaired visibility. Your wipers also must be tough enough to endure wintry conditions.

If you would like to learn more about properly caring for your Toyota, please contact us at Peter Boulware Toyota of Columbia today.