If you have a vehicle, it is likely one of your most important assets. Like anything else in life, to function correctly and work as long as possible, it needs to be treated well. Most people understand the need to fill up the gas tank and change the oil, but there are other helpful things that will help keep your car on the road for years to come.

Don’t Neglect the Paint

Paint on your car isn’t there just so your vehicle can look good; it’s also a protectant. Along with getting hit with rocks and other random flying debris, cars can also get salt and other corrosive materials on them. Along with abrasive materials, chips and dings can cause rust spots that will quickly eat the metal on your vehicle. A quick rinse or using services like hand car wash company Hackensack NJ will help keep the unwanted rust from forming and help protect your vehicle.

Wipe Down the Inside

The inside of your car needs maintenance, too. The sun can quickly cause upholstery to fade and thin. Dust and dirt can also get into the knobs and dials and make them harder to use over time. Regularly wiping down the dashboard and using fabric protectant sprays can help the inside of your car look just as lovely as the outside.

Inspect the Belts

Most people know that a vehicle needs regular top-offs of all its fluids for it to function at its best. However, an often overlooked but essential part of car maintenance is making sure that the belts in the engine are working correctly. A serpentine belt is vital for most vehicles to run and can be quickly inspected simply by lifting the hood. If you see a belt that is frayed or torn, you’ll want to replace it immediately.