Car Cleaning & Maintenance 101
Most people drive a car or drive in a car. While you are getting to be a passenger, I wish I would of asked more questions about rules, mechanics, streets, etc. Things you know more in looking back but not so much in the moment. But then eventually comes the day you have your own car, usually some (relatively) inexpensive starter car, or a family members car heavily used.
This will kind of read like an overview post, not unlike my makeup post, because while I would like to say I am a mostly functioning and successful adult, I am not a car expert. I find I know more about cars than most people, but I come from a car loving family/mechanic family. But even then, the important thing is to keep your car safe for not only you, but anyone you have in your car with you.
Maintenance:
There will be maintenance on your car, whether you are playing the short term game or long term game. It is helpful to put some money aside each month in a “rainy day fund”, because you could be totally careful but “when it rains it pours”. There is always some force you can’t control, like a cheap city that doesn’t fix its streets and need new tires. I would have at least two mechanics you maintain a relationship with: Dealership (good for later on if you trade your car in and they already know you/vehicle) and a local/family member. The smaller shop person may not be able to do the bigger stuff, and be careful with family-just because you are related doesn’t mean they know what they are doing OR will do a good job for you. Treat your car well, take care of it when you see a light, and save up money. If there is anything you can DIY, like having your own tire pressure machine in your trunk, do so. Keep up your insurance, and AAA roadside is never a bad thing to have for emergencies.
Cleaning:
Why is clean important? On the outside of your car, visibility. You just mean windows right? Nah, your headlights too, when was the last time you cleaned those? You probably have not. Your headlights and windows make it so you can see the road. Inside, is a health thing. You can totally eat in your car, if you are in it long enough it happens. But food can get caught there, attract bugs, and then germs. Besides the fact that wiping down the inside of the car, not having dust if your allergic to that, is so damn nice. You can use basic cleaners or get car cleaning stuff and just leave it in the trunk of your car. To clean some parts of the car, you will need specialized items, like to clean leather. Try cleaning once a month, in the afternoon when the sun is starting to go down. Make it a party, do a couple at once!
One of my favorite things to do in life is to slide into my driver seat, turn on my car, listen to my music too loud, and vrooooom along side my engine. It just takes me out of my head and into the moment. I would also say, if you love your car, it will love you back. Name it, if it feels right. My first car was a PT Cruiser, my mom would not let me have a mini cooper-Amore (french for love). She put in her time, and I got the “new car experience” with a Chevy sonic and it was not a love match. I finally got into my teenage dream car, Mini Cooper Clubman named Ami (Mon Ami-my friend). She just celebrated her 5 year birthday with some hefty repair bills, but the only way I say “Adios” is if I get a plug in, but is it worth it to not be able to vroom?
