A car’s interior can easily fall victim to wear and tear, especially if you’re on the road often. From sun damage to everyday spills, the elements and usage can take a toll on your vehicle, and it can start to look tired and worn. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep its interior looking fresh, stylish, and as inviting as the day you drove it off the lot. Let’s dive into the top tips for maintaining a car interior that’s both comfortable and chic, no matter where the road takes you.
Moulded Car Carpet
One of the best ways to instantly freshen up your vehicle’s interior is by installing a new custom automotive floor carpet. Think about it: this is one of the first things you notice when you step into your car. If it’s worn, stained, or faded, it can make the entire space feel tired and neglected. That’s why choosing a custom design that perfectly fits your vehicle model is a game-changer. Not only does it fit like a glove, but it also comes in a variety of colours to suit your style. Plus, many car carpets are made from durable materials, so they’re built to withstand all the wear and tear that comes with daily use. Investing in a high-quality carpet not only elevates the look of your interior but also adds a touch of personal flair every time you open the door.
How Do You Install a Moulded Car Carpet?
Installing a new car carpet might sound like a big job, but it’s actually pretty straightforward if you take it step by step. Here’s a simple guide to help you get it done:
- Start by removing any items that are attached to the current one. This includes door sill plates, kick panels, seat bases, consoles, seat belt bolts, and anything else that’s fixed in place;
- Take out the old carpet and underfelt (make a mental note or even snap a picture of where it was positioned);
- Before you install the new automotive carpet, give the area a good clean. This will help the new one fit better and last longer;
- Lay the old carpet over the new one to create a template. Use chalk to mark any holes or cutouts that need to be made, but hold off on cutting just yet;
- If you’re using a new underlay, put it in the same spot where the old one was. If you’re reusing the original underlay, just place it back in its original position;
- Starting from the back of the car, place it in the new automotive floor carpet, making sure it’s centred on the tunnel (the hump in the middle). Smooth it out towards the sides;
- Repeat the process for the front section. Push it forward to make sure it’s tight over the tunnel. You might need to trim the top to get a snug fit, but remember to take your time and trim a little at a time;
- Depending on your car model, you may need to trim the sides of the carpet. The new one often comes with a bit of extra material to allow for adjustments;
- If you need to make any cuts for things like seat bolts or consoles, start with small holes and enlarge them as needed.
Open Windows
The temperature inside your vehicle can climb much higher than the outside temperature, especially during the Australian hot and dry summers. While the average temperature ranges between 17.5 to 30 degrees Celsius, leaving your car in the sun for just 10 minutes can cause the interior to heat up to a dangerous 70 degrees. This intense heat can be harmful, not only to your interior but also to anyone or any pets left inside. One simple way to help keep your interior cooler is by slightly cracking the windows before turning on the air conditioning. This allows hot air to escape and improves air circulation, which can help reduce harmful chemicals released from heated plastics.
Use Screens
Sunlight can quickly take a toll on your upholstery. Leather seats are especially vulnerable, as they can crack easily under constant exposure to the sun. Cloth seats aren’t much safer – they can fade and eventually tear if left unprotected. To prevent this damage, using sunshades is a smart move. Not only do they keep your vehicle cooler, but they also help extend the life of your seats, giving you peace of mind knowing your interior is well-protected.
Seat Covers
For a more effective way to protect your car seats, consider investing in seat covers. They shield your upholstery from sun damage and everyday spills, which makes them especially useful for long family trips. These covers are tailored to fit your vehicle’s model, so they’ll look sleek and won’t feel out of place. Plus, they’re a great preventative measure against wear and tear from pets, kids, and food.
Avoid Eating and Drinking Inside
One of the simplest ways to keep your interior clean is to avoid eating and drinking inside as much as possible. Taking breaks to enjoy your coffee and snacks outside the car can make a big difference, and if you need your coffee fix, try to finish it before hitting the road. It’s easier to enforce this with adults, but when kids are involved, it can be tricky. If you can’t ban food completely, be selective about what you allow inside. Avoid messy options like yogurt or sticky lollies, and stick to drinks in spill-proof containers to make clean-ups easier.