For fabric upholstery you can spray a fabric protectant which will make it resist better to strains/dirt, along with making the upholstery easier to clean. It s recommended that you clean the fabric thoroughly prior to using the product and after that use it on a non-visible area to check if it will discolor the fabric or not. If there is a baby on board, you might want to put a towel under the baby seat since the food and liquids can leave a permanent mark on the upholstery. An alternative to a towel could be a sheet of heavy plastic which will do a good job at preventing damage. Don’t forget to secure the baby seat according to the directions provided by the manufacturer.
As far as paint is concerned, it’s best to park the car in shade whenever is possible. Needless to say, park it in a garage if you have the possibility. Although it’s somewhat cumbersome, you could try using a car cover since it will protect the paint from moisture, sun, bird dropping and dust. Some of these covers have a very thin cushioning layer for protection against light impacts like when a tree branch falls.
If you have a cracked headlight/taillight or turn signal, chances are water and dust will infiltrate and could lead to some expensive damage. If you don’t have the money for a replacement, an affordable short-term repair can be to tape over that crack. At some auto shops you’ll be able to find orange or red tape which is made specifically for these situations.
If the car has a bad bulb that needs replacement, you should clean the corroded or dirty sock by using a fine steel wool. Before installing a new bulb, do a thorough clean of the socket so that you’ll remove all the debris.
If the car’s windshield has a ding, crack or chip, you should take the vehicle to a windshield repair shop as they can fix these issues without having to replace the entire windshield which can be costly depending on the car. Such repairs will not only keep cracks or chips spreading on a bigger surface but they’ll also restore the structural integrity of the windshield and provide the driver with a clearer view.
The washer fluid mustn’t be filled with water since it won’t clean just as well as washer fluid. In addition, during the cold season the water can freeze and could damage the entire system. After you find out you’re out of fluid in the tank, avoid running the windshield washer system again because you could end up damaging the pump. Use a plastic freezer bag into the tank and then fill it with fluid in case the car’s original washer has a crack in it. This can be a more affordable short-term fix until you replace the washer tank.
It is best to avoid going over the roof load specifications because it could cause extensive damage to the car. It’s advisable you check the owner’s manual to find out the exact figures above which you shouldn’t go. For very heavy loads, you might consider having them delivered rather than transporting them with the car.
