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5 Tips to Protect Your Car When You Live at the Beach

Wash and Wax — Cleaning an Auto with Vacuum in Orange County, CA

Living at the beach is a wonderful thing in many ways, but it can be hard on your car. Take a few steps to protect your car if you live at the beach to avoid extensive damage. These five tips can help you keep your car protected even while you enjoy all of the aspects of beach living.

1. Chrome Plate Your Rims

First, think about your rims. When they have exposure to salt and sand, they are more likely to get chipped or scratched. They also have an increased possibility of becoming rusty because of the salt.

Chrome plating your rims will help them look like new again if they have had damage in the past. This is also a great way to protect them from the harsher conditions near the beach.

2. Wash and Wax Your Car Often

Wash your car regularly. The wash keeps your car looking nice and shiny and helps remove materials that can contribute to a damaged paint job.

This is especially important when you live near the beach. The salty air can leave a film on your car's paint job that can lead to damage over time. Frequently washing your car will help you get rid of this salty film. Washing will also help get rid of seagull droppings, which can damage paint.

Most importantly, a car wash will help you keep your car looking great.

In addition to washing your car regularly, you should also apply a coat of wax after your car wash. The wax helps provide an extra barrier between the salty air, the seagull droppings, the sand, and your car's paint job. The was also helps prevent scratches, rust, and other damage. Finally, wax helps your car look even shinier than usual.

3. Cover Your Car

When possible, protect your car from the elements. If your property near the beach has a garage, this is best for protecting your car from the salty air. If you don't have a garage, parking your car under a carport can provide some protection, but the elements can still affect your car if the carport does not have sides.

A car cover is great for protecting your car if you don't have a garage. Purchase a car cover designed for the make and model of your vehicle so that you can ensure a secure fit.

4. Vacuum Your Vehicle's Interior Regularly

No matter how careful you might be about knocking the sand off your shoes when you get into your car after a day on the beach, you'll probably still track some sand in. This makes the inside of your car look messy and feel grainy. Also, if you do not vacuum your car regularly, then you have to worry about the sand going into the carpet. This can cause permanent damage to your vehicle's interior.

A good trick is to vacuum your car a little more often if you live at the beach. If you do this often, vacuuming shouldn't be too much work. It'll help keep your car's interior neat and clean and will help protect the carpet and upholstery from getting damage from the sand.

5. Close the Windows

Leaving your car's windows open isn't usually a good idea at the beach. For one thing, afternoon showers can be common at the beach, putting your car's interior at risk of getting wet.

Additionally, the air at the beach is usually much more humid, so even when the weather is nice, the inside of your car can become damp. This can contribute to a musty odor and can even lead to mold and mildew growth.

Therefore, keeping your car's windows closed when the vehicle isn't in use is smart.

Living at the beach might require a little extra car care but is easy if you follow these tips. If you want help with chrome plating your rims, contact us at Platinum Surface Coating today.

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