Loving your car 101: how to protect your car’s interior

With us drivers spending wheel time cooped up inside our cars, it’s only fitting that we take good care of our rides’ interiors. 

On that note, we take a quick look at some tips (and tricks) on how to keep your car’s cabin in good shape. While these hacks won’t restore your cockpit back to showroom quality (we’re not going to replace upholstery and headliners here), we are sure that these will help extend its longevity. 

So, get ready because the third installment of Zigwheels Philippines’ ‘Loving your car 101’ is all about protecting your ride’s interior. 

Healthy habits 

Before we talk about purchasing products to apply on the surfaces of your car’s cabin, let’s look at building habits that will help preserve your interior without spending any dough. 

Park in the shade 

Exposure to too much sunlight can be bad for your car’s interior. The heat that is trapped inside the cockpit could reduce the lifespan of your dashboard, seats, and steering wheel. Over time, you can see the material covering these components fade or crack. 

So, make sure to park in the shade when possible. 

In some cases, you might want to roll down your windows just a little as a tiny break can help lower the car’s temperature. 

Wipe spills 

It’s not uncommon for beverages and condiments to make their way onto your car’s seats, armrests, door trims, and even floor mats. 

Whether it’s that to-go coffee that spilled when you went over that speed hump, or the ketchup your little one knocked over when he was eating fries, it’s important that you not forget about them and wipe them when possible. 

If left for a while, they can leave stains and a bad smell. 

So, be sure to keep a cleaning cloth handy and rub off those spills immediately. Also, wash your floor mats regularly. 

Tidy up 

Sure, a car’s cabin can get messy. You’ve got receipts of all kinds, mints, cards, water bottles, charging cables, wet wipes — the list goes on. And while it’s easy to fall into the chaos, you shouldn’t let it suck you in. 

Pick up your tickets, grab those candy wrappers, and tidy up your cables. A neat cabin not only allows air to freely circulate inside the vehicle but also helps promote calmness and order when you are driving. 

While you’re at it, here are a few other items you might want to get out of your car: 

• Used coffee, soda cups
• Food wrappers
• Shoes, slippers 
• Used clothes
• Wet umbrellas
• Rechargeable power banks 
• Cigarette lighters 
• Anything flammable

Products to use 

Now that we have those healthy habits out of the way, let’s discuss products that will help you protect your car’s interior. 

Let’s start with some affordable items, like… 

Sunshade covers 

Should you have challenges finding a shaded area to park your car, you can use affordable sun shades to block out the sun. 

They are fairly cheap and are easy to install. You can just prop one under or over your windshield (depending on the design of the product) after you have found a safe parking area. 

Seat covers 

A good way of preserving the quality of your seats is by using covers. They come in a wide range of designs and can be made using different kinds of materials. 

Tucking your seats in can help prevent dust from getting into the upholstery. They can also act as the first line of defense against spills and scratches from highly abrasive articles of clothing. 

Dehumidifiers 

During the rainy season, we usually hop inside our cars with wet soles or damp clothes. The moisture from our shoes and garments can stay inside the cabin and become a hot bed for unwanted microorganisms. 

If left unchecked, it can cause molds to develop, which can be harmful to the vehicle’s occupants. 

Make sure to pop a humidifier inside your car during these situations to help reduce and maintain the level of humidity in the interior. 

Use a vacuum 

Vacuums are helpful tools as they can suck in small particles of dust, dirt, and irritants. 

Religiously vacuuming your car’s cabin can contribute to improved air quality inside the vehicle. 

Aside from the carpet, you can also use the vacuum to clean the crevices of your seats, your door pockets, the console box, and even the glove compartment. 

Seat conditioners 

If you like to sit on plush leather — or leatherette — seats, you might want to use a conditioner to help prolong its lifespan. 

As time passes, seats swathed in the said material can crack or discolor. Conditioners can help hydrate the leather and prevent it from peeling prematurely. These products will also add some level of sheen to the surface, making these seats stand out. 

Some cars that come with leather armrests, door appliques, and gear shifter boots can also use this kind of item. 

Schedule a session with the detailer 

At least once or twice a year, schedule a session with your local detailer. These professionals will have all the know-how and the right tools to maintain your car’s interior. 

Also read:

Loving your car 101: how to protect your car's paint

Loving your car 101: how to check your vehicle’s fluids