Maintaining your vehicle's interior is all in the details

So you have vacuumed all the crumbs in the creases of the seats, hosed down the mats and wiped down the dashboard and windows with streak-free cleaner. If you think your vehicle’s interior is clean, think again.

There is a big difference between cleaning and detailing.

Having a clean interior is an essential part of upkeep and maintenance.

A filthy interior not only looks bad and can smell but it can also create or contribute to operational and electrical problems.

Dirty air vents can spread dust and other allergens throughout the vehicle, making you more vulnerable to getting sick.

Filmy windows and mirrors can obstruct or obscure your view of the road. Dirt and dust can work their way inside cracks and control buttons and cause operational issues. You should clean out, wipe down and vacuum your vehicle’s interior regularly.

Use a vacuum with an extension hose and attachments and work from top to bottom as dust and dirt fall as you are cleaning.

Vacuum all areas, including under the seats, in the trunk and under floor mats, which should be vacuumed separately.

Cleaning

Use the crevice tool to get into all of the hard-to-reach areas, such as between and under the seats, and use the brush attachment when vacuuming the carpet.

If you cannot remove the seats, move them forward or backward to reach the areas underneath.

When cleaning the inside of the windows, use a clean cloth sprayed with glass cleaner to avoid streaks. If you have tinted windows, do not use cleaner with ammonia as it could cause your tint to become discoloured, crack or bubble.

Get an interior car cleaner to remove the remaining dirt on your dashboard, rubber door moldings and interior trim.

You can do this simple cleaning on your own but you should consider a professional detail every few months, especially given your car is one of your largest investments.

Detailing is just as the name implies — it is thorough cleaning that goes beyond simply dusting the dashboard and vacuuming.

A professional detailer or your car dealership will have the proper chemicals and equipment plus knowledge of vehicle surfaces and industry standards.

Your dealership has access to manufacturer-recommended chemicals for safe cleaning and protecting the various surfaces of your car, as well as knowledge of all the ­surface materials and how to repair and rejuvenate them to look new again.

There are tools of the trade such as stain and odour removers, special cleaning cloths, polishers, carpet extractors, leather conditioners and instruments and brushes for getting deep inside crevices and vents. Since interior detailing is so meticulous, find a professional you trust to ensure nothing is damaged or stolen.

When you take your car in for detailing, provide information that will make sure you get what you want for a price you can afford.

Point out special issues, such as stains or upholstery damage, and get a list of detailing procedures that are included in the budget you can afford.

A regular cleaning and maintenance routine for your vehicle’s interior is as important as the care you give the exterior.

After all, in Bermuda traffic, the inside of your car is where you will spend most of your time.

Krishna King is the after-sales parts manager at Bermuda Motors. Call 292-0893 or e-mail him at [email protected]