A lot of thought goes in buying a car, and even more when you have to buy the most suitable one. This involves a lot of research and several test drives. Many factors go into making the right choice: budget, specifications, requirements, etc. Because of all this, the car owner becomes attached to the car from the outset, some even going to the length of treating the car as a member of the family. For such people, maintenance of their cars is of paramount importance.

Here are nine tips for keeping your car as clean and fresh as the first time you purchased it:

1. AC vents: they are one of the most dirt-prone surfaces within the car. Since the AC circulates air throughout the car, it is imperative that the vents are clean. A normal paint brush coupled with a vacuum can be used to clean the AC vents.
2.  Clean the air filter every 6 months (or as per the directions in the car’s user manual) to avoid stinks within the car. Change the air filter every service interval to ensure better AC functioning.
3. The dainty toothbrush can be your best friend when cleaning your car. All the nooks and crannies where regular brushes of the vacuum will not reach can become easily accessible by the toothbrush. Clean away the grime with a mix of soap and water solution.</li
4. Olive oil has been proven to provide shine to the dashboard and is a cheaper and natural alternative.
5. You will generally use custom-made seat covers over the factory-fitted ones. It is always a good idea to vacuum the seat covers occasionally, but at least once every month. The carpet brush attachment can be used to scrub the surface and clean the covers. If the covers are beyond cleaning, they can be removed and sent for washing/dry cleaning.
6. If you do not want to spend on air fresheners from the market, you can make one at home. A can of baking soda with a breathable fabric cover on the mouth can be a very good alternative for artificial air fresheners.
7. Windshield wipers can be rubbed down using alcohol to prevent a smeared windshield.
8. After washing your car with water, use a clay bar to pick up bits of grime that water does not rinse off.
9. Clean your tires using soap and water to get them looking brand new.