Looking after your first car can seem like a real headache. Between the mechanical and the aesthetic, it’s easy to feel a little lost! This practical guide gives you all the advice you need to look after your car and keep it as clean and shiny as the day you got it.  

The essentials for pampering your car 

When you’re new to driving, knowing what to check and how often can seem complicated. So here are a few practical recommendations to guide you!  

  1. Regular oil changes: Remember to check your vehicle’s oil level every month and change it in accordance with your vehicle’s manual. This is usually done every 5,000 to 8,000 km.  
  1. Well-inflated tyres in good condition make driving safer and more enjoyable. Remember to check them regularly to optimise their longevity.  
  1. Check fluids: Check the coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid regularly for optimum driving performance.   
  1. To optimise engine performance and fuel efficiency, replace the air filter as recommended in your service manual.  

Windscreen care and protection   

To enjoy the best possible driving experience, whilst keeping your car looking as good as new, here are a few simple tips for looking after your car’s exterior.  

  • Care for your windscreen: For optimum visibility, opt for a 2-in-1 cleaning and rain protection product, such as Rain-X 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner + Rain Repellent, applied with a microfibre cloth. This type of solution keeps your windscreen spotless while providing hydrophobic protection, improving visibility and allowing you to spot any damage easily, without compromising on safety.  
  • Maintain your wiper blades: For optimum visibility, replace your wiper blades every 6 to 12 months, or as soon as they start to leave streaks.  

Practical tip: if you want to combine business with pleasure, you can use Rain-X Screenwash with Rain Repellent – 20°C to keep your windscreen clean and benefit from hydrophobic technology.    

  • Chip repair: If you notice a small crack or chip on your windscreen, it’s important to treat it immediately to avoid more serious damage. You can consult a professional or repair it yourself using Rain-X Windscreen Repair Kit.  

Now that we’ve talked about the windscreen, let’s talk about the bodywork and how to maintain it.   

Protecting the bodywork   

Protecting your car’s bodywork is important to keep it looking its best over time. Here are a few tips for keeping your car’s exterior in top condition.  

Wash your car regularly, ideally every fortnight, to remove dirt and contaminants that can damage the paintwork. You can then apply a coat of wax every three months to protect the surface and give your car a brilliant finish.   

Finally, remember to park in covered areas whenever possible, to protect your vehicle from damage caused by the sun and bird droppings.  

To make these steps easier, discover Rain-X’s High Foam Wash & Wax and Cerami-X Exterior Detailer.  

The essentials you need to have to hand  

Every new car owner needs a basic car care kit. Here’s a selection of cleaning products and practical items to keep to hand!  

  • Microfibre cloths  
  • Car shampoo  
  • Window cleaner  
  • Wheel care product  
  • Interior cleaner  
  • Wax  
  • Windscreen washer fluid 
  • Engine oil 
  • Coolant 

If you’re not sure which products to use, Rain-X offers a Bucket Exterior Cleaning & Protection kit, containing all the essentials for maintaining your bodywork and windscreen.   

By following these maintenance tips, you’ll soon become a well-informed car owner. Remember, regular maintenance and a quick look at your vehicle will not only keep it in good condition, but also help to keep it looking its best for a long time to come!