f you've just purchased a new vehicle, chances are you could use a list of 7 ways to prevent kids from ruining your new car. It's important to keep your vehicle in good condition, especially if your cargo is mostly kids. Here are some tips that can help.
7 Ways to Prevent Kids from Ruining Your New Car
Insurance
Before you buy your auto insurance policy, ask if the policy comes with physical damage coverage or if the company will allow you to add an insurance rider to cover the interior of your car. Tears from sporting equipment, shoes and other sharp objects can ruin a car's interior. Call your insurance broker or ask your insurance company if they provide this type of coverage.
Seat Covers
Many companies design seat covers for all makes and models including sedans, compact cars, minivans, trucks, and SUVs. Look for a company that offers a guarantee on their seat covers as well as videos or printed instructions on installing your seat covers. Most seat cover manufacturers will also provide you with cleaning instructions. Seat covers are a great way to ensure your leather and upholstery seats have a long life.
Interior Cleaning Products
If you car's interior is all carpet and upholstery, try some of these cleaning tips from products found right in your own home:
- Fast-food Grease - Greasy stains can be removed from both carpet and upholstery by using paint thinner and covering the stain with salt. Make sure the paint thinner you choose passes a colorfastness test by first applying it on a hidden area. Once the greasy stain is absorbed, all you need to do is vacuum the stain to remove it. You can also put cornmeal on the stain and let it sit overnight and then vacuum.
- Ink Stains - Hairspray is your best bet for removing all types of ink stains from carpet and upholstery.
- Carsick Stains - Whether it's your kids or your pet that has the carsick accident, try club soda mixed with baking soda and water to remove the stain.
- Blood Stains - Blood should always be treated with cold water. Mix the cold water with dry laundry detergent to make a paste and apply to the stain. Once it's dry, brush the debris away and vacuum.
- Frayed Carpet - If car seats or other must-haves for kids are causing your carpet to fray, buy some liquid resin at a craft store and apply to the frayed edges and trim. This will keep the edges from excessive fraying.
If the interior of you car is extremely stained, consider a professional interior cleaning. You can also rent a carpet-cleaning machine and follow the directions to bring your upholstery and carpet back to life.
Car Covers
If you have no room in the garage for your new car or your kids play outside near your parked car, consider a car cover to protect the car's exterior. Empire Car Covers provides covers for all makes and models, and their products are made in the USA. You can also ask your dealership to obtain a car cover for your vehicle. Keep in mind that a genuine manufacturer car cover will cost more but will fit your car better.
Food and Drink Accidents
Prevent drink accidents by purchasing an Insta Sip. This product was recommended by "Created By Mom," and comes in different sizes to fit all types of containers.
The best way to prevent food stains is to allow only "safe" foods inside the car. Ideally, that will list will include foods that are easy to vacuum, like dry cereals, trail mixes, and dried fruits. Avoid fast foods, greasy foods, and foods like pudding or Jell-O.
Warranty Items
When you take your new car in for a scheduled service, ask your mechanic about interior problems. Often inside handles, door mechanisms, and interior roof scratches are covered by the manufacturer's warranty as long as the car is less than three years old and has 30,000 mile on it or less. To protect your car's interior from car seats, make sure you understand how to install the car seat. If you don't know how to install one, ask a mechanic or the car seat manufacturer. Many firehouse stations also offer this service.
DVDs and Electronics
The electronic systems installed in vehicles these days can be costly to repair if it isn't protected. If you have a DVD system that allows children to view movies or play video games in the rear or your vehicle, make sure you set up the movie or video game yourself and protect DVD screens with sticky plastic covers to guarantee a long life. Never let small children play with any components of a DVD system or electronic system without supervision.
Following these 7 ways to prevent kids from ruining your new car can go a long way in car protection. When it comes to protecting your new car, consider investing in some of these useful ideas to keep your car shiny and looking new for years to come.
by Jean Scheid
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