7 tips to keep your car looking new

New cars are expensive and start to lose their value as soon as they leave the showroom. That is why we advocate buying used.

But if you take proper care of a car, whether it's new or used, it can still look good into its second decade. And a car that has maintained its appearance will be worth more when you decide to change it.

The following are simple steps you can take to preserve the beauty of your car.

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1. Protect the interior of your car from the sun

Nothing says "old and tired" like a sun-damaged interior. When your car is parked in direct sunlight, the cabin can heat up like an oven, drying out the dash and upholstery.

According to State Farm, the vehicle's interior air temperature has been recorded at over 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and interior surfaces exposed to direct sunlight can reach 195 degrees.

The following steps will help you prevent the interior of your car from cooking when the sun is out:

Park in the shade whenever possible.

Open windows slightly to lower the interior temperature on warm days.

Use an umbrella on the windshield inside your vehicle.

Use a car cover if you plan to park your car outside for extended periods.

2. Install seat covers when your car is new

Worn and broken seats make your car unattractive and uncomfortable. Keep your seats covered at all times, and your car's interior will look great when it's time to change it.

A good strategy is to buy seat covers as soon as you buy a new car, so the seats are protected before they wear out. Custom seat covers will allow for a precise fit.

3. Use a protector on rubber, vinyl and plastic parts.

It's easy to overlook the need to protect parts of your car that are made of rubber, vinyl, or plastic. But a wide variety of products are sold to prevent these surfaces from cracking or discoloring over time. They will slow down the aging process and give your car a newer look.

Protective products can be applied to dashboards, door panels, consoles and bumpers. Start using them immediately after buying a car to reduce the damage that can occur over time.

Use the products as directed. Avoid applying slippery protective products to surfaces such as pedals and steering wheels.

4. Avoid parking next to other cars

A simple and free way to avoid dents and scratches on your car is to look for isolated parking spaces. If no one is parked directly next to you, your car is much less likely to hit.

5. Protect the exterior of your car from the elements

If your car is left outdoors, your paint will take constant hits from the sun, harsh weather, and corrosive droppings from birds and insects.

If you don't have a garage, a substitute is a car cover. Taking it off and putting it back on every day may seem like a pain, but it can make a huge difference to the appearance of your car over time.

An easier but possibly more expensive substitute for a garage is a carport.

6. Consider renting a car for long trips

It may seem strange to spend money on a rental car for a road trip when you have a perfectly functioning vehicle. However, mileage affects your car. If you rent one, you will be accumulating miles on someone else's car.

Remember that if you decide to drive your own car instead of renting it, it's still not a free ride. In addition to the fuel expense, there is the cost of wear and tear. AAA reports that the average cost of driving a car that travels 15,000 miles per year is about 59 cents per mile.

7. Replace old tires

Old tires can reveal the age of your car in good condition or make it look even older than it is.

Tires take on a weathered appearance sometimes referred to as "dry tire rot" as they age. The condition is characterized by cracks in the sidewalls of the tires, which are caused by the passage of time and exposure to the elements.

While there are products that will make old tires shine, consider whether it's time to buy new tires. If you notice that the tires are rotting, take your car to a mechanic you trust to have it inspected. If the tires are unsafe, replace them. Besides being safer, they will make your car look newer